How Do I Compare Costs?
- Where you are
- What you need
- 3Your guidance
You've made it — here's the guidance for your situation.
Senior care costs vary widely — by type of care, by location, and by what's included in the base price. Understanding what you're actually comparing is the first step.
Washington State average monthly costs
Washington medians, CareScout 2025 survey (actual prices vary widely by area and care level; Seattle-area prices run higher): In-home care: about $45/hour — about $8,580/month at 44 hours a week Adult day health: about $5,395/month Assisted living: about $7,550/month Nursing home: about $13,155/month (semi-private) to $15,970/month (private) Memory care: no survey; an estimate of roughly $9,000–$10,000+/month Adult family homes: private-pay rates are set by each home
What to watch for when comparing
Base rate vs. all-in cost: Many communities charge a base rate plus fees for care levels, medications, and transportation. Always ask for the all-in average. Care level tiers: Most assisted living communities charge more as care needs increase. Ask how costs change if your parent's needs grow. What's included: Meals, laundry, activities, transportation — what's covered and what costs extra?
How care is typically paid for
Private pay (savings, retirement accounts, home equity) Long-term care insurance, if your parent has a policy Veterans benefits — Aid & Attendance for eligible veterans and surviving spouses Washington Medicaid (Apple Health) for those who qualify financially and medically
Next step: the site's cost-of-care guides explain how families plan for these costs, and Real Property Planning's Find a Professional page lists independent professionals you can contact directly.
Find a ProfessionalYour next questions
What will care cost?
Washington cost-of-care calculators for in-home care, assisted living, memory care, adult family homes and nursing homes.
What does an adult family home cost?
Monthly costs by region and care level, including what Medicaid pays.
Adult family home, assisted living or nursing home?
How Washington's care settings differ, and which fits which needs.
Should we sell the house to pay for care?
How a parent's home is sold to fund senior living in Washington, step by step, and what it means for taxes and Medicaid.