Assisted Living Cost in Massachusetts
2026 monthly rates for all care levels in Massachusetts — assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing
Private studio rates. Semi-private rooms run 10–20% less. Costs vary by facility location and amenities.
Massachusetts Assisted Living Cost Calculator
Massachusetts Senior Care Costs by Care Level (2026)
| Care Level / Room | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Independent living (private studio) | $4,100/mo | $49,200/yr |
| Assisted living (private studio) | $5,700/mo | $68,400/yr |
| Memory care (Alzheimer's/dementia) | $7,500/mo | $90,000/yr |
| Skilled nursing (semi-private) | $9,520/mo | $114,240/yr |
| Skilled nursing (private room) | $11,200/mo | $134,400/yr |
| Home health aide (alternative) | $3,705/mo | $44,460/yr |
Private room rates. Shared/semi-private rooms cost 10–20% less. Costs vary by specific facility location, amenities, and level of individual care needs.
Assisted Living in Massachusetts: What Families Need to Know
Massachusetts is consistently one of the top-5 most expensive states for assisted living, averaging $5,700/month. The Greater Boston area regularly exceeds $7,000/month for assisted living. Massachusetts has some of the best-staffed and rated facilities in the country — the higher cost often reflects quality.
Planning Tip for Massachusetts Families
Massachusetts's Medicaid (MassHealth) covers assisted living through the Group Adult Foster Care (GAFC) and Senior Care Options (SCO) programs. MA has a 5-year Medicaid look-back period — consult an elder law attorney before transferring assets. MA's 'GreenHouse' model facilities offer small-home environments at lower cost than large institutions.
MassHealth covers assisted living via GAFC and SCO programs. 5-year look-back period applies. Asset limit: $2,000.
Massachusetts has 2 State Veterans Homes. Aid & Attendance benefit up to $2,229/month for qualifying veterans.
How Long Will Your Savings Last? (Massachusetts Assisted Living at $5,700/mo)
| Savings Available | Runway (Assisted) | Runway (Memory Care) |
|---|---|---|
| $100,000 | 17 months (1.5 yrs) | 13 months (1.1 yrs) |
| $200,000 | 35 months (2.9 yrs) | 26 months (2.2 yrs) |
| $300,000 | 52 months (4.4 yrs) | 40 months (3.3 yrs) |
| $500,000 | 87 months (7.3 yrs) | 66 months (5.6 yrs) |
| $750,000 | 131 months (11.0 yrs) | 100 months (8.3 yrs) |
Does not account for 3–5% annual cost increases. At 3% annual inflation, actual runway is 10–15% shorter than shown.
Find Assisted Living Facilities in Massachusetts
A Place for Mom provides free, personalized guidance to compare assisted living facilities near you in Massachusetts. Senior care advisors are available 24/7 and there is no cost to families.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does assisted living cost per month in Massachusetts?
Assisted living in Massachusetts averages $5,700/month for a private studio (27% above the national average of $4,500/month). Memory care costs $7,500/month and skilled nursing runs $11,200/month. Costs vary by specific facility, location within Massachusetts, and level of individual care needs.
Does Medicare pay for assisted living in Massachusetts?
No — Medicare does not cover long-term assisted living costs. Medicare Part A covers skilled nursing facility care only for up to 100 days following a qualifying hospital stay for specific medical recovery needs. Medicaid covers assisted living for eligible low-income seniors in Massachusetts. Other funding sources: long-term care insurance, VA Aid & Attendance benefit (for veterans), personal savings, and family contributions.
How long will $200,000 last in an assisted living facility in Massachusetts?
At $Massachusetts's average of $5,700/month, $200,000 lasts approximately 35 months (2.9 years). At memory care rates ($7,500/month), it covers 26 months. Factor in 3–5% annual cost increases — actual runway is typically 10–15% shorter than a flat-rate calculation. Planning for 3–5 years of care costs plus a contingency is recommended.
Does Medicaid cover assisted living in Massachusetts?
MassHealth covers assisted living via GAFC and SCO programs. 5-year look-back period applies. Asset limit: $2,000.
Massachusetts 2026 Rates
- Assisted living
- $5,700/mo
- Memory care
- $7,500/mo
- Skilled nursing
- $11,200/mo
- Independent living
- $4,100/mo
- vs. national avg
- +27%
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Assisted living, private studio