Assisted Living Cost in Tennessee
2026 monthly rates for all care levels in Tennessee — assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing
Private studio rates. Semi-private rooms run 10–20% less. Costs vary by facility location and amenities.
Tennessee Assisted Living Cost Calculator
Tennessee Senior Care Costs by Care Level (2026)
| Care Level / Room | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Independent living (private studio) | $2,916/mo | $34,992/yr |
| Assisted living (private studio) | $4,050/mo | $48,600/yr |
| Memory care (Alzheimer's/dementia) | $5,670/mo | $68,040/yr |
| Skilled nursing (semi-private) | $6,713/mo | $80,560/yr |
| Skilled nursing (private room) | $7,898/mo | $94,776/yr |
| Home health aide (alternative) | $2,633/mo | $31,590/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 Tennessee: What Families Need to Know
Tennessee assisted living costs average $4,050/month, near the national median of $4,500/month. Costs vary significantly within the state — urban facilities typically run 15–25% above rural options. Tennessee has an active senior care market with multiple facility types to compare.
Planning Tip for Tennessee Families
Compare at least 3–5 facilities in your area, ask for all-inclusive pricing vs. fee-for-service breakdowns, and request the Uniform Disclosure Agreements required in most states. Long-term care insurance purchased before age 65 costs $1,500–$3,000/year and provides $150–$300/day of benefit — far less expensive than paying $4,050/month out-of-pocket. Apply for Medicaid/Medicare waivers early — waitlists in Tennessee can be 1–2 years.
Medicaid covers assisted living through HCBS waivers in Tennessee. Eligibility is income and asset-based. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging or your county's Medicaid office for Tennessee-specific limits and waitlist status.
Veterans may qualify for VA Aid & Attendance benefit — up to $2,229/month (single veteran) or $2,642/month (couple) for assisted living costs. Contact the Tennessee State Veterans Affairs office or call 1-800-827-1000.
How Long Will Your Savings Last? (Tennessee Assisted Living at $4,050/mo)
| Savings Available | Runway (Assisted) | Runway (Memory Care) |
|---|---|---|
| $100,000 | 24 months (2.1 yrs) | 17 months (1.5 yrs) |
| $200,000 | 49 months (4.1 yrs) | 35 months (2.9 yrs) |
| $300,000 | 74 months (6.2 yrs) | 52 months (4.4 yrs) |
| $500,000 | 123 months (10.3 yrs) | 88 months (7.3 yrs) |
| $750,000 | 185 months (15.4 yrs) | 132 months (11.0 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 Tennessee
A Place for Mom provides free, personalized guidance to compare assisted living facilities near you in Tennessee. 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 Tennessee?
Assisted living in Tennessee averages $4,050/month for a private studio (10% below the national average of $4,500/month). Memory care costs $5,670/month and skilled nursing runs $7,898/month. Costs vary by specific facility, location within Tennessee, and level of individual care needs.
Does Medicare pay for assisted living in Tennessee?
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 Tennessee. 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 Tennessee?
At $Tennessee's average of $4,050/month, $200,000 lasts approximately 49 months (4.1 years). At memory care rates ($5,670/month), it covers 35 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 Tennessee?
Medicaid covers assisted living in Tennessee through Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers, but eligibility requires meeting income and asset limits. Waitlists of 1–2 years are common in many states — apply as early as possible even if you think you may not qualify yet. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging for current Tennessee eligibility rules and waitlist status.
Tennessee 2026 Rates
- Assisted living
- $4,050/mo
- Memory care
- $5,670/mo
- Skilled nursing
- $7,898/mo
- Independent living
- $2,916/mo
- vs. national avg
- -10%
Compare by State
Assisted living, private studio