What percentage of income should go to elder care?

There's no fixed benchmark. The practical answer: elder care is typically funded from the elder's assets (savings, home equity, pension) first, family contributions second. When those run out, Medicaid kicks in — but only after assets are spent down to the state-required threshold (typically under $2,000 in countable assets). Planning earlier gives more options.

Can I Afford Elder Care? Affordability Quiz by ZIP Code

Q: Can I afford elder care?

Assisted living runs $3,500–$8,000/month nationally, with the median around $5,500. Most families combine the elder's Social Security and pension income with family contributions and, often, the proceeds from selling a home. Medicare does not cover assisted living — it covers skilled nursing only, and only after a 3-day hospital stay. Long-term care insurance, if purchased 15+ years earlier, is the other major funding source.

Enter your household income and ZIP code. See what % of your income assisted living would consume, how it compares to households in your area, and what your options are.

$5,500

Monthly cost
national avg, assisted living

$66,000

Annual cost

40%

Income ceiling
40% of income + savings

Your Affordability Check

Enter your income and ZIP code — we'll compare you to households in your area using Census data.

Annual Household Income

ZIP Code

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