How much does assisted living cost in Washington, DC?

Assisted living in Washington, DC averages $6,500/month in 2026 — 44% above the national average of $4,500/month. Assisted living includes housing, meals, and help with daily activities but not skilled nursing care.

How much does a nursing home cost in Washington, DC?

A private room in a nursing home in Washington, DC costs $13,400/month in 2026. A semi-private room runs approximately $11,800/month. Nursing homes provide 24-hour skilled nursing care and are the most expensive senior care option.

How much does in-home care cost in Washington, DC?

A home health aide in Washington, DC costs $6,300/month (44 hours/week) in 2026. For part-time help at 20 hours/week, expect roughly $3,200/month. Adult day care is the most affordable option at $2,200/month.

How much does memory care cost in Washington, DC?

Memory care in Washington, DC averages $9,000/month in 2026. Memory care units provide specialized dementia care with secured environments and higher staff ratios, typically running 20–40% more than standard assisted living.

Does Medicare cover assisted living in Washington, DC?

No. Medicare does not cover assisted living in Washington, DC or anywhere else. Medicare covers up to 100 days of skilled nursing after a qualifying hospital stay — not long-term custodial care. Most assisted living is paid privately through savings, pensions, or long-term care insurance. Medicaid may cover nursing home costs for District of Columbia residents who qualify financially.

Elder Care Cost in Washington, DC (2026)

Assisted living in Washington, DC averages $6,500/month (44% above national avg). Nursing home private room: $13,400/month. In-home aide: $6,300/month.

Source: Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey 2024–2025

Assisted Living

$6,500

per month

Nursing Home

$13,400

private room

In-Home Aide

$6,300

44 hrs/week

Memory Care

$9,000

per month

Adult Day Care

$2,200

per month

How Washington, DC compares

Care type

Assisted Living

Washington, DC

$6,500/mo

National avg

$4,500/mo

Nursing Home

private room

$13,400/mo

$9,733/mo

In-Home Aide

44 hrs/week

$6,300/mo

$5,339/mo

Memory Care

$9,000/mo

$6,200/mo

Annual costs in Washington, DC

Assisted living

$78,000/year

or $6,500/month

Nursing home (private room)

$160,800/year

or $13,400/month

Most families need 2–4 years of care on average. At Washington, DC assisted living rates, that's $156,000–$312,000 total before insurance or Medicaid.

Washington, DC vs District of Columbia statewide average

Assisted living

$6,500 Washington, DC

$6,000 District of Columbia avg

Washington, DC is 8% above the state average

Nursing home (private)

$13,400 Washington, DC

$12,775 District of Columbia avg

See full District of Columbia elder care data — Medicaid coverage, all care types →

Understanding care types in Washington, DC

Assisted Living — $6,500/mo

Private apartment-style living with meals, housekeeping, medication management, and help with bathing or dressing. Good fit when someone needs regular support but not 24-hour nursing. No Medicare coverage. Most families pay privately.

Nursing Home — $13,400/mo

24-hour skilled nursing care. Required when someone needs ongoing medical attention — wound care, IV medications, physical therapy. Medicare covers the first 100 days after a qualifying hospital stay; Medicaid pays for long-term stays for those who qualify.

In-Home Aide — $6,300/mo

A home health aide comes to the house — typically 44 hours/week based on survey methodology. Covers personal care, light housekeeping, and companionship. Part-time (20 hrs/week) runs roughly $3,200/month in Washington, DC.

Memory Care — $9,000/mo

A secured unit within or attached to an assisted living facility, designed for residents with Alzheimer's or other dementias. Higher staff ratios and specialized programming push costs $2,500/month above standard assisted living in Washington, DC.

Nearby cities

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$6,000/mo

assisted living

Tucson, AZ

$4,200/mo

assisted living

Los Angeles, CA

$6,200/mo

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Hialeah, FL

$4,200/mo

assisted living

Raleigh, NC

$4,300/mo

assisted living

Tampa, FL

$4,600/mo

assisted living

Oxnard, CA

$5,700/mo

assisted living

Fontana, CA

$5,500/mo

assisted living

Anchorage, AK

$6,400/mo

assisted living

Full District of Columbia data

Statewide averages, Medicaid coverage details, and all care-type breakdowns.

District of Columbia elder care costs →

All 200 cities

Compare assisted living and nursing home rates across all metros.

Elder care cost by city →