Assisted Living vs. Nursing Home Cost in Arizona (2026)
The two most common facility options for seniors who can no longer live independently. Assisted living is for seniors who need help with daily tasks. Nursing homes are for people who need 24-hour skilled medical care.
What Assisted Living Covers
Assisted living facilities provide housing, meals, and help with daily activities (bathing, dressing, medication). They do not provide skilled medical care. Best for seniors who need daily support but not intensive nursing.
What Nursing Home (Private Room) Covers
A private-room bed in a skilled nursing facility. Provides 24-hour nursing care, rehabilitation, and medical services. More expensive than semi-private but offers greater privacy.
Who Each Option Is Best For
Seniors who need help with bathing, dressing, or medication management but are medically stable
Seniors recovering from surgery or stroke, or those with chronic conditions requiring daily skilled nursing
Pros and Cons
| Category | Assisted Living | Nursing Home (Private Room) |
|---|---|---|
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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Assisted Living vs. Nursing Home Cost by State (2026)
Click any state for the full side-by-side breakdown.
| State | Assisted Living | Nursing Home (Private Room) | Monthly Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $3,750 | $7,756 | $4,006 |
| Alaska | $6,300 | $13,200 | $6,900 |
| Arizona | $4,500 | $9,125 | $4,625 |
| Arkansas | $3,600 | $7,300 | $3,700 |
| California | $5,750 | $11,680 | $5,930 |
| Colorado | $4,900 | $10,220 | $5,320 |
| Connecticut | $5,850 | $14,600 | $8,750 |
| Delaware | $5,200 | $11,315 | $6,115 |
| District of Columbia | $6,000 | $12,775 | $6,775 |
| Florida | $4,500 | $10,220 | $5,720 |
| Georgia | $3,900 | $8,578 | $4,678 |
| Hawaii | $6,000 | $14,235 | $8,235 |
| Idaho | $4,250 | $9,490 | $5,240 |
| Illinois | $4,650 | $8,943 | $4,293 |
| Indiana | $4,300 | $8,760 | $4,460 |
| Iowa | $4,250 | $8,395 | $4,145 |
| Kansas | $4,400 | $8,030 | $3,630 |
| Kentucky | $3,900 | $8,578 | $4,678 |
| Louisiana | $3,700 | $7,665 | $3,965 |
| Maine | $5,500 | $11,680 | $6,180 |
| Maryland | $5,100 | $11,315 | $6,215 |
| Massachusetts | $5,800 | $14,235 | $8,435 |
| Michigan | $4,400 | $9,855 | $5,455 |
| Minnesota | $4,600 | $10,950 | $6,350 |
| Mississippi | $3,500 | $7,665 | $4,165 |
| Missouri | $3,600 | $7,300 | $3,700 |
| Montana | $4,500 | $9,490 | $4,990 |
| Nebraska | $4,500 | $8,943 | $4,443 |
| Nevada | $4,400 | $9,490 | $5,090 |
| New Hampshire | $5,700 | $12,045 | $6,345 |
| New Jersey | $5,800 | $12,410 | $6,610 |
| New Mexico | $4,100 | $8,943 | $4,843 |
| New York | $5,500 | $13,870 | $8,370 |
| North Carolina | $4,100 | $8,943 | $4,843 |
| North Dakota | $4,200 | $9,855 | $5,655 |
| Ohio | $4,500 | $8,760 | $4,260 |
| Oklahoma | $3,700 | $7,118 | $3,418 |
| Oregon | $5,200 | $11,315 | $6,115 |
| Pennsylvania | $4,600 | $10,950 | $6,350 |
| Rhode Island | $5,600 | $10,950 | $5,350 |
| South Carolina | $3,900 | $8,030 | $4,130 |
| South Dakota | $4,100 | $8,395 | $4,295 |
| Tennessee | $4,200 | $8,030 | $3,830 |
| Texas | $4,250 | $7,300 | $3,050 |
| Utah | $4,200 | $8,760 | $4,560 |
| Vermont | $5,600 | $11,680 | $6,080 |
| Virginia | $4,900 | $9,490 | $4,590 |
| Washington | $5,500 | $11,315 | $5,815 |
| West Virginia | $3,800 | $8,395 | $4,595 |
| Wisconsin | $4,600 | $9,855 | $5,255 |
| Wyoming | $4,800 | $9,855 | $5,055 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is assisted living cheaper than nursing home (private room) in Arizona?
Yes — Assisted Living costs $4,500/month in Arizona, compared to $9,125/month for Nursing Home (Private Room). That's a difference of $4,625/month ($55,500/year).
Does Medicare cover assisted living?
Medicare does not cover long-term assisted living. Medicare may cover short-term skilled nursing care (up to 100 days after a qualifying hospital stay) but does not pay for custodial care — which includes most services at assisted living facilities, adult day care centers, or home health aides for daily activities. Medicaid may cover nursing home costs for those who meet financial eligibility requirements.
What's the annual cost difference?
Over 12 months, the difference between assisted living ($4,500/mo) and nursing home (private room) ($9,125/mo) in Arizona adds up to $55,500/year. Over 3 years, that gap reaches $166,500.