---
title: "How Much Does Memory Care Cost? What Drives the Price"
description: "What memory care costs and why it runs above assisted living: what's included, how it's priced, questions to ask, and how families pay for it."
url: https://seniortransitionassistance.com/costs/memory-care/
updated: 2026-10-09
site: Senior Transition Assistance
---

What it costs

# How much does memory care cost?

Memory care usually costs more than assisted living, because of the extra staff, training and secure space. Here is how it's priced and how to compare quotes honestly.

Talk it through with a person[  (800) 614-8388 ](tel:+18006148388)

Free. We listen, explain your options, and introduce you to a few that fit. You decide.

Quick answer

Memory care usually costs more than standard assisted living. We don't print a memory care median because the CareScout Cost of Care Survey 2025, our source for care costs, doesn't publish one. For a starting point, the 2025 assisted living median was $5,975 a month in Kansas and $5,400 in Missouri; memory care quotes are typically above that. [(800) 614-8388](tel:+18006148388) and we'll help you get real prices from communities near you.

**Last updated October 9, 2026** Costs are published medians or typical ranges with a named source, never quotes. Every community and agency prices differently.

**On this page**

1. [ Why memory care costs more](#g-why-memory-care-costs-more)
2. [How memory care is priced](#g-how-memory-care-is-priced)
3. [Memory care vs. other options](#g-memory-care-vs-other-options)
4. [How families pay for memory care](#g-how-families-pay-for-memory-care)
5. [Questions](#g-faq)

## Why memory care costs more

- **More staff**, especially at night, and closer supervision.
- **Dementia training** for caregivers.
- **Secured doors and outdoor spaces** to prevent wandering.
- **Structured activities** all day, designed for people with dementia.
- **More hands-on care** with bathing, dressing, eating and continence.

## How memory care is priced

Many memory care programs charge one all-inclusive monthly rate. Others charge base rent plus a care level, like assisted living. Ask:

- Is the rate all-inclusive? What is not included?
- What is the one-time community or move-in fee?
- How and when do you reassess care needs, and how much can the rate rise?
- Is a shared room available, and how much less is it?
- Are incontinence supplies, medication management and escorts to appointments extra?

## Memory care vs. other options

| Option | 2025 Kansas median | 2025 Missouri median |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted living | $5,975 a month | $5,400 a month |
| Nursing home, shared room | $8,669 a month | $6,741 a month |
| Home care, 44 hours a week | $6,435 a month | $6,292 a month |

Source: CareScout Cost of Care Survey 2025. Memory care is not reported separately. Round-the-clock care at home for someone with dementia can cost far more than 44 hours a week. See [dementia care options](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/memory-care/dementia-care-options/).

## How families pay for memory care

Medicare does not pay for memory care. Families usually pay privately, sometimes with long-term care insurance or VA Aid and Attendance. Medicaid waivers may help with care costs for people who qualify, but few memory care communities accept them, so ask early. See [paying for care](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/paying-for-it/).

### Comparing memory care communities?

We'll introduce you to a few near you and you can ask each for an all-in monthly rate. Free.

[  (800) 614-8388 ](tel:+18006148388)[Have us call you](#g-form)

## Questions families ask

### Is memory care more expensive than assisted living?

Usually, yes, because of extra staff, training and security.

### Does Medicare cover memory care?

No. Medicare doesn't pay for long-term custodial care, including memory care.

### Does Medicaid pay for memory care?

Medicaid waiver programs may help pay for care services for people who qualify, but not room and board, and not every community accepts them.

### Why don't you list an average memory care price?

Our cost source, the CareScout Cost of Care Survey 2025, does not publish a memory care figure, and we don't print numbers we can't source.

## Sources

- [CareScout Cost of Care Survey 2025, Median Cost Data Tables (survey July to November 2025; median cost data tables, published March 2026)](https://pro.genworth.com/riiproweb/productinfo/pdf/282102.pdf)
- [Medicare.gov: Long-term care coverage](https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/long-term-care)
- [Alzheimer's Association: Caregiving](https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving)

## Related guides

- [What it costs](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/costs/)
- [Memory care](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/memory-care/)
- [Assisted living vs. memory care](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/assisted-living/vs-memory-care/)
- [How to pay for assisted living](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/paying-for-it/how-to-pay-for-assisted-living/)
- [Assisted living costs](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/costs/assisted-living/)
- [Estate cleanout](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/costs/estate-cleanout/)
- [Estate sale companies](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/costs/estate-sale-company/)
- [In-home care costs](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/costs/in-home-care/)
- [Independent living](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/costs/independent-living/)

---
Canonical page: https://seniortransitionassistance.com/costs/memory-care/