Quick answer
In-home care is cheaper when only a few hours of help a week are needed. At full-time hours it usually costs more than assisted living: in 2025, 44 hours a week of home care had a median of $6,435 a month in Kansas, against $5,975 for assisted living (Missouri: $6,292 vs. $5,400). Assisted living also adds meals, company and staff at night. (800) 614-8388 and we'll help you compare.
The cost crossover
| Hours of home care per week | Kansas, monthly at $34 an hour | Missouri, monthly at $33 an hour |
|---|---|---|
| 10 hours | about $1,473 | about $1,430 |
| 20 hours | about $2,947 | about $2,860 |
| 44 hours | $6,435 (published median) | $6,292 (published median) |
| Assisted living median | $5,975 | $5,400 |
Hourly and monthly medians: CareScout Cost of Care Survey 2025. The 10- and 20-hour rows are the hourly median times hours, times 52 weeks, divided by 12. Home care costs don't include the cost of keeping up the house. Try our cost comparison tool.
When in-home care fits
- Your parent needs help for a few hours a day or a few days a week.
- The home is safe, or can be made safe.
- Family lives nearby and can fill gaps.
- Staying in the home matters deeply to your parent.
When assisted living fits
- Help is needed at unpredictable times, including at night.
- Loneliness or skipped meals are part of the problem.
- The house has become a burden: stairs, upkeep, bills.
- Family can't cover the gaps or lives far away.
Questions to settle the decision
- How many hours of help are needed now, and in a year?
- What does staying home really cost, including the house?
- What does your parent want their days to look like?
- Who covers nights, emergencies and caregiver sick days?
Want help comparing?
We'll talk through costs and care needs and introduce you to home care agencies or communities that fit. Free.
Questions families ask
Is it cheaper to stay home or move to assisted living?
For a few hours of help a week, staying home is usually cheaper. For full-time help, assisted living usually costs less than the equivalent hours of home care.
Can my parent try assisted living first?
Many communities offer short respite stays, a good way to try it. See respite care.
Does Medicare pay for either?
No. Medicare doesn't pay for non-medical home care alone or for assisted living.
Can we combine both?
Yes. Some families add a private aide in assisted living for extra one-on-one time.