This guide explains typical in-home care costs in the United States using the most recently published nationwide Cost of Care Survey data from Genworth and CareScout, which serves as a planning benchmark for families in 2026. Because pricing varies widely by location and provider, these figures are best used as general reference points rather than exact quotes.
Last updated: January 2026
Because national cost surveys are published periodically rather than annually, these figures reflect the latest available national medians rather than real-time local quotes.
How In-Home Care Costs Are Calculated
Most non-medical in-home care services are billed by the hour, especially when care involves personal assistance, companionship, or help with daily activities rather than skilled medical treatment.
Agencies and caregivers typically set rates based on:
- Number of hours per week
- Level of assistance required
- Geographic location (state and city differences)
- Provider type (agency vs independent caregiver)
There is no single national fixed price. Instead, national surveys and regional data provide benchmarks families can use when estimating costs.
Typical Hourly Rates (Latest National Medians)
National Range
Based on the most recent Cost of Care Survey results published by Genworth and CareScout:
- Homemaker services (non-medical, “hands-off” assistance): ~$33 per hour
- Home health aide services (non-medical, hands-on personal care): ~$34 per hour
These figures represent national median hourly rates for care provided through home care agencies. Actual quotes may be higher or lower depending on scheduling requirements, caregiver availability, and local labor costs.
Variations by Location
Using nationwide survey data, hourly medians show large regional differences.
In higher-cost states and metropolitan areas, hourly rates can reach the upper $30s, while some lower-cost regions may see rates closer to the low-to-mid $20s.
Local wage levels, cost of living, and caregiver demand all influence these differences. Even neighboring cities can have noticeably different pricing, which is why local quotes are essential.
Monthly and Weekly Cost Examples
Part-Time or Moderate Care
Families often estimate monthly costs by multiplying an hourly rate by weekly care hours. Using the national median of $34 per hour as a baseline:
- 20 hours/week × $34/hour ≈ $680/week → about $2,900/month
- 40 hours/week × $34/hour ≈ $1,360/week → about $5,900/month
These estimates do not account for agency minimum shift requirements or higher rates for evenings, weekends, or specialized care.
Around-The-Clock (24/7) Care
When care is needed around the clock, costs increase significantly because coverage usually requires multiple caregivers working rotating shifts.
A simple estimation method is to multiply an hourly rate by 168 hours per week:
- 168 hours × $34/hour ≈ $5,700 per week
- $5,712/week × 4.33 ≈ ~$24,700/month (before local premiums)
Actual 24/7 care costs depend heavily on scheduling models (rotating shifts vs live-in arrangements), overtime rules, and agency policies. Families should always request written quotes for continuous care scenarios.
What Affects In-Home Care Costs
Several factors influence how much families ultimately pay:
1. Level of Care Needed
- Companion care and light assistance generally cost less than hands-on personal care.
- Medically directed or skilled services are typically billed at higher rates.
2. Hours Per Week
- More hours increase total cost and may raise the effective hourly rate if overtime or premium scheduling applies.
3. Geographic Location
- Urban and high cost-of-living areas usually have higher hourly rates than rural regions.
4. Provider Type
- Agency-provided care often costs more than hiring an independent caregiver, as agencies handle background checks, scheduling, insurance, and supervision.
Costs vs Other Long-Term Care Options
Direct comparisons depend on individual circumstances, but typical in-home care costs can become comparable to or exceed assisted living when care hours increase.
For context, the national median cost of assisted living is approximately $5,900 per month, although actual prices often fall higher in many regions once care levels and local market conditions are factored in.
Tips for Families Budgeting for In-Home Care
- Request written quotes from multiple providers to understand local pricing.
- Ask about minimum shift lengths, as some agencies require blocks such as four hours.
- Understand coverage limits: Medicare generally covers eligible skilled home health services but is not designed to pay for ongoing non-medical daily care, which is often out-of-pocket unless Medicaid or other assistance applies.
- Revisit care needs regularly—costs can change as hours or care intensity increase.
Quick Reference (Latest Typical Medians)
| Service Type | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Homemaker services | ~$33/hour (national median) |
| Home health aide services | ~$34/hour (national median) |
| Assisted living | ~$5,900/month (national median) |
| 24/7 in-home care (estimated) | ~$24,000–$25,000/month |
Summary
In-home care costs in the United States vary widely, but national data show that most families can expect hourly rates in the low-to-mid $30s for non-medical care provided by agencies. Costs rise quickly as care hours increase, particularly for continuous or specialized support. Location, level of care, scheduling needs, and provider type remain the primary drivers of total cost. Families planning care should use national benchmarks as a starting point, then confirm pricing directly with local providers.