Assisted Living Cost in Boston
The average cost of assisted living in Boston is $6,500/month in 2026. This guide covers room-type pricing, how Boston compares to the national average, Medicaid coverage through MassHealth PACE / Group Adult Foster Care, and the most affordable alternatives in the area.
Boston Assisted Living Costs at a Glance
Average (all types)
$6,500
per month
Memory Care
$8,500
per month
Skilled Nursing
$14,000
per month
Cost by Room Type in Boston (2026)
| Room Type | Monthly Cost | Daily Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / Shared | $5,200 | $173 |
| 1-Bedroom | $6,800 | $227 |
| 2-Bedroom / Deluxe | $8,500 | $283 |
| Memory Care | $8,500 | $283 |
| Skilled Nursing (semi-priv.) | $14,000 | $467 |
* Costs are 2026 market averages. Actual fees vary by facility, level of care, and unit size.
How Boston Compares
Boston
$6,500/mo
Massachusetts Avg
$5,800/mo
12% above avgNational Avg
$4,500/mo
44% above avgWhy Does Assisted Living Cost $6,500/Month in Boston?
- Boston is one of the most expensive AL markets in the northeastern US
- Newton, Wellesley, and Brookline facilities can run $8,000–$12,000+/month
- Massachusetts minimum wage and strong union presence drive staffing costs significantly higher
- South Shore and North Shore suburbs offer 15–25% savings vs. metro Boston
Medicaid Coverage for Assisted Living in Boston
MassHealth PACE / Group Adult Foster Care covers assisted living
Massachusetts MassHealth (Medicaid) covers assisted living personal care through Group Adult Foster Care (GAFC) programs and the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). MassHealth does not pay room and board in standard assisted living. For full residential Medicaid coverage, a MassHealth-certified nursing home is the option. Income limit: $1,133/month; asset limit: $2,000.
Massachusetts Medicaid Guide →How to Afford Assisted Living in Boston
- Consider Brockton, Quincy, or Lowell for 20–30% savings vs. metro Boston proper
- MassHealth PACE (CCA, Tufts, Senior Whole Health) can cover care for dual-eligible seniors
- Massachusetts Senior Care Association helpline (617-428-7032) provides free facility matching
- VA Aid & Attendance provides up to $2,830/month — critical for Boston's high costs
- Consider CCRC entry-fee communities — Brookhaven, Lasell Village — for predictable lifetime costs
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More Affordable Alternatives Near Boston
If Boston costs are too high, these nearby cities offer lower averages and similar access to family, healthcare, and amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions — Assisted Living in Boston
How much does assisted living cost in Boston?▾
Assisted living in Boston averages $6,500/month in 2026, ranging from $4,000 for basic settings in outlying suburbs to $12,000+ for premium suites in Newton, Wellesley, or Brookline. Boston is one of the most expensive AL markets in the US, driven by high real estate and labor costs.
Does MassHealth Medicaid pay for assisted living in Boston?▾
MassHealth does not cover standard assisted living room and board. However, Group Adult Foster Care (GAFC) programs — a MassHealth benefit — cover personal care in some supervised residential settings. PACE programs (CCA Health, Tufts Health PACE) provide comprehensive care for dual-eligible seniors as an alternative to AL. Call MassHealth at 800-841-2900.
What is MassHealth PACE and how does it work in Boston?▾
PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) integrates all medical, personal, and social care for dual-eligible seniors who qualify for nursing home-level care but prefer community living. Boston-area PACE plans include CCA Health, Tufts Health PACE, and Senior Whole Health. PACE can eliminate the need for AL placement for some seniors.
What neighborhoods or suburbs have affordable assisted living near Boston?▾
More affordable options include: Brockton ($4,500–$5,500), Quincy ($4,800–$6,000), Lowell ($4,500–$5,800), Waltham ($5,000–$6,500), and Plymouth ($4,500–$6,000). These all offer 15–35% savings vs. metro Boston proper while remaining within 30–45 minutes of the city.
What does memory care cost in Boston?▾
Memory care in the Boston metro averages $8,500/month, ranging from $6,500 in outer suburbs to $12,000+ in premium Newton/Wellesley facilities. Massachusetts has some of the best dementia specialty programs in the country affiliated with Mass General, Brigham and Women's, and BIDMC — consider facilities with formal academic partnerships.
How does Boston compare to other major northeastern cities for AL cost?▾
Boston ($6,500/mo) is more expensive than Philadelphia ($4,000), Baltimore ($4,200), and Hartford ($5,200) but slightly less than New York City ($7,000+ metro). Providence RI ($5,800) is a closer, more affordable alternative for Boston families open to southern New England locations.
Looking for statewide data?
See the full Massachusetts assisted living cost guide, Medicaid eligibility, and facility directory.
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