2026 Cost Guide · AR
Assisted Living Cost in Arkansas
Average monthly cost of assisted living in Arkansas is $2,900 in 2026 — ranging from $1,800 to $4,500 depending on city, care level, and amenities. Compare cities, understand Arkansas Living Choices Waiver Medicaid coverage, and learn about veterans benefits available in Arkansas.
Avg Monthly Cost
$2,900
vs. National Avg
36% below
Medicaid Covers AL
Partial
Licensed Facilities
~310
Arkansas Assisted Living Cost Range
Assisted living costs in Arkansas span from $1,800/month for basic shared-room settings to $4,500+/month for premium private suites with specialized memory care. Most residents pay $2,465–$3,480/month for a standard private or companion room with full personal care services.
| Setting / Room Type | Est. Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Shared room, basic AL | $1,980/mo |
| Private room, standard AL | $2,900/mo |
| Private suite with kitchenette | $3,335/mo |
| Memory care (Alzheimer's / dementia unit) | $3,915/mo |
| High-acuity AL / enhanced care | $3,825/mo |
Estimates based on 2026 statewide averages. Actual rates vary by facility, location, and care level. Always request a written fee schedule from each community.
Assisted Living Costs by City in Arkansas
Compare detailed cost breakdowns, Medicaid coverage, and nearby alternatives for individual cities.
What Drives Assisted Living Costs in Arkansas
- Little Rock is the highest-cost Arkansas market but still well below the national average
- Fayetteville/Bentonville (NW Arkansas) has seen rapid cost increases due to tech/retail growth
- Most Arkansas markets are 30–50% below national average costs
- Arkansas has relatively lower property values and operating costs than coastal states
- Limited supply in rural areas can reduce competition and increase prices locally
Arkansas Medicaid Coverage for Assisted Living
Arkansas's 'Living Choices' Medicaid waiver covers personal care in licensed assisted living facilities for eligible seniors. Arkansas Medicaid does NOT cover room and board. Arkansas is one of the most affordable states for assisted living in the US, with statewide averages well below the national median.
Important: Even when Medicaid covers personal care in an assisted living setting, it typically does NOT pay for room and board (the housing and meals portion). You are responsible for the room and board cost separately — often $1,200–$2,500/month depending on the facility and Arkansas location.
To apply for Arkansas Medicaid long-term care benefits, contact your local Area Agency on Aging (call 800-677-0133 — the national Eldercare Locator) or your local county Department of Social Services office.
Veterans Benefits for Assisted Living in Arkansas
Arkansas veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for significant financial assistance:
- VA Aid & Attendance pension: Up to $2,830/month for veterans, $1,810/month for surviving spouses (2025 rates)
- VA Housebound allowance: $490–$810/month additional for homebound veterans
- Arkansas state veterans homes: Subsidized skilled nursing care for qualifying veterans
- Free benefit counseling: Contact Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs — they'll screen for all available programs at no cost
See our complete Arkansas veterans assisted living guide for full eligibility details and how to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions: Arkansas Assisted Living Costs
Does Arkansas Medicaid (Living Choices) pay for assisted living?▾
Arkansas Living Choices Medicaid waiver covers personal care services in licensed assisted living facilities but NOT room and board. The waiver is limited in enrollment — contact your local Area Agency on Aging or the AR DHS DAAS office at 501-682-2441 to check availability and apply. Nursing home care is fully covered by Arkansas Medicaid for eligible seniors.
How affordable is assisted living in Arkansas compared to national averages?▾
Arkansas is one of the most affordable states for assisted living in the US. Statewide average: ~$2,900/month vs. the national average of ~$4,500/month. Little Rock averages $3,000–$4,200. Fayetteville/Bentonville averages $2,800–$4,000. Rural Arkansas can run $1,800–$2,800/month — among the lowest in the nation.
What assisted living license types exist in Arkansas?▾
Arkansas licenses 'Residential Care Facilities' (RCFs) for group residential care settings serving adults who need personal assistance. RCFs are licensed by the Arkansas Division of Medical Services and Health and must meet staffing, safety, and care standards. Memory care units within RCFs require additional certification.
Are there veterans homes in Arkansas for long-term care?▾
Arkansas has two state veterans homes — in Fayetteville and North Little Rock — providing skilled nursing care for qualifying Arkansas veterans at subsidized rates. The VA Aid & Attendance pension (up to $2,830/month) also helps qualifying veterans fund private-pay assisted living costs.
What financial assistance helps with Arkansas assisted living costs?▾
Key resources: (1) Arkansas Living Choices Medicaid waiver for personal care; (2) Optional State Supplement (OSS) — small state cash supplement for SSI recipients in licensed residential care; (3) VA Aid & Attendance pension for veterans; (4) Area Agency on Aging benefit counselors in each county can screen for additional programs not widely advertised.
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