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Arkansas vs Massachusetts: Senior Care Cost Comparison (2026)

Side-by-side comparison of nursing home, assisted living, and home care costs.

Arkansas

$6,844/mo

Nursing home (private room)

Senior population: 17.5%

Massachusetts

$13,992/mo

Nursing home (private room)

Senior population: 17%

Which State is More Affordable for Senior Care?

Arkansas has lower nursing home costs by $7,148/month ($85,776/year). Over 5 years, that's a difference of $428,880.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Care TypeArkansasMassachusettsDifference
Nursing Home (Private)$6,844/mo$13,992/mo$7,148
Nursing Home (Semi-Private)$6,083/mo$12,167/mo$6,084
Assisted Living$3,800/mo$5,750/mo$1,950
Home Health Aide$21.00/hr$30.00/hr$9.00
Adult Day Care$1,300/mo$2,100/mo$800
Homemaker Services$19.50/hr$28.00/hr$8.50

Annual Cost Comparison

Arkansas Annual Costs

Nursing Home (Private)$82,128/yr
Assisted Living$45,600/yr
Home Health Aide (8hr/day)$44,352/yr
Adult Day Care$15,600/yr

Massachusetts Annual Costs

Nursing Home (Private)$167,904/yr
Assisted Living$69,000/yr
Home Health Aide (8hr/day)$63,360/yr
Adult Day Care$25,200/yr

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which state has cheaper nursing homes: Arkansas or Massachusetts?
Arkansas has lower nursing home costs. Arkansas averages $6,844/month while Massachusetts averages $13,992/month, a difference of $7,148/month.
How do assisted living costs compare between Arkansas and Massachusetts?
Assisted living in Arkansas costs $3,800/month compared to $5,750/month in Massachusetts.
What about home health aide costs?
Home health aides charge $21.00/hour in Arkansas and $30.00/hour in Massachusetts.
Which state has better Medicaid coverage for senior care?
Both states offer Medicaid coverage for nursing home care. Arkansas: Arkansas Medicaid covers nursing home care. ARChoices waiver for home-based services. Among the lowest cost states.... Massachusetts: MassHealth covers nursing facility care. Frail Elder waiver and Senior Care Options program available....

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Data verified March 2026 · Source: Genworth Cost of Care Survey