Assisted living cost in Wisconsin

$6,150 per month ($73,800 per year) is the statewide assisted living figure from the Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey, 2024 (Wisconsin state median). Costs can and do vary significantly by metro area, building amenities, unit size, and the resident’s care needs. Some communities charge an all-inclusive monthly rate while others separate rent and care charges, and memory care units often carry a premium though a statewide memory care median is not published in the survey.

Beyond the base monthly rate, families should budget for move-in fees, medication administration, therapy, and additional care hours. Location matters: larger metros and popular retirement towns typically cost more than rural areas. Learn more about the differences in services at our assisted living overview and memory care page: /care-types/assisted-living and /care-types/memory-care. For Wisconsin community listings and pricing, visit /states/wisconsin.

Care type	Statewide monthly cost	Annual cost	Source
Assisted living	$6,150 per month ($73,800 per year)	$73,800 per year	Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey, 2024 (Wisconsin state median)
Nursing home, semi-private	$10,068 per month ($120,815 per year)	$120,815 per year	Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey, 2024 (Wisconsin state median)
Home health aide	$7,245 per month ($86,944 per year)	$86,944 per year	Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey, 2024 (Wisconsin state median)

Show me Wisconsin communities and pricing

Contact us if you want help comparing community rates or understanding waiver options; we can point you to local resources and listings.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does assisted living cost in Wisconsin?

$6,150 per month ($73,800 per year) is the statewide assisted living figure from the Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey, 2024 (Wisconsin state median). That number is a median statewide estimate and represents a typical monthly base when care and housing are bundled. In practice, community pricing varies by location, unit size, included services, and resident needs. Some facilities separate rent from hourly care charges which can raise the final monthly bill. Memory care and higher-level assistance may add a surcharge but a statewide memory care median is not published in the survey. To compare communities and get local pricing, search our Wisconsin listings at /states/wisconsin and read about service differences at /care-types/assisted-living and /care-types/memory-care.

What is the average cost of assisted living in Wisconsin?

The average statewide assisted living figure reported in the Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey, 2024 is $6,150 per month ($73,800 per year) (Wisconsin state median). This figure reflects the state median rather than every community’s price. Average local costs in cities like Madison, Milwaukee, Appleton, Middleton, and West Bend often differ due to demand and local wages. If you need affordable options, look for subsidized affordable senior apartments and smaller nonprofit providers. Use our Wisconsin community search at /states/wisconsin and review service descriptions at /care-types/assisted-living to compare local pricing and amenities.

Are there affordable assisted living options in Wisconsin?

Yes. Affordable options exist but they vary by county and funding source. The statewide median is $6,150 per month ($73,800 per year) according to Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey, 2024 (Wisconsin state median). To find lower-cost alternatives, consider subsidized affordable senior apartments, HUD-based housing, nonprofit providers, and smaller rural communities where market rents are lower. Contact your county aging office or ADRC to learn about local waiting lists and subsidies. Also explore home- and community-based services as a lower-cost option; the statewide home health aide figure is $7,245 per month ($86,944 per year) per the same survey. For listings, check /states/wisconsin and compare service types at /care-types/assisted-living.

Where can I find affordable senior apartments in Appleton, Middleton, or West Bend, Wisconsin?

Start with local housing authorities and the county aging office in each city; they maintain lists of subsidized senior apartments and income-based units. The statewide assisted living median is $6,150 per month ($73,800 per year) per Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey, 2024 (Wisconsin state median), but affordable senior apartments are typically independent living with income-based rent, not assisted living. Use our Wisconsin listings at /states/wisconsin to find local options and filter for affordable or low-income units. Also contact 211 Wisconsin and the local ADRC for community-specific resources and current waiting lists. If you need some help with daily activities, review services at /care-types/assisted-living to understand differences between independent affordable apartments and assisted living communities.

How does assisted living compare to a nursing home in Wisconsin?

Assisted living is generally less medical and more residential than nursing home care. The statewide assisted living figure is $6,150 per month ($73,800 per year) and the statewide nursing home semi-private figure is $10,068 per month ($120,815 per year), both from Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey, 2024 (Wisconsin state median). Nursing homes provide skilled nursing and 24-hour clinical care while assisted living focuses on help with activities of daily living in a more home-like setting. Because nursing homes include more clinical staffing and higher regulatory requirements, their costs are higher. For help deciding, read our assisted living overview at /care-types/assisted-living and memory care differences at /care-types/memory-care, and contact local providers listed at /states/wisconsin to compare services and pricing directly.

How does the cost of home care compare to assisted living in Wisconsin?

The statewide home health aide figure is $7,245 per month ($86,944 per year) while the statewide assisted living figure is $6,150 per month ($73,800 per year), both according to Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey, 2024 (Wisconsin state median). Home health aide costs reflect in-home hourly care that can add up quickly if many hours are needed. Assisted living often bundles housing, meals, and some care into a monthly rate which can be less expensive when a person needs regular daily assistance. However, if only a few hours per week of care are required, home care can be less costly. Compare services and providers on our Wisconsin listings at /states/wisconsin and read more about assisted living at /care-types/assisted-living to determine which model fits your care needs and budget.

Will Medicaid pay for assisted living in Wisconsin?

Medicaid in Wisconsin may cover certain services in assisted living settings through state Medicaid programs and home- and community-based waivers, but coverage rules vary and not all assisted living expenses are covered. Wisconsin administers Medicaid with specific programs and waiver options that may pay for personal care, nursing, and certain supports when eligibility is met. Eligibility and covered services depend on clinical need, functional assessments, and financial qualification under Wisconsin Medicaid rules. The Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey, 2024 provides statewide cost comparisons but does not list Medicaid benefit amounts. Contact your local county aging office, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, or a Medicaid planner to understand program eligibility and how waiver services might be applied. For service comparisons, see /care-types/assisted-living and /care-types/memory-care and check local listings at /states/wisconsin.

What are Wisconsin waiver programs and how do they help pay for assisted living?

Wisconsin offers home- and community-based waiver programs that can fund personal care, supportive services, and in some cases room and board supports in alternative residential settings when a person meets clinical and financial eligibility. Waiver programs prioritize keeping people in less restrictive settings rather than institutional care. These programs have specific enrollment processes, provider requirements, and limits on which services or settings are covered. The Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey, 2024 provides statewide cost medians for comparison but does not specify waiver benefit amounts. To learn if a waiver can help pay for assisted living costs, contact your county ADRC, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, or a certified Medicaid planner. Also review community options at /states/wisconsin and service differences at /care-types/assisted-living and /care-types/memory-care.

What funding and payment options should families consider for assisted living in Wisconsin?

Answer first: private pay is the most common method, often supplemented by pensions, Social Security, retirement savings, and in some cases Medicaid waiver services for eligible individuals. The statewide assisted living median is $6,150 per month ($73,800 per year) according to Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey, 2024 (Wisconsin state median). Families may also explore long-term care insurance benefits, VA Aid and Attendance for veterans if eligible, and local assistance programs or housing subsidies for lower-cost independent senior apartments. Avoid assuming Medicaid will cover full assisted living rent; consult the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and your county ADRC about possible waiver coverage. Compare community costs and payment policies at /states/wisconsin and read service-level distinctions at /care-types/assisted-living.

How should I choose an assisted living community in Wisconsin?

Answer first: prioritize care needs, location, license and inspection records, staff ratios, and transparent pricing. Use the statewide assisted living median of $6,150 per month ($73,800 per year) from Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey, 2024 for budgeting, then compare local communities which may be higher or lower. Visit prospective communities, review sample contracts, ask about included services and extra fees, inspect bedrooms and common areas, and meet staff during different shifts. Check state inspection reports and read resident reviews. Use our Wisconsin community listings at /states/wisconsin and reference service descriptions at /care-types/assisted-living and /care-types/memory-care to confirm that a community matches clinical and social needs. Finally, request a detailed cost sheet in writing before signing any agreement.

What is the process for moving into assisted living in Wisconsin?

Answer first: the typical process is assessment, financial planning, touring communities, applying, and scheduling move-in after acceptance. Use the statewide assisted living figure of $6,150 per month ($73,800 per year) from Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey, 2024 to frame your budget. Start with a needs assessment from a professional or your county ADRC to determine level of care, then contact preferred communities listed at /states/wisconsin to check availability and request application requirements. Expect to provide medical records, medication lists, and financial documentation. Review and sign a residency agreement that should list monthly rates, services included, additional fees, and discharge policies. If memory care is needed, consult /care-types/memory-care to understand extra supports and enrollment steps. Arrange movers and notify physicians of the new address and care team.

How can I find and compare assisted living prices in Wisconsin communities?

Answer first: use a combination of statewide benchmarks, direct community quotes, and online listings to compare pricing accurately. The statewide assisted living median is $6,150 per month ($73,800 per year) as reported by Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey, 2024 (Wisconsin state median). Start with that benchmark, then request itemized cost sheets from multiple communities in your target area. Compare what is included in the base rate, extra fees for care levels or medications, and policies on rate increases. Use our Wisconsin directory at /states/wisconsin and read service definitions at /care-types/assisted-living and /care-types/memory-care to ensure you are comparing like with like. Ask for resident references and check state inspection reports before making a decision.

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost in Wisconsin?

Frequently Asked Questions

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