Assisted living in Tennessee costs approximately $5,845 per month on average (about $70,140 annually), based on the CareScout 2025 Cost of Care Survey. This places Tennessee below the national median of $6,200 per month, making it one of the more affordable assisted living markets in the Southeast with access to strong regional healthcare systems.
Pricing varies across the state. Nashville, Franklin, and Middle Tennessee communities frequently exceed the statewide median due to population growth, higher labor costs, and stronger demand, while West Tennessee markets such as Memphis and Jackson offer more moderate entry-level pricing.
Tennessee Assisted Living Cost Snapshot (2026)
| Metric | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Statewide Median | ~$5,845/mo |
| Annual Equivalent | ~$70,140 |
| Lowest Major Markets | Jackson, Johnson City, Clarksville |
| Highest Major Markets | Franklin, Nashville, Murfreesboro |
| Compared to National Median | Below |
| Most Comparable States | Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina |
On This Page
- Average assisted living cost in Tennessee
- Tennessee monthly pricing
- City-by-city assisted living costs
- Regional cost patterns
- Medicaid coverage in Tennessee
- Tennessee vs other states
- Long-term cost planning
- How to compare Tennessee communities
How Tennessee Assisted Living Costs Compare Nationally
Tennessee’s assisted living median of $5,845 per month falls below the national median of $6,200 per month by approximately $355 per month. Lower real estate costs, a moderate regulatory environment relative to coastal states, and competitive but not extreme labor markets contribute to Tennessee’s below-average positioning.
Among neighboring states, Tennessee is modestly priced. Kentucky’s median is $5,528/mo, Georgia is $5,300/mo, and Alabama is $4,425/mo — all below Tennessee. North Carolina at $6,496/mo and Virginia at $6,945/mo both exceed Tennessee.
One notable data point: Tennessee’s home care median of $5,911 per month (CareScout 2025) is only $66 more per month than the assisted living median of $5,845 — making assisted living and home care essentially cost-equivalent in Tennessee on a standard hours basis. Families should weigh this against the comprehensive housing, meals, and structured around-the-clock support that assisted living provides.
For broader nationwide benchmarks and interstate pricing comparisons, see our guide to the national average assisted living cost.
What Is the Average Cost of Assisted Living in Tennessee?
The CareScout 2025 Cost of Care Survey reports Tennessee’s assisted living median at approximately $70,140 per year, about $5,845 per month.
Estimated Annual Cost
At $5,845/month:
| Period | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 Year | $70,140 |
| 3 Years | $210,420 |
| 5 Years | $350,700 |
These projections do not account for annual rate increases, which typically range between 3% and 7%.
How Much Does Assisted Living Cost Per Month in Tennessee?
Most assisted living communities in Tennessee charge between $4,700 and $7,000 per month, with a statewide median near $5,845 per month.
Monthly pricing varies by city, care level, and community type. Franklin and Nashville area communities frequently trend toward the higher end of the statewide range, while West Tennessee and Northeast Tennessee markets tend to offer more moderate pricing.
Assisted Living Costs by City in Tennessee
Tennessee’s regional economic differences create measurable pricing variation across the state. The figures below reflect planning ranges scaled from the CareScout 2025 statewide median of $5,845 per month.
| City | Low Range | High Range | Estimated Median | Annual Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin | $5,500 | $7,450 | ~$6,500 | ~$78,000 |
| Nashville | $5,450 | $7,350 | ~$6,400 | ~$76,800 |
| Murfreesboro | $5,050 | $6,850 | ~$5,950 | ~$71,400 |
| Knoxville | $4,950 | $6,750 | ~$5,850 | ~$70,200 |
| Chattanooga | $4,900 | $6,600 | ~$5,750 | ~$69,000 |
| Clarksville | $4,750 | $6,450 | ~$5,600 | ~$67,200 |
| Memphis | $4,750 | $6,450 | ~$5,600 | ~$67,200 |
| Johnson City | $4,700 | $6,300 | ~$5,500 | ~$66,000 |
| Jackson | $4,600 | $6,200 | ~$5,400 | ~$64,800 |
Franklin and Nashville consistently reflect the highest assisted living pricing in the state due to strong population growth, higher household incomes, healthcare labor competition, and suburban development. Jackson and Johnson City offer the most moderate entry-level pricing among major Tennessee markets.
Highest and Lowest Assisted Living Costs in Tennessee
Highest-Cost Tennessee Markets
- Franklin — Williamson County’s premium suburb commands the highest assisted living pricing in the state, driven by high household incomes, newer senior housing inventory, and proximity to Nashville’s healthcare infrastructure.
- Nashville — Tennessee’s largest city reflects strong demand anchored by Vanderbilt University Medical Center, HCA Healthcare, and sustained population in-migration.
- Murfreesboro — Rapidly growing Middle Tennessee suburb with pricing near the statewide median, driven by strong suburban demand and proximity to Nashville healthcare systems.
More Affordable Tennessee Markets
- Jackson — West Tennessee market with the most moderate pricing in the state, reflecting lower real estate costs and more limited senior housing demand.
- Johnson City — Northeast Tennessee market offers below-median pricing with access to Ballad Health regional system.
- Clarksville — North-central Tennessee market offers more moderate pricing than the Nashville metro while maintaining access to regional healthcare.
Regional Assisted Living Cost Patterns in Tennessee
Assisted living pricing in Tennessee varies meaningfully by broader geographic region.
Middle Tennessee (Nashville, Franklin, Murfreesboro, Clarksville)
Pricing: $4,750 to $7,450+ per month
Middle Tennessee consistently reflects the highest assisted living pricing in the state. Nashville’s rapid population growth, corporate headquarters concentration, and dense healthcare infrastructure — including Vanderbilt University Medical Center and HCA Healthcare — support strong senior housing demand and above-median pricing throughout this corridor. Franklin and Murfreesboro suburbs reflect even stronger suburban demand driven by Williamson County’s high household incomes and newer senior housing inventory.
East Tennessee (Knoxville, Chattanooga, Johnson City)
Pricing: $4,700 to $6,750 per month
East Tennessee reflects pricing near or slightly below the statewide median. Knoxville benefits from University of Tennessee Medical Center and Covenant Health systems supporting stable demand. Chattanooga offers access to CHI Memorial and Erlanger Health System. Johnson City’s Ballad Health system anchors Northeast Tennessee’s senior housing market at more moderate price points.
West Tennessee (Memphis, Jackson)
Pricing: $4,600 to $6,450 per month
West Tennessee generally offers the most moderate assisted living pricing in the state. Memphis — Tennessee’s second-largest city — reflects below-median pricing driven by lower real estate costs and a more moderate overall cost structure than Nashville, while still offering access to major healthcare systems including Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare and Regional One Health. Jackson’s smaller market size and lower real estate costs support the most affordable entry-level pricing in the state.
Tennessee Senior Housing Market Trends (2026)
Nashville and Middle Tennessee Drive Statewide Premium Tennessee’s fastest-growing metro continues to anchor above-median pricing statewide. Population growth, corporate relocations, and healthcare system expansion in Middle Tennessee have sustained pricing pressure in Nashville and surrounding suburbs for several consecutive years.
Home Care and Assisted Living Essentially Cost-Equivalent Tennessee’s home care median of $5,911 per month (CareScout 2025) is only $66 per month above the assisted living median — one of the smallest gaps nationally. Families comparing the two options should weigh this near-equivalent cost against the comprehensive housing, meals, and around-the-clock structured support that assisted living provides.
Statewide Pricing Below National Median Despite Nashville’s above-median positioning, Tennessee’s overall cost structure benefits from moderate real estate costs and a less intensive regulatory environment than coastal states, keeping the statewide median below $6,200/mo.
Annual Rate Increases Consistent with Southeastern Trends Annual assisted living rate increases across Tennessee typically range between 3% and 7%, consistent with broader Southeastern trends. Middle Tennessee communities may experience increases at the higher end of this range.
What Does Assisted Living Typically Include in Tennessee?
Assisted living communities in Tennessee generally structure pricing into a base monthly rate plus additional care-related fees.
Typically Included in Base Monthly Cost
- Private or semi-private accommodations
- Meals and dining services
- Housekeeping and laundry
- Utilities
- Scheduled transportation
- Social and recreational programming
- Basic assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs)
Often Billed Separately
- Medication administration
- Higher levels of personal care
- Memory care services
- One-time move-in or community fees
- Specialized therapies
Communities frequently use tiered care models. As a resident’s health needs increase, monthly charges rise accordingly.
Assisted Living vs Other Care Options in Tennessee
| Care Type | Average Monthly Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted Living | ~$5,845 | Moderate daily support |
| Memory Care | ~$7,000–$8,500 | Dementia or Alzheimer’s care |
| Nursing Home | ~$9,429–$10,038/mo | Skilled medical supervision |
| Home Care | ~$5,911/mo | Aging in place with part-time support |
Tennessee’s nursing home semi-private room median of $9,429 per month (CareScout 2025) is approximately $3,584 more per month than assisted living. Home care at $5,911 per month is only $66 more per month than assisted living on a standard hours basis — making assisted living a compelling value given the comprehensive housing, meals, and around-the-clock support it provides at essentially the same cost as part-time home care.
What Affects Assisted Living Costs in Tennessee?
- Location: Nashville, Franklin, and Middle Tennessee suburbs command higher rates due to population growth, healthcare infrastructure, and competitive wage structures.
- Level of Care Required: Increased assistance with daily living activities raises monthly costs as residents transition to higher care tiers.
- Private vs Shared Units: Private apartments typically cost more than shared accommodations.
- Memory Care Add-Ons: Specialized staffing, secured environments, and enhanced supervision increase pricing.
- Demand Trends: Tennessee’s rapid population growth, particularly in Middle Tennessee, supports sustained senior housing demand.
- Regulatory Environment: Tennessee assisted living communities are regulated by the Tennessee Department of Health, with staffing standards and compliance requirements contributing to baseline operating expenses.
Does Medicaid Cover Assisted Living in Tennessee?
Medicare does not cover long-term assisted living costs.
Tennessee Medicaid (TennCare) may provide limited assistance through the CHOICES program, a Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver initiative administered by TennCare. The CHOICES program helps eligible seniors receive care services in community settings rather than institutional facilities.
Important considerations:
- Coverage applies primarily to approved personal care and support services
- Room and board costs are generally the resident’s financial responsibility
- Income and asset limits apply
- Functional eligibility criteria must be met
- Waiting lists may apply depending on program funding
Families should confirm current eligibility requirements directly with TennCare or consult a qualified elder law advisor.
How Tennessee Assisted Living Costs Compare to Other States
Tennessee’s median of $5,845/mo is below the national median of $6,200/mo and below most neighboring states except Kentucky and Georgia.
| State | Estimated Monthly Median | Relative to Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | ~$5,845 | — |
| North Carolina | ~$6,496 | Higher |
| Virginia | ~$6,945 | Higher |
| Kentucky | ~$5,528 | Lower |
| Georgia | ~$5,300 | Lower |
| Alabama | ~$4,425 | Significantly Lower |
For families comparing Tennessee with neighboring North Carolina, Tennessee’s median is approximately $651 less per month — a difference of nearly $7,812 per year.
Compare Tennessee Assisted Living Costs to Nearby States
- North Carolina assisted living costs
- Kentucky assisted living costs
- Georgia assisted living costs
- Virginia assisted living costs
- Alabama assisted living costs
Long-Term Cost Planning in Tennessee
Assisted living in Tennessee should be evaluated as a multi-year financial commitment. At $5,845 per month with a 5% annual increase, projected costs may look like:
| Year | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | $5,845/month |
| Year 2 | $6,137/month |
| Year 3 | $6,444/month |
| Year 4 | $6,766/month |
| Year 5 | $7,105/month |
Over five years, cumulative spending may exceed $381,000, excluding additional care needs or care level transitions.
Families should account not only for annual rate increases but also for potential care level escalations. Transitioning from standard assisted living to memory care in Tennessee can increase monthly costs by 15% to 30%, potentially pushing costs above $8,500 per month in Nashville area communities.
How to Plan for Assisted Living Costs in Tennessee
Common financial strategies families use to fund assisted living in Tennessee include:
- Home sale proceeds
- Long-term care insurance
- Veterans benefits (Aid and Attendance program)
- Retirement income and savings
- Bridge financing
Projecting 3–5 years of potential expenses provides a more realistic financial outlook than planning for a single year.
Who Tennessee Assisted Living May Be Best Suited For
Tennessee assisted living may appeal most to:
- Seniors prioritizing access to major healthcare systems including Vanderbilt University Medical Center, HCA Healthcare, Ballad Health, and Erlanger Health
- Families with established ties to Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, or other Tennessee communities
- Retirees seeking a below-national-average cost structure with warm climate and no state income tax
- Families comparing Tennessee with neighboring North Carolina or Virginia as a lower-cost Southeastern alternative
- Seniors weighing the cost equivalence of home care and assisted living in Tennessee given the minimal gap between the two options
How to Compare Assisted Living Communities in Tennessee
Because pricing structures vary across Tennessee, families should request a detailed fee schedule from each community under consideration. Base monthly rates may not reflect higher care tiers, medication management, or memory care services.
When comparing communities, consider:
- What level of care is included in the base rate
- How care levels are assessed and priced over time
- Whether annual rate increases are capped or discretionary
- Staffing ratios and caregiver training standards
- Proximity to hospitals and specialty healthcare providers
- Contract structure (month-to-month vs. long-term agreements)
In Nashville and Franklin area markets, premium pricing does not always correlate directly with care quality. Some communities command elevated rates due to location and newer construction rather than materially different care delivery models.
Requesting a written breakdown of all potential fees — including tiered care adjustments and ancillary service charges — helps families avoid unexpected cost escalations over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does assisted living cost per month in Tennessee?
Most assisted living communities in Tennessee range between $4,700 and $7,000 per month, with a statewide median near $5,845 per month based on the CareScout 2025 Cost of Care Survey.
Is Tennessee below the national average for assisted living?
Yes. Tennessee’s statewide median of $5,845 per month falls below the national median of $6,200 per month, making it one of the more affordable assisted living markets in the Southeast.
Which city in Tennessee is most expensive for assisted living?
Franklin consistently reflects the highest assisted living pricing in the state, with communities frequently ranging between $5,500 and $7,450+ per month, driven by Williamson County’s high household incomes and proximity to Nashville’s healthcare infrastructure.
Is home care about the same cost as assisted living in Tennessee?
Essentially yes. Tennessee’s home care median of $5,911 per month (CareScout 2025) is only $66 more per month than the assisted living median of $5,845 — one of the smallest gaps nationally. Families should weigh this near-equivalent cost against the comprehensive housing, meals, and around-the-clock support that assisted living provides.
Are assisted living costs in Tennessee increasing each year?
Yes. Most communities implement annual rate increases between 3% and 7%. Middle Tennessee communities may experience increases at the higher end of this range due to ongoing population growth and labor competition.
Can Medicaid help pay for assisted living in Tennessee?
Tennessee Medicaid (TennCare) may provide limited service-based assistance through the CHOICES program, though room and board costs are generally not covered. Eligibility depends on income, assets, and demonstrated care needs. Families should confirm current program details with TennCare or a qualified elder law advisor.
Methodology
Pricing estimates are modeled using a range and midpoint planning framework anchored to the CareScout 2025 Cost of Care Survey (data collected July through November 2025, published March 2, 2026). City-level figures are scaled from the statewide median using a standardized methodology applied consistently across all state pages on SeniorCareCostGuide.
State comparisons reflect standardized median estimates used across SeniorCareCostGuide. Long-term projections are illustrative planning models based on consistent annual growth assumptions and are intended for planning purposes only.
For a detailed explanation of how pricing estimates are modeled, see our Assisted Living Cost Methodology.
Sources
- CareScout 2025 Cost of Care Survey
- State-level pricing estimates modeled using a standardized range and midpoint framework
- Local market observations based on publicly available senior living data and community-level pricing trends
Last reviewed: June 2026.