The Average Cost of Assisted Living in Florida: Key Insights

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How to Cite RetirementLiving.com’s Article

APA:Khan, U. (2024, November 21). The Average Cost of Assisted Living in Florida: Key Insights. RetirementLiving.com. Accessed December 5, 2024, from https://www.retirementliving.com/assisted-living/average-cost-of-assisted-living-in-florida
Chicago:Khan, Usama. “The Average Cost of Assisted Living in Florida: Key Insights.” RetirementLiving.com. Last updated November 21, 2024. https://www.retirementliving.com/assisted-living/average-cost-of-assisted-living-in-florida.
MLA:Khan, Usama. “The Average Cost of Assisted Living in Florida: Key Insights.” RetirementLiving.com, November 21 2024, https://www.retirementliving.com/assisted-living/average-cost-of-assisted-living-in-florida.

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The average monthly cost of assisted living in Florida is around $4,750 in 2024, about $500 less than the national average, though prices vary by location, care needs, and accommodation type. With 19.9% of Floridians aged 65 and older, the state ranks second for senior population in the U.S. Assisted living supports seniors with daily activities like housekeeping and personal care while promoting independence. This article covers city-specific costs, influencing factors, and ways to afford these expenses.

senior care

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost in Florida?

The current average cost of assisted living in Florida is approx. $4,750, according to the Genworth Survey. This cost can be higher or lower based on what city you stay in, the living facility you choose, and how much assistance you need for daily living activities (ADLs). 

For example, a senior opting for a private one-bedroom with luxury amenities will pay more than someone choosing a shared room with basic ADL support.

Based on the recent Cost of Care Survey, assisted living facilities have seen a 1.36% year-over-year change between 2022 and 2023.

Given Florida’s large senior population, almost 2,359 AL communities exist in the state. Among them, the most common conditions of residents in 2023 were: 

  • 45% have high blood pressure.
  • 16% were diagnosed with diabetes.
  • 47% have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
  • 30% suffer from heart disease.
  • 28% deal with depression.

Factors That Affect Assisted Living Costs in Florida

  • Region: Around 1,800 AL facilities exist in Florida. Cities like Miami or Orlando have higher costs than in Tampa, Panama City, or Tallahassee.
  • Level of Care: The level of assistance for ADLs and other care services greatly influences the cost. Seniors with minimal assistance may pay less than those with specialized care.

Here’s a percentage of needed assistance with ADLs in assisted living facilities in Florida:

  • Accommodation Type: Whether you choose to live in a private room, shared apartment, or suite, all affect the total cost. Private accommodations with extra amenities can cost a premium, while shared spaces are a more affordable option.

Occupancy Rate and Demand for Assisted Living in Florida

The average occupancy rate for assisted living facilities in Florida is approximately 85%, which is 0.8% higher than the national average. 

Florida is projected to add 250,000 residents annually through 2030, among them 57% will be aged 60 and older, indicating a strong demand for assisted living services.

Average Cost of Assisted Living by Major Cities of Florida

Here is a breakdown of the average monthly costs in 2024 for some of the state's major cities:

Miami

As a popular destination for retirees, with approximately 72,343 seniors aged 65 and older, assisted living in Miami tends to be expensive. 

  • Average Cost: $3,700 per month
  • Top Facilities: Residential Plaza at Blue Lagoon, Miami Jewish Health Systems, The Palace Royale, The Palace Renaissance, and East Ridge at Cutler Bay.

Tampa

The Tampa area offers more affordable assisted living options compared to South Florida. This city has many senior care facilities, with costs reflecting both urban amenities and more moderate pricing.

  • Average Cost: $3,100 per month
  • Top Facilities: Allegro Hyde Park, Hudson Manor Assisted Living, The Legacy at Highwoods Preserve, Colonial Assisted Living, and Alimar Assisted Living.

Orlando

Orlando is known for its dozen theme parks, combined with a balance of urban and suburban settings. Assisted living costs in this city are more expensive than in other Florida cities, but less compared to the national average cost.

  • Average Cost: $4,000 per month
  • Top Facilities: Beggs Pointe Assisted Living Facility, Watercrest of Lake Nona, Brookdale Conway, and Orlando Lutheran Towers.

Jacksonville

Located on the Northeast coast of Florida, Jacksonville is known for its largest urban park system and bustling downtown with museums and art galleries. It has some of the top assisted living facilities for seniors to enjoy nature with urban life after retirement.  

  • Average Cost: $4,580 per month
  • Top Facilities: River Garden Hebrew Home, Sunrise of Jacksonville, Wyndham Lakes, The Windsor at San Pablo, and more

Tallahassee

As the state capital, Tallahassee offers competitive pricing for assisted living, with community-based facilities and health care options. It caters to local residents and those from other parts of the state seeking affordable care.

  • Average Cost: $4,339 per month
  • Top Facilities: HarborChase, Broadview Assisted Living, Mulligan Park Gracious Retirement Living, Canterfield, and more.

For more information on the average cost of assisted living communities in other cities of Florida, click here

Median Monthly Cost by Major Cities

Here are some of the median monthly costs for assisted living in major cities of Florida, taken from the Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2023 based on a 3% inflation rate. 

CityMedian Monthly Cost 2024Median Monthly Cost 2025
Miami$5,408$5,570
Tampa$4,339$4,470
Orlando$3,938$4,056
Jacksonville$5,511$5,676
Tallahassee$6,947$7,156
Median Assisted Living Costs by City

Cost Comparisons with Neighboring States

Compared to its neighboring states, assisted living facilities cost more in Florida for senior adults, based on the Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2024. 

Assisted Living Costs Relative to Average Household Incomes

The average household income in Florida costs around $96,992 in 2024, which is 8% lower than the U.S. national average. 

The retirement average income is $57,332, combining retirement income and Social Security.

When compared to the average annual cost of assisted living, which is $57,000 per year, the cost of ALs nearly equals the average retirement income, leaving little room for other expenses.

How to Afford Assisted Living in Florida

Affording assisted living in Florida is cheaper compared to other states. Although it depends on the city, level of care, and type of accommodation, you can find different funding options to afford it. 

  • Personal Income or Pension: Many older adults rely on monthly pensions, social security benefits, or personal savings to pay monthly rent. 
  • Long-term care insurance: If you have insurance, the plan might cover some portion of assisted living. Review the policies to understand what services are included for cost coverage.
  • Veterans Benefits: Veterans Affairs’ Aid and Attendance benefits include financial assistance for assisted living for veterans and their partners. It helps reduce costs effectively.
  • Reverse Mortgages: Homeowners aged 62 and older may be eligible for a reverse mortgage, where you can use your home’s equity and receive monthly payments to help pay for assisted living.
  • Life Insurance Settlements: If you have a life insurance policy, you may convert benefits into a long-term care plan, which can be used to cover assisted living expenses. However, the beneficiaries might receive less because of the deduction.

Does Medicaid Cover Assisted Living in Florida?

Under the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) program, Medicaid doesn’t necessarily cover assisted living costs. It prioritizes low-income, eligible nursing home senior residents who need specialized nursing assistance for cost coverage. 

As of 2024, 24% of older adults in Florida rely on Medicaid. 

Residents in assisted facilities and home care must meet certain eligibility criteria and are kept on waitlists for many years before they receive funding. 

Bottom Line

The average cost of assisted living in Florida is $4,750 monthly, making it an affordable option for retirees compared to the national average. Costs vary by city and level of care, with Miami around $5,408 and Orlando at $3,938 in 2024. Florida’s senior population is projected to grow as 57% of new residents by 2030 will be 60 or older, indicating rising demand. Options like long-term care insurance, reverse mortgages, and veterans benefits can help cover expenses.

Fair Use Statement

If you're considering the average cost of assisted living in Florida, feel free to use our data for any non-commercial purposes. Please include the link to the original source on RetirementLiving.com.

Sources

  1. Cost of Care Survey. Genworth. Evaluated on November 2, 2024.
    Link
  2. Miami, Florida Population 2024. World Population Review. Evaluated on November 2, 2024.
    Link 
  3. Florida Senior Living Communities and Housing. SeniorLiving.org. Published 25 July 2024. Evaluated on November 2, 2024.
    Link
  4. Facts & Figures, Florida. AHCA NCAL. Evaluated on November 2, 2024.
    Link
  5. Facts about long term care in Florida. Florida Health Care Association. Evaluated on November 2, 2024.
    Link

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