Assisted living rules and costs by state
Every state writes its own rules for assisted living, and most use their own name for it. Each page below lists what families ask about before a move, taken from the state's regulations and licensing agency, with the sources and the date we checked them, plus what assisted living costs there.
| State | What the state calls it | Licensed by | Median monthly cost | Notice before a move-out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Assisted Living Facility (ALF) | Alabama Department of Public Health, Bureau of Health Provider Standards | $4,425 a month | The facility must give at least 30 days' prior written notice before an involuntary relocation or end of residence. |
| Alaska | Assisted Living Home (ALH) | Alaska Department of Health, Division of Health Care Services, Residential Licensing | $9,882 a month | The home must give at least 30 days' written notice before ending the contract for a documented pattern of harmful conduct, nonpayment or other contract violations, closure, or because it can no longer meet the resident's needs. |
| Arizona | Assisted Living Facility (assisted living home or assisted living center) | Arizona Department of Health Services, Public Health Licensing | $6,250 a month | The facility must give 30 calendar days' written notice to end a residency, or 14 days for nonpayment or when the resident needs care the facility cannot provide. |
| Arkansas | Assisted Living Facility (Level I or Level II) | Arkansas Department of Human Services, Office of Long Term Care | $4,637 a month | The facility must give 30 days' written notice before an involuntary transfer or discharge, except for an immediate discharge to protect the resident or others. |
| California | Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) | California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division | $7,000 a month | An RCFE must give 30 days written notice to evict for nonpayment, breaking the law or written house rules, or a reappraisal finding the facility no longer appropriate, and 60 days if the facility changes its use. |
| Colorado | Assisted Living Residence (ALR) | Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division | $6,584 a month | The residence must give written notice 30 calendar days before discharge, or as much notice as is reasonable if it cannot meet the resident's needs or the resident is a danger to self or others. |
| Connecticut | Assisted Living Services Agency (ALSA) in a Managed Residential Community (MRC) | Connecticut Department of Public Health, Facility Licensing and Investigations Section (Home Health Unit) | $9,118 a month | Connecticut sets no assisted-living-specific move-out notice, so an eviction from a managed residential community follows tenant law: a written notice to quit at least 3 days before the move-out date, for a statutory reason such as nonpayment or breaking lease rules, then a court case. |
| Delaware | Assisted Living Facility | Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Health Care Quality | $7,600 a month | A facility must give written notice at least 30 days before discharging a resident, with shorter notice only for urgent medical needs, an immediate threat to others, or a short respite or emergency placement. |
| Florida | Assisted Living Facility (ALF) | Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), Assisted Living Unit | $5,610 a month | A facility must give at least 45 days' notice before a move-out, with the reasons in writing and the ombudsman program's toll-free number. |
| Georgia | Assisted Living Community | Georgia Department of Community Health, Healthcare Facility Regulation Division | $5,300 a month | The community must give 30 days' written notice to the resident and their representative or legal surrogate, if any, before a discharge or transfer, unless an immediate transfer is required. |
| Hawaii | Assisted Living Facility (ALF) | Hawaii Department of Health, Office of Health Care Assurance, State Licensing Section | $12,096 a month | A resident must get 14 days' written notice when their behavior is an imminent danger to self or others, the facility cannot meet their needs, or there is a documented pattern of not following agreements. |
| Idaho | Residential Assisted Living Facility (RALF) | Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Residential Assisted Living Facilities Program | $5,175 a month | In non-emergency cases, a facility must give at least 30 calendar days' written notice before a discharge or transfer, stating the specific reason, the effective date and the resident's appeal rights. |
| Illinois | Assisted Living Establishment | Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Division of Assisted Living | $6,219 a month | The community must give 30 days' written notice on an IDPH form to the resident or representative and the ombudsman, though the 30 days may be waived in an emergency. |
| Indiana | Residential Care Facility (RCF) | Indiana Department of Health, Division of Long Term Care, Residential Care Facility Licensing and Certification Program | $5,639 a month | A residential care facility must give written notice at least 30 days before a transfer to another facility or a discharge, with exceptions such as danger to others or urgent medical needs. |
| Iowa | Assisted Living Program | Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) | $5,380 a month | Iowa's assisted living law and rules set no number of days for a move-out notice; the program must tell the tenant or legal representative the reason for the transfer, as the occupancy agreement says, and give the ombudsman a copy. |
| Kansas | Assisted Living Facility | Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), Survey, Certification and Credentialing Commission | $5,975 a month | A facility must give written notice at least 30 days before an involuntary transfer or discharge, except when other residents' safety is endangered or urgent medical needs require an immediate transfer. |
| Kentucky | Assisted Living Community (ALC) | Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Office of Inspector General, Division of Health Care | $5,528 a month | The lease must give at least 30 days' move-out notice for nonpayment; for other reasons the law requires only reasonable notice. |
| Louisiana | Adult Residential Care Provider (ARCP) | Louisiana Department of Health, Health Standards Section | $5,162 a month | A move-out needs written notice at least 30 calendar days ahead, or 15 days for nonpayment, to the resident, their representative and the long-term care ombudsman. |
| Maine | Assisted Living Facility | Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Licensing and Certification | $8,205 a month | The facility must give at least 15 days' written notice before a non-emergency discharge, and may discharge involuntarily only for a listed reason: broken contract terms, direct threat to others, intentional property damage, unpaid charges, needs it cannot meet, or license loss. |
| Maryland | Assisted Living Program (ALP) | Maryland Department of Health, Office of Health Care Quality | $7,172 a month | The program must give at least 30 calendar days' written notice before an involuntary discharge, except in a health emergency or when other residents face substantial risk. |
| Massachusetts | Assisted Living Residence (ALR) | Massachusetts Executive Office of Aging & Independence (AGE), Assisted Living Certification Unit | $9,600 a month | A residence can make a resident leave only through landlord-tenant eviction law (General Laws chapters 186 and 239), with an eviction notice and court proceedings, and the assisted living rules set no fixed notice days or list of reasons. |
| Michigan | Home for the Aged (HFA) or Adult Foster Care (AFC) home | Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Community and Health Systems | $5,818 a month | A home for the aged must give 30 days' written notice before discharge for medical reasons, the welfare of the resident or other residents, or nonpayment, stating the reasons, the date and the right to complain to LARA. |
| Minnesota | Assisted Living Facility (ALF) | Minnesota Department of Health, Health Regulation Division, Assisted Living Licensure | $6,572 a month | A facility may end an assisted living contract only for nonpayment, an uncured contract violation, or an expedited reason such as conduct that substantially interferes with others' safety, and it must first meet with the resident. |
| Mississippi | Personal Care Home - Assisted Living (PCH-AL) | Mississippi State Department of Health, Health Facilities Licensure and Certification | $4,369 a month | Mississippi's assisted living rule gives no number of days of notice before an involuntary move-out; it requires written discharge policies and timely word to the resident's responsible party about transfer or discharge. |
| Missouri | Assisted Living Facility (ALF) | Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Section for Long-Term Care Regulation | $5,400 a month | An assisted living facility must give written notice at least 30 days before discharging a resident, along with notice of the right to a hearing, except in an emergency. |
| Montana | Assisted Living Facility (ALF) | Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Licensure Bureau | $6,075 a month | A resident must get a written 30-day notice, with the reason and appeal rights, before a move-out. |
| Nebraska | Assisted-Living Facility (ALF) | Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, Licensure Unit | $6,350 a month | A resident may not be moved out involuntarily without 30 days' advance written notice, except when a transfer or discharge is needed to protect the health and safety of the resident, other residents or staff. |
| Nevada | Residential Facility for Groups (RFG) | Nevada Health Authority, Health Care Purchasing and Compliance Division, Bureau of Health Care Quality and Compliance (HCQC) | $6,241 a month | The facility must give the resident and the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman written notice at least 30 days before an involuntary discharge, allowed only if health improved, anyone's safety is endangered, charges went unpaid, needs can no longer be met, or the facility closes. |
| New Hampshire | Assisted Living Residence (ALR) | New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Health Facilities Administration (Health Facility Licensing Unit) | $8,025 a month | At least 30 days' written notice is required before an involuntary discharge, allowed only for medical reasons, the welfare of the resident or others, nonpayment or closure, and not because the resident becomes eligible for Medicaid. |
| New Jersey | Assisted Living Residence (ALR) | New Jersey Department of Health, Certificate of Need and Licensing Program | $8,710 a month | The facility must give written notice at least 30 days before an involuntary discharge, with the reason and the resident's right to appeal, and may act only on grounds in its own policies. |
| New Mexico | Assisted Living Facility (ALF) | New Mexico Health Care Authority, Division of Health Improvement | $5,950 a month | The facility must give a resident 15 calendar days' written notice before a discharge, unless there is immediate danger to self or others in the facility. |
| New York | Assisted Living Residence (ALR) | New York State Department of Health, Division of Adult Care Facility and Assisted Living Surveillance | $7,110 a month | The operator must give at least 30 days' written notice on a state form, and may end the agreement only for set reasons, such as care the home is not licensed to give, risk of serious harm, late payment, repeated disruptive behavior or loss of license. |
| North Carolina | Adult Care Home | North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Service Regulation, Adult Care Licensure Section | $6,496 a month | The home must give the resident an Adult Care Home Notice of Discharge and a hearing request form at least 30 days ahead, for one of five reasons, such as unpaid bills after a written warning. |
| North Dakota | Assisted Living Facility | North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Lodging and Health Response and Licensure Section | $4,729 a month | A facility must give at least 30 days' written notice before moving a resident to another facility or home or for a change in level of care, less if urgent medical needs or safety require it. |
| Ohio | Residential Care Facility (RCF) | Ohio Department of Health, Bureau of Regulatory Operations | $6,102 a month | The facility must give written notice, with the reasons and hearing rights, at least 30 days before a proposed transfer or discharge, sending the sponsor's or legal representative's copy by certified mail. |
| Oklahoma | Assisted Living Center | Oklahoma State Department of Health, Protective Health Services, Long Term Care Service | $6,150 a month | A center must give at least 30 days' written notice before ending a residency, with exceptions for immediate health needs or physical safety. |
| Oregon | Assisted Living Facility (ALF) and Residential Care Facility (RCF) | Oregon Department of Human Services, Long-term Care Facility Licensing and Quality Assurance | $6,874 a month | A facility must give 30 days' written notice, after the state approves it, before an involuntary move-out; shorter notice is allowed only in narrow cases. |
| Pennsylvania | Assisted Living Residence (ALR) | Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Office of Long-Term Living, Bureau of Human Services Licensing | $6,480 a month | If the residence starts a move-out, it must give the resident, family or designated person 30 days' written notice with the reason. |
| Rhode Island | Assisted Living Residence | Rhode Island Department of Health, Center for Health Facilities Regulation | $7,780 a month | A residence must give 30 days' advance written notice of discharge, stating the reason, end date, appeal rights and the State Ombudsperson's address, except in life-threatening emergencies and for nonpayment. |
| South Carolina | Community Residential Care Facility (CRCF) | South Carolina Department of Public Health, Bureau of Healthcare Quality | $5,350 a month | A resident may be moved out only for medical reasons, the welfare of the resident or other residents, or nonpayment, with at least 30 days' written notice. |
| South Dakota | Assisted Living Center | South Dakota Department of Health, Office of Licensure and Certification | $4,900 a month | The facility must give the resident or representative and the state ombudsman written notice at least 30 days before a transfer or discharge, unless the resident's health requires immediate transfer. |
| Tennessee | Assisted-Care Living Facility (ACLF) | Tennessee Health Facilities Commission | $5,845 a month | A facility must give a resident 30 days' written notice before a transfer or discharge, unless a physician orders the transfer because the resident needs a higher level of care. |
| Texas | Assisted Living Facility (Type A or Type B) | Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) | $5,666 a month | Except in an emergency, a community must give the resident, legal representative or a family member written notice at least 30 days before a transfer or discharge. |
| Utah | Assisted Living Facility (Type I and Type II) | Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Licensing and Background Checks, Office of Licensing | $5,475 a month | A facility must give written notice at least 30 days before a transfer or discharge, with shorter notice allowed for safety or health risks, urgent medical needs, or a stay under 30 days. |
| Vermont | Assisted Living Residence (ALR) | Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living, Division of Licensing and Protection | $8,597 a month | The residence must give written notice at least 30 days before an involuntary discharge, except in an emergency, and the resident may appeal. |
| Virginia | Assisted Living Facility (ALF) | Virginia Department of Social Services, Division of Licensing Programs | $6,945 a month | A facility must give the resident a written notice with the reasons and discharge date, and copy the state and the ombudsman, at least 30 days before an involuntary discharge, except in an emergency. |
| Washington | Assisted Living Facility (ALF) | Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), Residential Care Services | $7,600 a month | The facility must give written notice at least 30 days before a transfer or discharge, and only if the resident's needs cannot be met, others' safety or health is endangered, the resident has not paid, or the facility closes. |
| West Virginia | Assisted Living Residence (ALR) | West Virginia Office of Inspector General, Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification (OHFLAC) | $6,340 a month | The residence must give 30 days' written notice before discharging a resident, unless an emergency requires transfer to a hospital or higher level of care or the resident is a danger to himself, herself or others. |
| Wisconsin | Community-Based Residential Facility (CBRF) | Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Division of Quality Assurance, Bureau of Assisted Living | $6,540 a month | A CBRF must give the resident or legal representative 30 days' written notice before an involuntary discharge. |
| Wyoming | Assisted Living Facility (ALF) | Wyoming Department of Health, Office of Healthcare Licensing and Surveys | $5,325 a month | A facility must give 30 days' written notice before a facility-initiated discharge, with exceptions for imminent danger or care needs above assisted living. |
Median monthly cost: private-pay assisted living, from CareScout: Cost of Care Survey 2025, Ranked Median Costs by State (2026). The national median was $6,200 a month.
All 50 states, each checked against its own regulations and agency pages. Rules change: always confirm with the community and the state agency. General information, not legal advice.