9th
OVERALL STATE RANK
Assisted living in Illinois offers older adults a safe, maintenance-free lifestyle with support for activities of daily living, medication management, chef-prepared meals, and structured social programming. Communities are available in major metropolitan areas like Chicago and Aurora, as well as in smaller cities and suburban neighborhoods throughout the state. Seniors can enjoy Illinois’ geographic diversity, from the shores of Lake Michigan to the rolling landscapes of the Shawnee National Forest. Access to respected health care systems and cultural attractions adds to the state’s appeal for retirees and their families. In 2026, the average cost of assisted living in Illinois is approximately $5,400 per month, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.
State scorecard
How we determine rankings
Our 2023 state ranking for assisted living uses A Place for Mom’s proprietary data collected from our community partners. First, we sorted through our metrics and grouped them into three pillars that are key in a quality assisted living experience. We weighted these pillars differently based on insights from our senior living experts. Then, we used these categories and their weighting to determine how each state ranks.
Top ranked Illinois cities for assisted living overall
Key findings
Top ranked Illinois cities - Services & Amenities
Key findings
Illinois vs. the national monthly median cost of assisted living
Top ranked Illinois cities - Affordability
Key findings
Top ranked Illinois cities - Ratings
Recently my loved one needed some additional help after a hospital stay. He really liked his room. He loved that it was private and very clean. It was nice for him to be there and know that he was safe. I...
The move in process was pretty disorganized (took 2 weeks to turn on cable TV, things like that) but the facility and care/dining teams are great! I would recommend to others.
We've lived at Sedgebrook almost one year. We take advantage of a number of activities, including numerous types of exercise classes we would ever have attended when we lived in our house. I especially love...
Most of the staff are caring and supportive a few show that they hate their job. Rocky start but has improved must give it time for love one to settle in.
They were incredibly attentive to my mother. They had video in her room, and in her hallways, and I felt that was very important. I visited 3 units before I chose Waverley. Waverley always contacted me with...
The move in process was pretty disorganized (took 2 weeks to turn on cable TV, things like that) but the facility and care/dining teams are great! I would recommend to others.
Staff are friendly and helpful, as are residents. Our apartment unit will be very comfortable once we get it settled. The food is good, served to order from a menu with daily specials. We're glad we chose...
[Name Removed] and I have lived at The Clare for three years, and it has been a fantastic experience. The location is unbeatable; we love being able to walk to world-class cultural events, the hospital, and...
he Pearl of Montclare has helped my father during his stroke recovery. The entire staff is very helpful and knowledgeable. The atmosphere makes you feel at home even though you are not able to be at your...
So far I would give all 5s. We have been very impressed so far.she has only been there one month but all good so far. The staff are all very friendly and helpful. Anything we have needed they have been there...
The move in process was pretty disorganized (took 2 weeks to turn on cable TV, things like that) but the facility and care/dining teams are great! I would recommend to others.
We've lived at Sedgebrook almost one year. We take advantage of a number of activities, including numerous types of exercise classes we would ever have attended when we lived in our house. I especially love...
Dining room staff is not real friendly. Mom complains about the food a lot. Meats fatty. Stew looks like dog food. Salads look like they were already picked at. That type of thing. She is also very...
Facilities were good size and kept very clean. Food was very good. I would recommend them to others who are searching for a place for their loved one. However this is the only place I visited but we were...
Very kind & friendly. All inclusive cost [fee removed]. Yes, we would recommend The Auberge at Naperville community to other families based on the experience
The average monthly cost of assisted living in Illinois in 2026 is about $5,432 or $65,184 per year according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data. These numbers reflect the base room and board as provided by our partner communities. Certain care services and amenities may be billed separately. Many factors can affect the total cost of assisted living, such as location, amenities provided, and a senior’s level of care needs.
Compared with the national average of $4,706 per month, Illinois’ assisted living communities cost about $700 more.. Throughout the state, seniors in the suburbs of Chicago will also find higher prices, but those in more rural areas such as Rockford can realize big savings. Assisted living in Illinois is generally more expensive than it is in other Midwest states. Indiana, Missouri, Iowa and Wisconsin each have lower average monthly costs.
In Illinois, assisted living is more cost-effective than higher-acuity care types such as memory care or nursing homes, offering a balanced option for seniors who need daily support without full-time medical care.
Read more:Assisted Living vs. Memory Care: 5 Key Differences
Average monthly costs
Illinois
US National average
Average monthly costs
Average monthly costs
Average monthly costs
| Community type | Illinois | U.S. | Cost difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assisted Living | $5,500/mo | $4,758/mo | 15.6% above national median |
| Memory Care | $5,522/mo | $5,022/mo | 10.0% above national median |
| Independent Living | $4,528/mo | $4,217/mo | 7.4% above national median |
Let our care assessment guide you
Our free tool provides options, advice, and next steps based on your unique situation.
A senior’s budget, needs, and preferences can affect the ways they choose to pay for care. Because costs and eligibility can vary widely, it’s best to plan early to understand which payment options apply to your loved one’s situation.
Many families use a combination of private funds and public programs to cover the costs of assisted living. For a high-level overview of payment options, consult our complete guide to paying for long-term care and review the information provided below.
Private pay options can include assets, pensions, retirement accounts, and personal savings. Additional sources include Social Security benefits, reverse mortgages, health savings accounts (HSAs), and some life insurance policies. Long-term care insurance is also an option, but the policy must be in place before care is needed.
If your loved one is a veteran, they and their surviving spouse may be eligible for a variety of benefit programs from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to help offset the costs of assisted living in Illinois. Seniors who have questions about the benefits that are available, whether they’re eligible, and how to apply may want to engage an accredited benefits counselor. The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs operates Veterans Service Offices throughout the state. Call the main office in Springfield at 217-783-6641 for more information.
Read more: VA Benefits for Assisted Living: A Comprehensive Guide for Veterans
Medicaid is a health care program jointly funded by the state and federal governments. It’s designed to support people who have low incomes and those who are living with disabilities. In Illinois, the Medicaid program is also known as the Medical Assistance Program. Medicaid doesn’t cover room and board in assisted living but can be used for certain health and personal care expenses.
Illinois Medicaid supports eligible elderly residents through several programs, some of which are entitlements, meaning that any Illinois citizen who meets the program’s requirements is eligible. Others aren’t entitlement programs, so availability may be limited:
For questions about Medicaid in Illinois, or help with an application, contact a local Family Community Resource Center or call 800-843-6154.
Medicare is a federally funded health insurance program available to all U.S. seniors aged 65 and older. While Medicare doesn’t cover room and board in assisted living communities, it can help with medically necessary services and products, such as medication management, wound care, therapy, and supplies such as bandages, incontinence products, hearing aids, and more.[06]
If you or your loved one has questions about Medicare plans or the application process, contact the Illinois Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP). Counselors there provide elderly residents and their families with free, personalized, and unbiased guidance.
The Division of Assisted Living within the Illinois Department of Public Health regulates and licenses assisted living facilities and shared housing establishments. Assisted living facilities usually offer private apartment-style units within a larger community setting. Shared housing establishments provide private bedrooms within a smaller, shared home environment where residents share common spaces.[07]
Both assisted living facilities and shared housing establishments in Illinois must be inspected before they may be licensed and annually to maintain licensure. This regulation and others, including standards for resident care, facility operations, and staff training, are designed to ensure that residents receive safe, high-quality care.
Use the Facility Lookup Tool from the Illinois Department of Public Health to find a community’s license status and inspection, or survey, reports.
State regulations — and a community’s track record with inspections and licensing — offer important insights into safety and quality of care in senior living communities.
Download the Guide to Senior Living Licensure and Inspection Reports to learn what to look for in inspection reports and what questions to ask when touring communities. This resource explains how to use state licensure and inspection information to evaluate a community’s compliance, care standards, and responsiveness to issues.
Let our care assessment guide you
Our free tool provides options, advice, and next steps based on your unique situation.
A Place for Mom. (2026). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
Illinois Department on Aging. Community Care Program.
Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. Illinois Persons who are Elderly waiver.
Illinois Department of Human Services. Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AABD).
Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. Illinois Supportive Living Program.
U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Get started with Medicare. Medicare.gov.
Illinois General Assembly. Administrative code: Part 295 Assisted Living and Shared Housing Establishment code.
Overview of assisted living in IL
The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical, legal or financial advice or create a professional relationship between A Place for Mom and the reader. Always seek the advice of your health care provider, attorney or financial advisor with respect to any particular matter, and do not act or refrain from acting on the basis of anything you have read on this site. Links to third-party websites are only for the convenience of the reader; A Place for Mom does not endorse the contents of the third-party sites.
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