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New York City is the most populous city in the United States, housing a population of more than 8 million, 14.1% of which are seniors aged 65 and older. Known as the Big Apple, NYC is a hub for aspiring actors, artists, comedians, entrepreneurs and everyday people who enjoy faster-paced city living. Like New Yorkers themselves, the climate varies; summers can be warm and muggy, and winters can be cold and windy. However, the city has attractions fit for any type of condition, from guided tours of the historic Statue of Liberty and Central Park to awe-inspiring views from the One World Observatory and Empire State Building.
Assisted living focuses on personal assistance and supervision and is considered nonmedical. Seniors who frequently need help with daily activities are generally suited to assisted living, as it provides 24/7 availability of care. According to Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey, seniors in New York pay $5,750 per month for assisted living care. This is significantly higher than average for the state and nation overall.
This guide further explores the cost of care in the city and wider New York region. Financial assistance programs and useful local resources are also included.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
COVID-19 restrictions and rules for Assisted Living Facilities are typically set by the state – to see the rules in your state, you can read our guide to Assisted Living in New York. Keep in mind that there may be other policies that communities put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
Assisted living communities in New York City cost an average of $5,750 per month.
The state average for this level of care is lower by $1,170 per month, while the average American saves $1,250 per month compared to those in New York City.
Poughkeepsie is the closest city included in the survey, and its average assisted living cost is lower by almost $1,000 per month. Heading further north, Kingston’s monthly rate for this level of care is $1,250 below that of New York City. Seniors far to the northwest in Rochester save close to $2,000 per month on assisted living costs, and those in Buffalo save around $1,000.
Assisted living in Ithaca costs $2,325 per month more than in New York City, whereas Albany’s relatively high average cost is still almost $500 lower.
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in New York.
| Contact | Description | |
| New York City Department for the Aging (DFTA) | (212) 244-6469 | The New York City DFTA helps seniors age gracefully in their homes and communities by connecting them to valuable resources and partnering with hundreds of local organizations. These community-based organizations provide services such as meal delivery, mental health check-ins, food assistance, home care and senior employment programs. |
| NY Connects | (212) 962-2720 | NY Connects is a comprehensive resource directory that provides free information about support services throughout New York. In addition to information, NY Connects guides seniors and their families through enrollment and application processes. Assistance is available online, by phone or in person. |
| Stein Senior Center | (646) 395-6083 | Stein Senior Center offers adults 60 and over a range of services and activities to help them remain independent and maintain their physical and mental well-being. Seniors can participate in educational, fitness and recreational classes. There is no membership fee to join. |
| Golden Park Program | (518) 474-0456 | The Golden Park Program allows seniors age 62 and older free access to many state parks, boat launch sites and arboretums as well as reduced fees for state-operated historic sites and golf courses. No application is required; seniors must have a NY State Driver’s License or Non-Driver ID card to benefit from this program. |
| Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) New York Regional Benefits Office | (800) 827-1000 | Seniors who have served in the U.S. military can take advantage of a variety of benefits provided to veterans and their families by the VBA. These benefits include compensation, insurance, education, employment, citizen transition and other services. Veterans can receive assistance in person at the regional office, over the phone or online using the eBenefits portal. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the New York area are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined at the state level. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.
