ADU vs. Assisted Living Cost by State
How does building a backyard ADU compare to paying for assisted living? State-by-state breakeven analysis using Genworth cost data and regional construction estimates.
National Summary
$[X]
Median Assisted Living Cost/Year
[X]
States Where ADU Breaks Even in <3 Years
$[X]
National Avg ADU Cost (Midpoint)
In [X] states, building a backyard ADU costs less than 3 years of assisted living. In California, a $[X] ADU pays for itself in approximately [X] years compared to the state's average assisted living cost of $[X]/year.
Source: Dwelling Index analysis of Genworth Cost of Care Survey and regional construction data
State-by-State Comparison
All 50 states compared. Breakeven is calculated as midpoint ADU cost divided by annual assisted living cost. Lower is better for the ADU option.
| State | Assisted Living (Annual) | ADU Cost Range | Breakeven at Midpoint (Years) | 10-Year Savings vs. Assisted Living |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 state rows will be populated from Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care data and regional ADU construction cost estimates. | ||||
Cost data needed
Pull annual assisted living costs per state from Genworth/CareScout. Pair with regional ADU construction cost estimates. Calculate breakeven years and 10-year savings for each state.
Methodology & Sources
Assisted living costs: CareScout/Genworth Cost of Care Survey, 2025. Annual median costs by state for a private, one-bedroom unit in an assisted living facility.
ADU construction costs: Regional construction cost data adjusted for state-level labor and materials indices. Range represents typical 400–800 sq ft detached ADU.
Breakeven calculation: Midpoint of ADU cost range ÷ annual assisted living cost. Does not account for maintenance, insurance, property tax, or time value of money.
See full methodology documentation
Suggested Citation
Dwelling Index. (2026). ADU vs. Assisted Living Cost by State (2026). Retrieved from https://dwellingindex.com/research/adu-vs-assisted-living/