In Maryland, the 2025 median rate for a non-medical in-home caregiver is $35 an hour, the same as the national median, according to the CareScout Cost of Care Survey. At that rate, 20 hours a week comes to roughly $3,000 a month, and full-time coverage of 44 hours a week comes to about $6,700. Montgomery County rates can sit above the state median because of local wages, so treat these numbers as a starting point and ask each provider for a written rate sheet.
This guide explains what drives the price of in-home care, how it compares with other kinds of care in Maryland, and where families usually find the money. It is general information, not financial advice, and it does not describe any one agency’s prices.
What in-home care costs in Maryland
CareScout, part of Genworth, surveys long-term care providers across the country each year. Its 2025 survey, released in March 2026, collected more than 25,000 rates between July and November 2025. The figures below are medians, meaning half of the providers surveyed charged more and half charged less.
| Type of care | Maryland median (2025) | National median (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Non-medical in-home caregiver, per hour | $35 | $35 |
| Non-medical in-home caregiver, per month (44 hours a week) | $6,673 | $6,673 |
| Adult day health care, per day | $117 | $95 |
| Assisted living community, per month | $7,172 | $6,200 |
| Nursing home, semi-private room, per day | $425 | $315 |
Two things stand out. Maryland’s hourly rate for in-home care matches the national figure, ranking around the middle of all states. But Maryland’s facility costs run well above the national medians, which is one reason help at home is often the first option a family considers.
CareScout gathers its rates by metropolitan area, and Montgomery County belongs to the Washington, D.C. area, where wages and housing costs are higher than in much of Maryland. Expect local quotes to vary around the state figure rather than match it exactly.
What changes the hourly rate
Agencies rarely charge a single flat rate. The factors that most often move the price up or down:
- Type of help. Companion care and household support usually cost less than hands-on personal care, which requires more training and, in Maryland, a Residential Service Agency license. Skilled nursing costs far more again.
- Length of visit. Most agencies set a minimum visit, often two to four hours. Short visits can carry a higher hourly rate than long shifts.
- Time of day and week. Evenings, weekends and holidays often carry a premium. Overnight stays are commonly priced as a flat shift rate rather than by the hour.
- Live-in versus hourly. Live-in arrangements are priced per day and assume the caregiver sleeps, so they are not the same as 24-hour awake care.
- Agency versus independent caregiver. Hiring someone directly usually costs less per hour, but you become the employer: payroll taxes, workers’ compensation, background checks and backup coverage fall to you.
Working out a monthly budget
Start with a realistic schedule, not a wish list. The table below uses the Maryland median of $35 an hour and assumes no evening or weekend premiums, so your real quote may be higher.
| Schedule | Hours a week | Approximate monthly cost |
|---|---|---|
| Three 4-hour visits a week | 12 | About $1,820 |
| Weekday mornings, 4 hours | 20 | About $3,030 |
| Weekdays, 6 hours a day | 30 | About $4,550 |
| Full-time days (CareScout’s 44-hour basis) | 44 | About $6,670 |
Monthly figures use 4.33 weeks per month. A common pattern is to start with a few visits a week and add hours as needs change, which keeps early costs down and gives everyone time to adjust. Our how it works page explains how a schedule is typically set up and revisited.
Who pays for in-home care
Non-medical in-home care is usually paid for privately, from savings, income, or help from family members. Beyond that, the main options are:
- Medicare. Medicare’s home health benefit covers part-time skilled care for people who qualify. According to Medicare.gov, it does not cover 24-hour care, homemaker services unrelated to a care plan, or personal care when that is the only care needed. In practice, that excludes most companion and household help.
- Maryland Medicaid. Maryland’s Community Options Waiver helps eligible people receive services at home instead of in a facility. There is a registry, and the state says to call Maryland Access Point at 844-627-5465 to be added to it. Eligibility depends on both finances and level of need, so ask the program directly rather than relying on general descriptions.
- Long-term care insurance. Policies vary widely in what they cover and when benefits start. Read the policy or call the insurer before assuming home care is included.
- Veterans’ benefits. Some veterans and surviving spouses qualify for help with the cost of care. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs can explain the current programs.
Because the rules differ so much, it is worth a conversation with a benefits counselor before you commit to a schedule. In Montgomery County, that starts with the Aging and Disability Resource Unit.
Questions to ask before you sign
- What is the hourly rate for each kind of help, and what is the minimum visit?
- Are there premiums for evenings, weekends, holidays or overnight stays?
- Is there a deposit, registration fee or cancellation charge?
- How often do rates change, and how much notice will I get?
- Does the quoted rate include caregiver travel, supplies or supervision visits?
- What happens to billing if a visit is cancelled or the caregiver is late?
If you are still deciding what kind of help your parent needs, our guide to companion care, personal care and home health in Maryland explains the differences, and our overview of home care options in Montgomery County covers adult day programs and assisted living as well.
Common questions
How much does in-home care cost per hour in Maryland?
The CareScout Cost of Care Survey 2025 puts Maryland’s median rate for a non-medical in-home caregiver at $35 an hour, the same as the national median. Local quotes in the Washington, D.C. area may differ.
Does Medicare pay for in-home companion care?
Medicare.gov states that its home health benefit does not cover 24-hour care, homemaker services unrelated to a care plan, or personal care when that is the only care needed. Call 1-800-MEDICARE about a specific situation.
Is there a Maryland Medicaid program for care at home?
Maryland’s Community Options Waiver helps eligible people receive services at home instead of in a facility. The state says to call Maryland Access Point at 844-627-5465 to be added to the registry.
Sources
- CareScout Cost of Care Survey 2025: ranked median costs by state
- CareScout 2025 Cost of Care Survey results (press release)
- Medicare.gov: Home health services
- Maryland Department of Health: Community Options Waiver
- Montgomery County Aging and Disability Services
This guide is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice. Phone numbers and programs were checked on the date shown above; confirm details with the agency before you rely on them.