Aged Care Cost Calculator
Understand the likely fees for residential aged care in Australia, the basic daily fee, means-tested care fee and accommodation costs.
Most residents pay the basic daily fee, a means-tested care fee based on assets and income, and an accommodation contribution. Annual and lifetime caps limit the means-tested care fee. A financial adviser who specialises in aged care can model your exact position.
- ✓Basic daily fee applies to everyone (85% of the single pension)
- ✓Means-tested care fee has annual and lifetime caps
- ✓Accommodation can be paid as a lump sum (RAD) or daily (DAP)
How we estimate this
Residential aged care in Australia has three main fee types: the basic daily fee (set at 85% of the single Age Pension and paid by everyone), a means-tested care fee based on your assets and income, and an accommodation payment.
Pricing reviewed: June 2026.
Are you a aged care provider?
Put this calculator on your own website, branded to you, visitors get an instant estimate, you get a qualified enquiry with their details.
Understanding aged care costs in Australia
Residential aged care in Australia has three main fee types: the basic daily fee (set at 85% of the single Age Pension and paid by everyone), a means-tested care fee based on your assets and income, and an accommodation payment.
Accommodation can be paid as a refundable lump sum (a RAD), a daily payment (a DAP), or a combination. The means-tested care fee is subject to annual and lifetime caps. Because the maths is complex and affects your pension, many families use an aged-care financial specialist.
Frequently asked questions
How much does aged care cost?
Everyone pays the basic daily fee (85% of the single pension). On top, a means-tested care fee (capped) and an accommodation payment apply, depending on your assets and income.
What is a RAD?
A Refundable Accommodation Deposit, a lump sum you pay for your room that’s refunded (less any agreed deductions) when you leave. You can pay a daily amount (DAP) instead.
Run a aged care provider? Add this aged care cost calculator to your own website →