Care home fees calculator
An indicative estimate of likely weekly fees, your position against the means-test capital limits, and the funding routes that may apply. It takes a minute and nothing is saved.
Funding routes that may apply
Indicative only, based on regional averages (Knight Frank, 2024/25) and the England capital limits for 2025/26 (upper £23,250, lower £14,250). Your actual fees and entitlement depend on the home, the person's needs and a local-authority assessment. This is not advice or an offer.
Care home fees: common questions
How much money can I have before I have to pay care home fees?
In England for 2025/26 the upper capital limit is £23,250. Above it you will usually pay your own care fees in full. Below the lower limit of £14,250 the local authority generally meets the cost, though most of your income still goes toward fees. Between the two limits the council contributes and you pay a tariff income from your capital.
How much does a care home cost per month in the UK?
On Knight Frank's 2024/25 figures, the UK average works out at roughly £4,996 a month for residential care and about £6,153 a month for nursing care. Actual fees vary widely by region, home and the level of care someone needs, which is what this calculator estimates.
How do you calculate care home fees?
A home sets its weekly fee by room and care level, then the means test determines who pays it. The local authority assesses your capital and income: above the upper capital limit you self-fund, below it the council contributes on a sliding basis. This calculator combines regional average fees with the England capital limits to show both numbers at once.
Is there an £86,000 cap on care home fees?
Not at present. An £86,000 lifetime cap on personal care costs was legislated and then shelved; the government confirmed in 2024 that it would not proceed, and no replacement cap is currently in force in England. The means test and capital limits above are what actually apply. We update this page when the rules change.
Want this checked for your situation?
We can introduce you to an FCA-authorised care funding specialist.