Assisted Living vs. Backyard ADU: The Numbers Every Jacksonville Family Should See
5 min read · Jax Tiny Homes
You've toured the facility. You've seen the price sheet. You've done the math. That knot in your stomach is trying to tell you something.
What assisted living actually costs in Jacksonville
The median runs about $4,500 a month (Genworth). In Mandarin, Avondale, and Riverside, families are paying $4,800 to $6,200. And that number climbs roughly 4.8% every year — so what costs $5,000 today costs $6,300 in five years.
Run it out:
- Year 5: ~$325,000 spent
- Year 10: $760,000+
That's not a rounding error.
What a backyard ADU costs
- Studio (~400 sqft): $85,000–$110,000
- 1-Bedroom (~600 sqft): $130,000–$180,000
- 2-Bedroom (~1,000 sqft): $190,000–$260,000
Most families finance through a HELOC. At current rates, that's about $1,200 a month. Five years of payments: $72,000.
The 5-year comparison
| Assisted Living | Backyard ADU | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | $5,000, rising ~5%/yr | ~$1,200 financed |
| Year 5 spend | ~$325,000 | ~$72,000 |
| Property value change | $0 | +$80,000–$120,000 |
| Net 5-year position | -$325,000 | Near break-even or ahead |
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Five years. One family. $370,000 difference.
The column that doesn't fit in a table
Mom has her own front door. Her own kitchen. Her own porch. Coffee with the grandkids when she wants — not during visiting hours.
Watch Karen's story on our For Families page →
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