Millions of seniors agree: independent senior living is a great way to spend your retirement. Independent living communities give you the freedom to make friends and enjoy an active, fun, and maintenance-free lifestyle. Many senior living communities also offer fine dining, tons of fun activities, luxury apartments and resort-style amenities. But all of those benefits sound expensive. So how much does independent living cost? The answer might surprise you! Many seniors find that when you consider everything that is included, independent living communities fit well in a variety of budgets.
Read on to find out more about the cost of independent living! We’ll discuss the average monthly cost of independent living, what this cost includes and doesn’t include, and payment options. We’ll also help you find an independent living community that fits your needs and budget.
Quick Answer: How much does independent living cost?
According to A Place for Mom, the median monthly cost for independent living communities in the United States in 2025 was $3,145. This price encompasses a wide range depending on location. In South Dakota, the median cost of independent living was $2,249, compared to $5,650 in Vermont.
Understanding the cost of independent living is a little more complicated–and it may end up being more affordable than you think. Keep reading to learn more about independent living, payment options, what is included in this cost, and how to find the right independent living community for you!
What is Independent Living?
Independent seniors at Broadway Proper Senior Living enjoy dinner with friends in Tucson, Arizona
Independent living usually refers to a neighborhood of apartments, condominiums, or detached homes designed for active older adults who want the benefits of a senior community setting. Independent living communities are sometimes also called 55+ communities or active adult communities. Benefits of these communities might include services like housekeeping, laundry, meals at an in-house restaurant, and transportation. They also often provide entertainment and activities, as well as amenities like a pool, gym, library, art studio, and outdoor areas.
Independent living communities don’t usually provide regular medical care or help with activities of daily living, unless the community is also licensed to provide assisted living. They do often have security and emergency healthcare providers available 24/7 if you should suffer an accident or injury. Transportation to medical appointments may also be included.
What is a 55+ or active adult community?
55+ or active adult communities are a type of independent living for active, social seniors who may be a little younger than those at other types of communities. They are similar to independent living communities, but usually don’t have assisted living or any personal care services available on-site. Sometimes, 55+ or active adult communities don’t provide services like housekeeping, laundry, or transportation. They typically have similar activities and amenities, and may be more focused on an active lifestyle.
Why choose to move to independent living?
Seniors at independent living communities are typically active, in good health, and don’t need help with daily life. So, why choose to move to an independent living community when you could just stay in your home? The answer is different for everyone, but the majority of seniors who choose independent living are looking for community. Sure, it’s great to be able to focus on everything you want to do, instead of chores, housework, and lawn maintenance. And of course, the all-day entertainment and amenities make every day feel like a vacation. But the main benefit of independent living really comes down to connection.
Did you know that loneliness and isolation is one of the biggest health risks for seniors? And it’s not just mental health. Loneliness has a huge negative effect on your physical health, too. Many studies have shown that loneliness increases your risk of many serious health conditions and even premature death. At a senior living community, friendship and connection is built into every day. This makes independent living an appealing option, especially for older adults who may not have family or a strong support system nearby.
What is the average monthly cost for independent living?
A senior enjoys costume day at The Forum at Desert Harbor Independent Living in Peoria, Arizona
Independent living communities have tons of benefits, but like any other type of housing, they do have a price tag attached. According to A Place for Mom, the median monthly cost for independent living communities in the United States in 2025 was $3,145. Cost varies widely depending on location, services, amenities, size of apartment, and finishes, ranging from $2,249 in South Dakota to $5,650 in Vermont. This might sound like a big number, but this price is typically all-inclusive, unlike a monthly rent or mortgage price that only covers the cost of your home.
Independent living communities usually have just one monthly fee that includes all services, amenities, utilities, meals, activities, transportation, and more. So, the true cost of independent living is a little more complicated. Many seniors are surprised to find that a senior living community actually fits comfortably within their budget. Keep reading to learn more.
What is included in the cost of independent living?
There are tens of thousands of independent living communities across the United States, so what’s included in the monthly cost may vary depending on the community. At Stellar Senior Living independent living or 55+ communities, pricing is usually all-inclusive, and one monthly fee typically includes:
- A private apartment with weekly housekeeping services.
- Nutritious, chef-prepared meals in a restaurant-style dining room, plus snacks and beverages. Independent living communities might include one, two, or three meals a day in their monthly fee, depending on the community.
- Fun activities all day long, including parties, clubs, outings, fitness classes, social activities, educational classes, musical performances, and art. Some communities also provide group travel experiences.
- Private transportation to local medical appointments is usually included. Some communities will provide other types of transportation for no additional cost within a certain distance.
- Amenities, like a library, gym, pool, fitness center, outdoor courtyard and recreation areas, full-service salon and barbershop, community gardens, walking paths, etc.
- Laundry and linen services may be included, or available for an additional cost. If laundry and linen services are not provided, conveniently located free laundry rooms will be available.
- Some communities have furnished apartments, some have unfurnished apartments, and some provide both options.
- Most communities include an emergency response system, motion-sensor wellness checks, and 24/7 staff for peace of mind.
There are many types of independent living communities, including 55+, active adult communities, and retirement villages. Check with your local communities to see what they include in their monthly pricing. Any community worthy of your time should provide transparent, line-item pricing, without hidden fees.
Don’t forget to consider what you won’t have to pay for!
Seniors at The Forum at Desert Harbor in Peoria, Arizona enjoy a musical performance
When considering your budget for independent living, make sure to also consider everything you won’t have to pay for. For example, if you live at an independent living community, you may no longer need to pay for:
- A car payment, auto insurance, or transportation
- Rent, mortgage, or home insurance
- Meals, food, or groceries
- A gym membership
- Help with cleaning or lawn care
- Home or yard maintenance
- Home modifications for safety, like bathroom grab bars
- Entertainment
- Utilities
When you consider what you are already spending on all of these bills, the cost of independent living might be more affordable than you think.
What is not included in independent living costs?
As a general guideline, most independent living costs do not include:
- Private transportation outside a certain radius, or to locations other than healthcare appointments
- Any medical care
- Personal care services
- Physical therapy, occupational therapy, or rehab services
- Dry cleaning or other specialized or intensive cleaning
As we previously mentioned, what’s included and not included will really depend on the individual community. Some communities may not include all three meals a day in the dining room, or laundry or linen services. Make sure to also ask what is not included when touring an independent living community.
How To Pay for Independent Living
Seniors at Acoya Cherry Creek Independent Living in Denver, Colorado enjoying a walk in the park
Now that you know how much independent living costs every month, you might be wondering what your payment options are. Here’s how to pay for independent living.
Private Pay, Savings, and Retirement
The majority of independent living costs are typically paid for using private, out-of-pocket funds. This is usually in the form of your retirement income, Social Security income, personal savings, retirement accounts, investments, or income from selling or renting your home or assets.
Other Payment Options
If the above options aren’t enough to pay for independent living care, you might be able find some less common payment options. Some life insurance policies can be “cashed out” to pay for senior living, and some long-term care insurance policies may have riders that allow them to be used for independent living. Typically, seniors find that selling or renting their home is enough to pay for most independent living costs.
What about Medicare, Medicaid, and VA Benefits?
Since independent living communities aren’t medically necessary, and don’t provide personal care or medical care, they aren’t covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or VA healthcare benefits.
Finding The Right Independent Living Community for You
Residents at North Star Independent Living in Coeur D’Alene, Idaho playing games on Casino Day!
Now that you know all about independent living costs, and how to make this cost work for your budget, it’s time to find the right independent living community for you. When exploring independent living communities, make sure to ask:
- What are this community’s monthly costs, what is included, and what payment options do you accept?
- What type of lifestyle does this community offer?
- Is this community pet-friendly?
- What kind of social activities, outings, and fitness classes are available?
- What services and amenities are included?
- Are housekeeping, laundry, and linen services included or available?
- How many meals a day in the dining room are included in the monthly price?
- Is the in-house restaurant open for all-day dining?
- Do you have a bistro, coffee bar, or snack bar where I can get drinks and snacks?
- Is transportation included, and if so, what type?
- Do you have on-site free parking?
- What is your visitor policy?
- Can this community also provide assisted living in the future, if needed?
When touring a community, make sure to ask to see the grounds and outdoor spaces, dining room, and other common spaces. If possible, stay for lunch to check out the food and chat with current residents for the insider scoop.
Stellar Senior Living’s top-rated independent living communities strive to provide the best senior living and the happiest retirement experience possible. Stellar Independent Living is currently available in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, and Washington at the following communities.
Arizona Independent Living
- The Retreat at Alameda in Phoenix, AZ
- The Springs in Scottsdale, AZ
- La Sonora at Dove Mountain in Marana, AZ
- Pueblo Norte in Scottsdale, AZ
- The Forum at Tucson in Tucson, AZ
- Broadway Proper in Tucson, AZ
- The Forum at Desert Harbor in Peoria, AZ
- The Groves in Goodyear, AZ
Colorado Independent Living
- Acoya Cherry Creek in Denver, CO
- The Grand in Broomfield, CO
- Bear Creek in Colorado Springs, CO
- Winslow Court in Colorado Springs, CO
- Lakewood Reserve in Lakewood, CO
Idaho Independent Living
- North Star in Coeur D’Alene, ID
Montana Independent Living
- Helena Pointe in Helena, MT
- Missoula Valley in Missoula, MT
New Mexico Independent Living
- Sandia Vista in Albuquerque, NM
- The Montebello on Academy in Albuquerque, NM
Texas Independent Living
- Villa de San Antonio in San Antonio, TX
Utah Independent Living
- Copper Creek in South Jordan, UT
- Creekside in Bountiful, UT
- Park Lane in Salt Lake City, UT
Washington Independent Living
- Edmonds Village in Edmonds, WA
- Overlake Terrace in Redmond, WA
- The Grand in Spokane, WA
- Farrington Court in Kent, WA
Learn more about Stellar Senior Living independent living communities here.
