How Much Does Independent Living Cost? A State-by-State Guide

According to A Place for Mom’s 2025 Cost of Long-Term Care report, state median independent living costs can be as low as approximately $2,250 per month or as high as $5,650 per month.^[01]

Seniors often start their independent living search by asking, “What is the average cost of senior independent living?” However, the average cost is often skewed due to concentrations of very high or very low prices in certain markets. Thus, the median monthly cost of independent living paints a more accurate picture.

* A Place for Mom does not have sufficient data on the cost of independent living in Alaska.

The median costs above are taken from an analysis of 12,416 residents who moved into independent living communities within A Place for Mom’s network in 2024. These median costs are calculated based on actual monthly costs paid by families.^[01]

Can you afford independent living?

The most and least expensive states for independent living

The most expensive state for independent living is Vermont, while the least expensive state is South Dakota.^[01]

Independent living costs vary significantly across the U.S. due to factors such as:

• Cost of living
• Apartment or home size
• Selected services
• Offered amenities
• Community pricing model

See the 10 states with the highest cost of independent living in the graphic below.

See the 10 states with the lowest cost of independent living in the graphic below.

The base fee and other upfront costs of independent living usually include:

• Housing (rent and utilities)
• Meals, snacks, and drinks
• Housekeeping, unit maintenance, and any landscaping services
• Social activities
• 24/7 security
• Scheduled transportation

Read more:40+ Independent Living Activities: Promoting a Healthy, Fulfilling Retirement

Independent living pricing models

“The most important thing to keep in mind is that independent living communities all structure their pricing differently,” says Maureen Bradley, a former executive director at a senior living community, who now works at A Place for Mom. “For example, some independent living communities offer meal or housekeeping plans that are flexible. Depending on how much the senior plans to do those things on their own, they can minimize or eliminate extra costs.”

“The majority of communities are bundled or have an all-in inclusive rate,” explains Kendra Stevens, former vice president of sales at Holiday Retirement, a senior living provider with more than 260 independent living communities nationwide. “Amenities are generally included in the base rent, but some communities have variations, which include paying for meals or housekeeping separately.”

Are there extra fees in independent living?

Depending on the independent living community and your preferences, there may be additional costs for:

• Association fees. These fees are typically for maintenance, services, or special activities and can be charged on an annual, monthly, or quarterly basis.
• A community fee. This nonrefundable charge covers apartment preparation before move-in. Some communities may charge a one-time community fee ranging from $1,250 to $14,500.^[02]
• An entry fee. This fee is charged in continuing care retirement communities and is treated as a prepayment for services the resident is expected to need as they move from independent living to assisted living to nursing home care. Entry fees are sometimes refundable, depending on individual circumstances.^[02,03]
• Personal services. Laundry, dry cleaning, meal delivery, haircuts, and spa services may be priced a la carte.
• Pet care. Pet-friendly communities allow select animal companions and might even offer on-site pet-care services. Pet policies, costs, and restrictions vary. The national median pet fee in independent living is $50 per month.^[02]
• A second-person fee. Having a roommate, such as a spouse or a friend, may cost extra in some communities. The national median second-person fee in independent living is $800 per month.^[02] This may seem steep at first, but a 50/50 split of median rent plus the extra person fee comes out to $1,973 per person, which is far less expensive than paying for two separate units.
• Parking. Depending on the community, parking may be provided at no extra cost or there may be a fee. In 2025, the median parking fee is $50 per month.^[02] Some communities may offer covered parking.
• Third-party services. Independent living communities don’t provide personal care or medical services. However, some communities may coordinate with third-party providers to provide skilled nursing, physical therapy, or more daily assistance on-site at an additional cost. Within A Place for Mom’s network, nearly 65% of independent living communities offer third-party care services.^[01] In some cases, third-party care services may be covered by public pay options, like Medicaid, or at least be tax deductible.

Expert advice for affordable independent living

Asking the right questions can provide families with an accurate idea of independent living costs and potential ways to save when paying for senior care. Many communities offer move-in incentives, depending on supply and demand.

While touring independent living communities, ask the following questions about how the community approaches pricing:

1. Does the price increase annually? If so, by how much?
2. Is it possible to lock in a rate for a set number of months or years?
3. What apartment styles or sizes are available, and what are the cost differences?
4. Can I downsize from a larger unit to a smaller unit in the future to save money?
5. What will happen if I require care services in the future?
6. What happens if I can no longer pay?
7. Are you offering any deals or specials right now?
8. What fees or services aren’t included in the price?
9. How long is the lease? Does the price vary with different lease lengths?
10. If I’m not happy here, can I terminate the lease early? If so, what’s the cost?

“Cost is a large factor for most families, but always keep in mind the environment, staff engagement, and how earnest the staff is to find a solution that works for your family,” says Stevens.

According to A Place for Mom’s proprietary cost data, the monthly cost of independent living is about 40% less than the cost of assisted living and is more affordable than memory care or a nursing home.^[02]

“Senior living costs will fluctuate based on the basic principles of economics: supply and demand,” explains Stevens.

* — Based on the national median cost of $33 per hour for 20 hours of care per week.

Figuring out how to pay for senior care may feel overwhelming, but there may be multiple options available to you. Some pathways to pay for independent living include the following:

• Personal funds (Social Security, income, savings, retirement accounts, etc.)
• Selling a home
• Life insurance
• Veterans benefits

The many independent living options available today can make it overwhelming when searching for one to fit your unique situation. It’s important to learn how to choose the right independent living facility according to your needs, preferences, and budget. A Place for Mom’s online Senior Living Cost Calculator can help you think through your current expenses and understand what you’ll need to plan for in an independent living community.

Senior Living Advisors at A Place for Mom are here to help you learn more about senior living options and costs in your area. They can locate options based on your specific preferences and can even help schedule tours of prospective communities — all at no cost to you and your family.