How much does independent living cost?
Independent living is for older adults who need little or no daily assistance but want less home maintenance and more community. It is the least expensive paid senior-living option, at a national average of $3,520 a month.
Sourced figure National average for 2026: $3,520 per month, or $42,240 per year.
What Independent Living includes
- An apartment or cottage, often with utilities included
- Meals, housekeeping, and maintenance
- Social activities, transportation, and fitness programs
- Typically not included: personal care and medication management
What drives the price
- Apartment size and whether a buy-in (entry fee) is required
- Amenities such as dining venues, pools, and on-site clinics
- Rental versus life-plan (continuing care retirement community) contracts
How families pay for it
- Private pay from income, pensions, and proceeds from selling a home
- Generally not covered by Medicare or Medicaid, since it is not a medical service
Independent Living cost by state
Ranked from most to least expensive. These are modeled from each state's assisted living level — see the method note.
| State | Avg monthly | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $4,804/mo | Modeled |
| Vermont | $4,761/mo | Modeled |
| Massachusetts | $4,729/mo | Modeled |
| Connecticut | $4,722/mo | Modeled |
| New Jersey | $4,678/mo | Modeled |
| Maine | $4,569/mo | Modeled |
| Delaware | $4,562/mo | Modeled |
| New Hampshire | $4,436/mo | Modeled |
| Maryland | $4,197/mo | Modeled |
| Oregon | $4,129/mo | Modeled |
| New York | $4,116/mo | Modeled |
| Hawaii | $4,003/mo | Modeled |
| Washington | $3,912/mo | Modeled |
| Colorado | $3,909/mo | Modeled |
| Virginia | $3,830/mo | Modeled |
| Illinois | $3,821/mo | Modeled |
| California | $3,747/mo | Modeled |
| North Carolina | $3,741/mo | Modeled |
| Rhode Island | $3,596/mo | Modeled |
| Wisconsin | $3,556/mo | Modeled |
| Montana | $3,516/mo | Modeled |
| Kansas | $3,486/mo | Modeled |
| West Virginia | $3,460/mo | Modeled |
| Nebraska | $3,441/mo | Modeled |
| Ohio | $3,434/mo | Modeled |
| Pennsylvania | $3,414/mo | Modeled |
| Alaska | $3,361/mo | Modeled |
| Minnesota | $3,337/mo | Modeled |
| Iowa | $3,324/mo | Modeled |
| Missouri | $3,277/mo | Modeled |
| Michigan | $3,253/mo | Modeled |
| Oklahoma | $3,218/mo | Modeled |
| New Mexico | $3,217/mo | Modeled |
| Idaho | $3,189/mo | Modeled |
| Tennessee | $3,149/mo | Modeled |
| Arizona | $3,091/mo | Modeled |
| Arkansas | $2,974/mo | Modeled |
| Kentucky | $2,950/mo | Modeled |
| Florida | $2,930/mo | Modeled |
| Indiana | $2,928/mo | Modeled |
| South Carolina | $2,913/mo | Modeled |
| Utah | $2,866/mo | Modeled |
| South Dakota | $2,865/mo | Modeled |
| Georgia | $2,814/mo | Modeled |
| Wyoming | $2,765/mo | Modeled |
| Texas | $2,759/mo | Modeled |
| Nevada | $2,754/mo | Modeled |
| North Dakota | $2,715/mo | Modeled |
| Louisiana | $2,674/mo | Modeled |
| Mississippi | $2,581/mo | Modeled |
| Alabama | $2,536/mo | Modeled |
Frequently asked questions
How much does independent living cost per month?
The national average is $3,520 per month in 2026 — roughly $42,000 a year, and about 65% less than assisted living.
What is the difference between independent living and assisted living?
Independent living offers housing and amenities without personal care. Assisted living adds help with bathing, dressing, and medication, which is why it costs substantially more.
Does Medicare or Medicaid pay for independent living?
No. Independent living is housing rather than medical care, so neither program covers it.