Updated 2026 Data
Independent Living Cost (2026)
Independent living communities are designed for active seniors who want a maintenance-free lifestyle with access to amenities, social activities, and optional services. Residents live independently with the convenience of community resources.
National Median (2026)
$3,500/mo
per month
Annual Cost
$42,000
per year at median
Cost Range
$2,000 - $5,500
low to high nationally
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National averages don't tell the full story. Enter your zip code for costs specific to your area.
Use Cost Calculator (Free)Independent Living vs. Other Care Types â Cost Comparison
| Care Type | Low | Median | High | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assisted Living | $3,500 | $5,350 | $8,000 | $64,200 |
| Memory Care | $5,000 | $6,935 | $10,000 | $83,220 |
| Nursing Home | $7,500 | $9,733 | $12,000 | $116,796 |
| Home Care | $3,500 | $5,148 | $7,500 | $61,776 |
| Independent Living | $2,000 | $3,500 | $5,500 | $42,000 |
| Adult Day Care | $1,300 | $1,885 | $2,800 | $22,620 |
All costs are monthly estimates for United States (National Median). Source: Genworth Cost of Care Survey.
Independent Living Cost by State
Click a state to see city-level pricing, Medicaid options, and local facilities.
Alabama$2,650/moAlaska$4,800/moArizona$3,200/moArkansas$2,600/moCalifornia$4,200/moColorado$3,700/moConnecticut$4,500/moDelaware$3,800/moFlorida$3,200/moGeorgia$2,900/moHawaii$4,600/moIdaho$3,100/moIllinois$3,400/moIndiana$2,900/moIowa$2,800/moKansas$2,800/moKentucky$2,650/moLouisiana$2,500/moMaine$4,000/moMaryland$3,500/moMassachusetts$4,400/moMichigan$3,000/moMinnesota$3,600/moMississippi$2,300/moMissouri$2,500/moMontana$3,300/moNebraska$3,000/moNevada$3,100/moNew Hampshire$4,200/moNew Jersey$4,300/moNew Mexico$3,000/moNew York$4,500/moNorth Carolina$3,100/moNorth Dakota$3,000/moOhio$3,000/moOklahoma$2,500/moOregon$3,800/moPennsylvania$3,600/moRhode Island$4,100/moSouth Carolina$2,800/moSouth Dakota$2,800/moTennessee$2,800/moTexas$3,000/moUtah$3,100/moVermont$4,100/moVirginia$3,400/moWashington$4,100/moWest Virginia$2,500/moWisconsin$3,300/moWyoming$3,200/moDistrict of Columbia$5,000/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
The national median cost of independent living is $3,500 per month in 2026. Costs range from $2,000 to $5,500 depending on location, room type, and level of care needed.
Medicare generally does not cover independent living costs for long-term stays. However, Medicaid may cover some costs through state waiver programs. VA benefits may also be available for eligible veterans. Use our Medicaid Eligibility Checker or VA Benefits guide for details.
States in the South and Midwest tend to have the lowest independent living costs. Use our state-by-state cost tool below to compare exact pricing in your area.
Options include: Medicaid waiver programs, VA Aid and Attendance benefits, long-term care insurance, selling or renting a home, life insurance conversion, and bridge loans. Our Savings Runway Calculator can help you plan financially.
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