How Much Does Independent Living Cost?
The cost of living is an important factor to consider when moving into an independent living community. Since we serve a wide range of seniors, the cost can vary based on location, level of care and your personal needs. With a variety of homelike apartments and conveniently locations, you can discover a place that works for you and your budget.
What Affects the Cost of Independent Living?
The services you choose are as unique as you are. As a result, your cost is personal to you.
Here are a few factors that influence cost:
Costs vary depending on the services and amenities offered by communities.
Our floor plan options allow you to choose an apartment size that suits your needs and lifestyle.
Factors such as cost of living, local real estate market and availability of amenities play a role in pricing.
The Cost of Independent Living
While independent living pricing may typically be comparable across regions in the US, it's worth noting that pricing may vary from region to region and city to city due to factors such as location and cost of living.
Monthly Price Ranges by Region*
*Numbers as of 3/4/24; subject to change
In addition to the monthly fee, you may be responsible for other fees, including a one-time community fee, which can range from $550 to $6,100.
Numerous events, classes, excursions and social opportunities to help your entertainment budget go further
A homelike living space with security features to ease your mind and allow you to enjoy your life with fewer worries
Fresh meals give you the energy needed to make the most of your day
Great for socializing with friends or entertaining family
Such as our signature B-Fit exercise classes
You get to enjoy the comforts of home without the hassle of upkeep
You can spend less time dealing with chores and more time having fun
The fun of exploring your community without the hassle of driving
Learn more about what life is like at a Brookdale independent living community
*The services listed are for informational purposes to educate on what's typically available. Services vary with each community and may not include the services listed.
Comparing the Cost: Senior Living vs. Staying at Home
The basic rate of senior living includes more than a morgage or rental payment. Take a moment to look at the chart below, and you might be surprised by the overall savings and enhanced value that senior living could bring to your life.
| Expense Type | Potential Yearly Expense of Staying at Home |
|---|---|
|
Rent & Mortgage Housing is one of the costliest parts of living on your own. The average United States rent is $1,200 a month. If you’ve paid off your mortgage, you should consider other costs like HOA fees and property taxes. Even if you spend $1,000 a month on your home, that adds up to a whopping $12,000 a year. |
$12,000 |
|
Utilities Keeping the lights on, the water running and the house heated come at a price. Utilities can cost up to $500 a month, which is approximately $6,000 per year. |
$6,000 |
|
Groceries Groceries are a necessity and how much you spend on them is based on your preferences and needs. The general rule of thumb is that $250 feeds one person for a month. That means you can easily spend upwards of $3,000 a year on food. This does n’t include the hours of labor it takes to feed yourself—hours that could be used to focus on your hobbies or spend time with your family. |
$3,000 |
|
Transportation Just like the grocery bill, transportation costs vary depending on your circumstances. Assuming you drive your own car, gas can cost around $250 a month. That's another $3,000 a year, and it doesn't include any maintenance or the cost of insurance. |
$3,000 |
| Potential Total Year Expense: | $24,000 |
The necessities alone add up to around $24,000 a year. If you want to enjoy additional leisure activities—like dining out or going to the movies—then your cost increases. Take a moment to compare the cost of staying at home against the cost of moving into a senior living community. You might discover that your money can go a lot further than you think.
If you want more detailed pricing information or help understanding your options, give one of our Senior Living Advisors a call.
Learn the basics you need to know about independent living.
Finding the right independent living community is easy with these helpful tips.
Discover the experiences and amenities you could be enjoying in independent living.