How Much Does Independent Living Cost?

It’s hard to put a price tag on your quality of life, but the cost of living is an important factor when considering an independent living community. The good news is there are plenty of ways to afford senior living communities, and it just might be more affordable than you think.

Because every community and every senior is a little different, the price can vary depending on factors like apartment style and choice of services. With options of apartment styles and locations, you're likely to find something that fits you — and your budget.

The Cost of Senior Living vs. Staying at Home

Making the leap to senior living is a big decision, and it’s important to weigh all the pros and cons. Should you stay at home? Is it time to move into a community? More importantly, can you even afford it?

The most common reason people waiver on making the move is that they don’t think they can justify the cost. The reality is that living in a community does cost money, but living at home is pretty expensive too. You may be surprised to learn just how much you spend on your everyday life.

The necessities alone add up to around $24,000 a year, and that doesn’t even take into consideration things like housekeeping, laundry, restaurants, entertainment, unexpected expenses and going on vacation. So even if staying at home sounds like it will be less expensive, it’s worth your time to consider the actual cost.

What Am I Paying For at an Independent Living Community?

Independent living is a great option for seniors who want to enjoy the freedom of life without the hassle of things like cleaning, cooking and maintaining a home. It's a vacation-style, carefree environment that gives you the opportunity to do more of the things you love.

Here are just a few things you could enjoy when you make your home at an independent living community: *

• A number of free activities helping your entertainment budget go further every single month
• A home-like living space with some safety features, making sure you have time to enjoy your hobbies
• Fresh daily meals giving you the energy you need to make the most of your day
• A staff that's available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to be alerted to an emergency
• Low property maintenance, giving you the chance to enjoy home sweet home without any of the upkeep
• Housekeeping and laundry, so you can spend less time dealing with chores and more time doing the things you love

Want to know 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.}