How to Compare the Costs for Independent Senior Living

Independent senior communities allow people 55 and over the convenience of close living quarters with their peers. Often these communities have communal dining rooms and scheduled entertainment. These seniors still must manage their own finances and day-to-day living expenses. The costs and services associated with independent senior living vary by facility and by region.

Housing Types

• Independent senior living housing options include condominiums, mobile homes, single family homes, duplexes or apartments. These options are available at different rates; in general, the larger and more luxurious the living space, the more expensive it is to live there.

Own or Rent

• Luxurious, high-end senior living communities often require residents to purchase a home and pay a monthly fee for utilities, taxes and services. This fee can be as much as $1,000 to $2,000, and even more in some areas of the country. Less expensive independent senior living communities allow residents to rent units.

Level of Services

• Seniors' monthly fees can cover services such as daily meals, activities, housekeeping, landscaping and transportation. Independent senior living centers with fewer amenities are available at a lower monthly cost.

Level of Security

• Senior communities with 24-hour security guards usually cost more money than those with unmanned fences and gates. Some seniors find extra security extremely comforting and worth the extra cost.