An increasing number of older adults are opting to age in the comfort of their own homes.
In fact, almost 9 in 10 adults want to remain living in their homes and communities as they age. However, less than 1 in 10 U.S. homes are fit to accommodate the mobility needs of older populations, according to a 2023 report from the Administration of Community Living.
It might seem ironic, but transitioning to independent living or assisted living communities may actually be the best way to protect your independence and health in the long term.
Living in an environment that better suits your needs allows you to focus on spending time with loved ones and enjoying hobbies rather than struggling to complete long personal care routines alone or manage household chores.
Independent living and assisted living are primarily available for seniors who don’t need extensive medical care. Learn more about the subtle differences between assisted living versus independent living and whether independent living or assisted living might be a better fit than living on your own.
[Read: What Is Life Like in an Independent Living Community?]
Differences Between Independent Living and Assisted Living
Assisted living and independent living are both community living options for seniors who may no longer prefer to live alone.
There are many reasons for a senior to initially transition to an independent living or assisted living community, including:
— Becoming an empty nester
— Wanting more social interaction or reduced loneliness
— Preferring less home and yard upkeep
However, there are several differences between independent living and assisted living.
1. Living spaces and community design
Independent and assisted living communities balance independence, comfort and care based on the needs of your loved one. However, there are key differences between assisted living and independent living in their community design.
Independent living
Independent living provides a maintenance-free environment, often in the form of apartments or townhomes, for seniors. Seniors who don’t need assistance with activities of daily living, or ADLs, such as bathing, dressing and toileting, are able to live on their own.
Modern designs of independent living communities increasingly emphasize open layouts, central gathering spaces and courtyards to encourage social interaction, adds Heidi Ewen, a nursing associate professor at Binghamton University in New York.
Assisted living
Assisted living, on the other hand, offers different types of rooms in a facility that may resemble a luxury hotel. Common areas include dining rooms and activity rooms. Seniors live in private living quarters, but not separate apartments.
[READ: How to Find the Best Independent Living Community Near You: A Checklist]
2. Levels of care
The levels of care between independent and assisted living are one of the main variations between the two options.
Independent living
Independent living is for adults who can, as the name implies, live independently. These residents do not require support with ADLs, like those mentioned above.
Independent living, however, may offer assistance with some instrumental ADLs, or IADLs, such as:
— Housekeeping and laundry
— Outdoor landscaping and maintenance
— Meal services
— Transportation
For any additional care, “many independent living communities work hand in hand with private-duty home care services to make assistance accessible,” says Brett Koenig, an O’Fallon, Missouri-based managing partner with Senior Living Search Partners.
In some cases, independent living residents may hire their own private-duty nursing staff to ensure they get help with ADLs if they aren’t quite ready to move to assisted living, Koenig adds.
Assisted living
Assisted living communities are the next step up in terms of care; these facilities consistently offer support with ADLs.
Assisted living facilities are licensed with their state and are subject to annual surveys to ensure compliance with nursing and care standards. Many of these communities include specialized memory care units designed for residents with dementia.
“These units often feature secured environments and higher staff-to-resident ratios to support behavioral needs, redirection and safety,” says Marie Grosh, an assistant professor at the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland.
[READ: Who Qualifies for Assisted Living: Eligibility Requirements]
3. Cost
The monthly cost of independent and assisted living varies depending on the community location and amenities.
Independent living
cost of independent living is around $3,000 to $4,000 per month, though costs can vary based on location and types and levels of amenities and services offered.
Koenig says that in the Midwest, for instance, independent living rates start around $2,000 per month for an “all-inclusive” studio, and a one-bedroom apartment starts at around $3,000 to $4,000 per month.
For those who enter independent living at a continuing care retirement community, a kind of one-stop shopping with graduated levels of care on one campus, the cost depends on the type of contract the resident selected when they moved in. For example, upon moving in, residents might pay an entrance fee and monthly fee that includes maintenance, taxes and amenities.
Assisted living
Assisted living typically costs more than independent living due to the additional amenities and medical oversight.
According to Genworth and CareScout’s 2024 Cost of Care Survey, the median cost of assisted living is around $5,900 per month.
Rates, like independent living, vary depending on several factors:
— Resident needs, like requesting a private room
— Room size and style
— Level of luxury and amenities offered, like salons or entertainment
— Geographical location
Koenig adds that assisted living typically starts around $4,000 to $5,000 per month on the low end and rates can increase considerably, from upward of $8,000 to even $10,000 per month in some cases.
“Some communities utilize a flat-rate pricing model, whereas others will have a more tiered system, which can increase or decrease an individual’s rate based on the specific care needs they have,” he notes.
Ewen says her mother-in-law currently lives in a two-bedroom apartment in a combined independent-assisted living facility, and she pays $5,000 per month plus extra for laundry service, medication management and occupational and physical therapy.
| Community Type | Average Cost Per Month Nationwide |
| Independent living | $3,000 to $4,000 |
| Assisted living | $5,900 |
4. Amenities
All assisted living and independent living communities provide amenities, but they vary by location.
Standard amenities you may find at both independent living and assisted living communities may include:
— Recreation areas, such as outdoor spaces, swimming pools or spaces to play games
— Social activities, such as arts and crafts, holiday celebrations or educational classes
— Three nutritious meals per day and, in some facilities, multiple dining options
— Barbershops and beauty salons
Independent living
Because these communities are often designed like apartment complexes, residents can enjoy privacy and autonomy while maintaining access to amenities and social common areas.
Amenities are more minimal in independent living, though residents often create their own social opportunities, from game nights to quilting groups.
Assisted living
Assisted living has the above amenities but will also have additional health care amenities, such as:
— 24/7 caregiving support, like assistance with scheduled medications
— Help with ADLs
— On-site physical, occupational or speech therapists
— Medical providers to round and oversee resident health
Assisted living facilities prioritize more structured social programming. Recreation therapists or activity coordinators host game nights, movie screenings, musical performances and intergenerational events with local schools and universities.
“These offerings are designed not only for entertainment, but also to combat loneliness and support mental well-being,” Ewen says.
5. Family involvement
In both independent and assisted living, families are invited and encouraged to visit their loved ones.
Independent living
Independent living residents have more autonomy to enter and leave the community to visit with family or friends. Residents may also invite loved ones into the community for social events, meals or for a visit in their private quarters.
Assisted living
In assisted living, caregivers, such as nursing assistants or nurses, interact with residents more frequently. Family members will be able to ask for health and mobility updates on their loved ones, such as “How is Mom walking today?” or “Has Dad’s new pain medication been helping?”
Many assisted living communities are still family-oriented, hosting family-centered activities and encouraging families to join during mealtimes or for a daytime visit.
Independent Living vs. Assisted Living
When comparing independent living vs. assisted living, here are the main factors to consider.
| Differentiator | Independent Living | Assisted Living |
| Living spaces and community design | Like townhome communities or detached apartments | Like a luxury hotel |
| Levels of care | Offers assistance with IADLs, such as transportation | Offers consistent support with ADLs |
| Cost | Average $3,000 to $4,000 per month | Average $5,900 per month nationwide but can get up to $8,000 or more depending on location and amenities |
| Amenities | Autonomous social activities, meals, transportation, housekeeping and maintenance available | Structured social activities, on-site caregiving and therapy staff, full-service housekeeping |
| Family involvement | Allows visitors, but seniors have more autonomy to enter and leave the facility | Allows visitors, and staff will have more interaction and updates on health status of seniors living in the community |
How to Decide the Right Level of Senior Care
If you or your loved one is exploring independent living vs. assisted living, consider touring multiple facilities to see which community best meets your loved one’s wants and needs.
When touring the facility, consider the following:
— Geographical location. Is the community close to family and friends who are most likely to visit?
— Tailored activities and amenities. A formerly avid hiker might appreciate walking paths, while a knitter would seek out consistent crafting activities and social events.
— Staff availability. Are staff eager to answer questions and help you and your family feel welcome?
Additionally, a primary care provider can perform a functional assessment to determine how independent your loved one is with their daily activities. Assisted living is a better option if they need more support.
More from U.S. News
Does Using Medicaid Affect Quality of Care in Long-Term Care Facilities?
Eldest Daughter Syndrome and Burnout: Causes, Impacts and Coping Tips
Nursing Homes: A Guide for 2026
Independent Living vs. Assisted Living: What’s the Difference? originally appeared on usnews.com
Update 10/08/25: This story was previously published at an earlier date and has been updated with new information.
