While assisted living communities provide health care services, independent living communities do not. Independent living communities focus on providing a maintenance-free lifestyle and usually offer more amenities and activities than assisted living. Because assisted living communities provide health care services and assistance, they charge more than independent living communities. Both types of communities provide activities that cater to the interests and abilities of their residents.
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Both independent living and assisted living communities offer thoughtfully designed housing, senior-friendly amenities, daily meal plans, and social activities. But there’s one major difference between these senior living options: Assisted living provides seniors help with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing and dressing, while independent living is designed for people who can complete daily tasks without assistance. Both communities cater to residents’ individual needs.
Assisted living communities provide long-term housing and personalized health care services for seniors. Unlike services in independent living, assisted living services are for residents who require some additional support such as medication management, help with personal hygiene tasks, and mobility assistance. Today, more than 1 million Americans reside in assisted living communities.[01]
Assisted living communities provide:
It’s important to ask about the staff-to-resident ratio in a prospective assisted living community. A lower ratio may indicate staff may be more readily available to residents.
Assisted living communities usually have certain health standards for admitting new residents to ensure a person’s medical needs are within the community’s abilities. For example, seniors who require a high level of medical attention, including 24-hour care, may need a different type of living arrangement, such as a nursing home.
Other terms used to refer to assisted living communities include:
The terms “assistance,” “assisted,” or “facility” are a good indication that the community offers minor medical assistance, but not full-time care.
Think of an independent living community as an age-restricted (typically 55+) community that offers additional conveniences. While there may be overlap between independent living and assisted living communities in terms of amenities, independent living usually means that residents are self-sufficient and don’t need hands-on care.
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The nationwide median monthly cost of assisted living in 2024 is $5,190, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data. Comparatively, the nationwide median monthly cost of independent living is $3,145.[02]
It’s important to ask each community about their specific costs and services, as it’s not uncommon for costs to fluctuate annually or monthly. Assisted living and independent living costs depend on many factors, including:
With many factors affecting costs, you can expect a wide range of figures. Get an in-depth look at what senior living costs in your state by viewing A Place for Mom’s 2024 Cost of Long-Term Care and Senior Living report.
When deciding what community is right for your loved one, start by considering both social and medical needs. Do they need assistance with ADLs but want to remain as active as possible? If so, an assisted living community can meet both of those needs. Are they hoping to leave behind trivial chores and live among other active adults who share their interests? Independent living is a good option. Once you identify what’s most important to your loved one, you’ll know which particular community will be the best lifestyle fit.
An assisted living community may be the right decision for seniors who:
An independent living community may be the right decision for retirees who:
The table below compares the biggest differences between assisted living and independent living.
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Whether your loved one needs daily assistance from caregivers or is eager for the freedom of independent living, there are thousands of communities across the country that offer top-notch services and amenities.
Choosing the right senior living community is a big decision, and it’s not to be taken lightly. Sometimes talking through your options can be helpful. A Place for Mom’s Senior Living Advisors can help. They’re well-versed in all types of senior living and offer tailored, local information for your needs. Our service comes at no cost to you or your family.
Optimized by A Place for Mom senior copywriter Rebecca Schier-Akamelu.
Yes, independent living is cheaper than assisted living. This is because independent living communities don’t provide help with personal care tasks, such as bathing or dressing.
The best age to move to assisted living will be different for each person. Since assisted living focuses on providing help with personal care, the best time to move is when you begin to need help with daily tasks.
Since independent living communities don’t provide care, their regulations typically aren’t as strict and are like what you’d find at an apartment complex. Because they offer health care services, assisted living communities follow stricter regulations.
Statista. (2024, September 23). Assisted living in the U.S. – statistics & facts.
A Place for Mom. (2025). Cost of long-term care and senior living.
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