2026 Guide for Independent Living vs. Assisted Living
Wondering about independent living vs. assisted living? Many older adults and their families face the same questions when planning for retirement or senior housing. Understanding the distinctions — including lifestyle, level of support, services, and factors that affect the overall cost — can help you make an informed decision.
The difference between assisted living and independent living isn’t just in the name; they differ in daily support, social opportunities, amenities, and expenses. Independent living typically offers a maintenance-free lifestyle, while assisted living provides additional care for daily activities.
In this guide, we break down the differences between the two, highlight services and amenities, and help you determine which option may be the best fit for you or your loved one. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of both options so you can confidently choose a community that meets your lifestyle and care needs.
What Is Independent Living for Seniors?
Independent living is a term used to describe housing and a set of services offered in a senior living community setting. Independent living is designed for seniors who are able to live on their own terms, and do not need assistance with daily activities.
Independent living is very similar to living in your current home. You will still have your own private residence and are completely free to spend your days however you choose. The difference is that when you live in an independent living community, your home is designed for you to age comfortably in place and you have access to an array of social opportunities, community services, and amenities.
How Does Independent Living Work?
In independent living, you live in your own residence, which may be a cottage home, townhouse, or apartment home. You’ll also have access to services and amenities, which vary by community type. They’ll likely include recreational services, maintenance, and dining options.
It’s common for communities to ask that residents meet certain health requirements to ensure that they’re able to live safely on their own. In other words, if you have a health condition that requires nursing care or need some assistance with daily activities, independent living would not be the best fit.
How Much Does Independent Living Cost?
There is not a simple answer to this question because costs vary greatly depending on the community you choose. Factors that influence cost include:
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Location: Costs can differ by city or region.
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Services offered: Communities with more amenities and services will generally cost more.
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Contract type: Different payment structures (monthly, fee-for-service, Life Care) affect pricing.
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Community type: Independent living, 55+ communities, and Life Plan Communities have different cost structures.
Monthly fees:
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The average monthly cost for a majority of independent living communities is around $3,239.
- Communities that include more comprehensive services—such as expanded dining, transportation, or wellness programs—typically fall on the higher end of the cost range.
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Communities that offer only the basics generally have lower monthly fees.
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Life Plan Communities (also called Continuing Care Retirement Communities) may have higher monthly fees because they offer access to multiple levels of care on one campus
Entrance fees:
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Some independent living communities with limited services (age-restricted or 55+ communities) may not require an entrance fee.
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Life Plan Communities, which offer independent living along with higher levels of care, typically require an entrance fee.
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According to the AARP, entrance fees for Life Plan Communities can start around $402,000, depending on the contract type, available healthcare services, residence size, and potential refund options.
What Is Assisted Living for Seniors?
Assisted living is for seniors who need some support with activities of daily living (ADLS). It helps residents stay self-sufficient with the help of professional staff members who provide care and services personalized to the individual.
How Does Assisted Living Work?
In assisted living, seniors live in a private residence within a senior living community. They receive assistance with activities of daily living.
Activities of daily living include:
- Dining
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Using the restroom
- Ambulation
In addition to assistance with activities of daily living, older adults in assisted living have access to services and amenities to provide a high quality of life. Those typically include some type of dining program, housekeeping services, maintenance, and social events. Comparing these features in assisted living vs. independent living makes it clear that assisted living provides extra support while still allowing residents to maintain independence and enjoy an active, social community.
How Much Does Assisted Living Cost?
As with independent living, the costs of assisted living vary greatly depending on the community you choose. However, to give you an idea of what assisted living can cost, Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey estimates that the average monthly cost of assisted living in the Chicago area is around $7,040.
Independent Living vs. Assisted Living: A Direct Comparison
| Feature | Independent Living (IL) | Assisted Living (AL) |
|---|---|---|
| Level of Assistance | Minimal to none — residents largely self‑sufficient, do not require help with daily living activities (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, toileting. | Higher level of assistance — support provided for ADLs (bathing, dressing, using the restroom, ambulation) plus supervision of care and living needs. |
| Medical Care | No or minimal medical care included; designed for seniors able to live independently without regular nursing or daily care support. | Medical support and oversight are provided — professional staff, medication management, care plans, and 24‑hour help may be available. |
| Dining | Meals or dining options provided; choice and flexibility; usually restaurant‑style or casual café within the community. | Dining is more structured, may include assistance or monitoring; meals included plus accommodations for special dietary or health‑related needs. |
| Housing | Private residence (cottage, townhouse, or apartment) in a senior‑oriented community — maintenance‑free living with amenities and social services. | Private residence (typically apartment style) within a community where housing is integrated with care services; designed to support greater assistance needs. |
| Social Life | Strong emphasis on an active lifestyle, peer socialization, amenities, recreation, and maintenance‑free living for those independent and active. | Also emphasis on community and social life, but within an environment structured to support residents who need more help; social opportunities combined with care services. |
Independent Living Communities, Assisted Living Communities, and Life Plan Communities: What’s the Difference?
Sometimes it can be difficult to keep all the options for senior housing straight. In this article alone, we’ve referenced independent living communities, assisted living communities, 55+ communities, and Life Plan Communities—and that’s not the end of the list.
To further complicate matters, there can be some overlap in terminology. For example, a 55+ community is considered an independent living community, and so is a Life Plan Community (also known as a Continuing Care Retirement Community). But a Life Plan Community also offers assisted living, even though it’s not called an assisted living community.
Essentially, independent and assisted living can refer either to a level of care offered at a community or the community itself. To help clear things up, though, here is a quick overview of some of the main types of retirement living communities:
- Senior Apartments. Senior apartments refer to independent living apartments that may be subsidized or “affordable.” They do not typically offer many amenities beyond housing designed for seniors.
- Life Plan Communities. A Life Plan Community is a senior living community type that offers tiered lifestyle and healthcare options all on one campus, including independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing. It provides active lifestyle options to older adults through comprehensive services and amenities.
- 55+ Communities. Similar to senior apartment communities, 55+ communities offer housing options to older adults. They do include some lifestyle programming, but not the continuum of care you see in a Life Plan Community.
- Independent Living Communities. Independent living typically refers to a standalone apartment building for adults who are able to live on their own. As mentioned above, communities like Life Plan Communities incorporate independent living into the overall community structure.
- Assisted Living Communities. Assisted Living communities offer help with activities of daily living. As with independent living, a community could offer assisted living only, or offer it as part of the larger continuum of care.
Which Is Right for Me—Independent Living or Assisted Living?
As you’ve explored your options and have a clearer understanding of the difference between assisted living and independent living, you might have begun to have an idea of whether independent living or assisted living is right for you. What it usually comes down to is whether or not you feel comfortable to live on your own with no assistance with daily activities.
If that’s the case, independent living is likely the best fit for you. If you would prefer to have a little assistance but would otherwise like to live the robust lifestyle you’re used to, assisted living could be beneficial. It may not have “independent” in the name, but assisted living offers you the same freedom. The only difference is that you’ll have the necessary support.
At Presbyterian Living, our communities have been supporting older adults for more than 110 years. We would be honored to help you explore your options and find the lifestyle that feels right for you.
Contact us today to speak with a knowledgeable team member or schedule a visit to one of our welcoming communities.
