How to Find Affordable Senior Housing

Senior housing is a broad term that applies to various living situations for older individuals. Perhaps your senior loved one is able to remain active, maintain their household, and take care of themselves. Their housing choices will likely differ from those who need regular aid or round-the-clock medical assistance. Location and other factors can affect rates, with costs varying based on location and available amenities.

For an active senior or couple, the median monthly cost for independent living, which does not include medical assistance, is $3,065/month. Let's say your senior needs the help of a home health care aide. According to CareScout's 2024 Cost of Care data, the median monthly cost increases to $6,483. Looking for a nursing home with round-the-clock medical care? A private room will cost a median rate of $10,646/month.

Finding affordable senior housing for a person or couple looking to downsize and avoid home maintenance costs can be challenging. This guide explores some common styles of low-cost housing for seniors to help find a perfect fit for you or your loved one.

Benefits of senior living vary depending on the type of residence. Amenities vary among providers, but the following list covers some upsides of senior housing:

• Safety and Security: Many senior housing facilities feature 24/7 security services, gated entrances, and/or emergency response systems. 
• Social Engagement: Tenants can connect with similarly aged peers in senior housing. Communities may provide social activities, events, and group outings to help you stay engaged and make friends.
• Maintenance-Free Living: Your senior housing will likely offer landscaping assistance and in-home help. You may have access to staff who can help with house cleaning tasks, laundry, or other chores.
• Healthcare Access: Some senior communities offer on-site medical assistance as needed. You may be able to work with staff if you need help with your activities of daily living (ADLs) or for health emergencies. 
• Dining Services: Some senior housing facilities have nutrition and dining services to help you avoid the hassles of cooking and access nutritious meals.
• Transportation: Facilities may offer transportation to medical appointments, shopping, or social activities, allowing you to leave behind the cost of car ownership.
• Customized Care: Some senior housing facilities coexist with assisted living, nursing homes, memory care, and other communities. Transitioning to other types of care or housing can be easier after joining the community.

Finding affordable senior housing can take some research. You may search online, ask friends and neighbors, and look in newspapers and magazines for likely candidates. Once you have identified some options, visit to tour the facilities, meet staff, and ask questions. Consider the following options as you research affordable senior housing providers:

You may be aware of local low-cost senior apartments, but how can you find affordable providers when relocating? Consider the following websites:

• Eldercare Locator: This public service of the government's Administration for Community Living connects you with services for older adults. While the site does not highlight particular residences, it can be a good first stop on your search. Explore contact information for area offices for the aging, resource centers, and other groups that can help point you in the right direction.
• AffordableHousing.com: As the name suggests, this site partners with government agencies to highlight Section 8 rentals and other low-cost housing options. 

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has several housing programs for low-income seniors. They include the following:

• Section 202 Housing: This program provides funding for nonprofit organizations to build and manage housing for low-income seniors aged 62 and older. Find Section 202 properties in your area on the HUD website's map.
• Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Housing: LIHTC offers reduced-rent housing, sometimes with senior-friendly amenities, to low-income and moderate-income renters.
• Housing Choice Voucher Program: Funded by the federal government, Section 8 housing offers vouchers to people whose income does not exceed 50% of the median income for the county or metropolitan area in which the person lives. Recipients can use these vouchers for any housing unit.

Cooperative senior housing, or "senior co-ops," offers properties co-owned by residents in the form of shares in the cooperative. Residents pay a monthly fee to cover taxes, utilities, and maintenance. The residents run the co-op democratically, voting on policies and other matters. 

In some cases, senior co-ops qualify for government subsidies, which can make them more affordable. The National Association of Housing Cooperatives is a good source of information. The Senior Cooperative Foundation website lists properties in some parts of the U.S., including Florida, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. 

An adult family home (AFH) is a small, licensed facility that generally houses up to six residents who may need help with ADLs but do not require nursing home care. You may find these homes in residential neighborhoods, where staff help with laundry, meals, and other activities. 

Some AFHs offer specialized care for people with dementia or other health issues. They are less well known than some other types of senior residences but have existed for about 40 years. Generally, admission regulations, staffing, and other details are standardized at the state level. Online searches and local agencies for the aging can provide information about AFHs in your region.

If you are a senior looking to lower your housing costs, you might consider finding a compatible roommate. Always check references and ensure that any potential roommates are financially stable. 

You don't want to invite unwanted drama or chaos into your home, so it can be a good idea to spend some time with any potential housemate to determine if you share the same values and find them responsible. 

Where do you look for senior housemates? Start by leveraging your network — ask friends and acquaintances if they know anyone looking for housing. One resource that can help you get started is the National Shared Housing Resource Center, which has a directory of state-specific programs to help you find others interested in home sharing.

Many seniors rely on family members when looking for a comfortable and affordable living situation. Adult children or grandchildren may have spare rooms or in-law suites. Perhaps they have or are willing to build a small accessory dwelling unit — a free-standing or attached housing unit on a residential property that may provide just the right space for aging in place. 

Living with family members can provide a flexible situation that may evolve as the senior's needs change, allowing them to maintain their independence while having emotional stability and family nearby as needed. 

In addition, there may be tax benefits available to seniors in some living situations. However, a senior with significant medical needs may present financial, physical, or emotional difficulties for family members, so this should only be a decision taken if all participants are on the same page.

So, how do you pay for senior living? The answer likely differs for everyone. Many seniors pull together living expenses from several sources, while others may have access to savings or investments that cover all housing costs. Here are some common revenue sources to cover costs for affordable senior housing:

• Personal Savings: Retirement savings, such as 401(k) plans, pensions, and IRAs, are often used to pay for affordable senior housing. Investment income such as stocks, bonds, and real estate may also provide revenue.
• Social Security Benefits: If you are 65 or older and spent at least part of your adult years in the workforce, you may receive payments from the Social Security Administration. You can use these funds as you wish, including for housing.
• Veteran's Benefits: If you receive a VA pension, you may use this income as you wish, including for housing costs. In addition, the VA's Aid & Attendance and Housebound Programs may help pay for the care you receive in your home.
• Reverse Mortgage: A reverse mortgage is a lump-sum loan on the equity you've built on your home. At least one spouse or partner must remain in the home, and the loan must be repaid when the home is sold.
• Life Insurance: Selling a life insurance policy may bring in money to cover senior living costs. If you have a permanent policy, such as whole life or universal life, you may also be able to access the policy's cash value.
• Bridge Loans: If your home is on the market but not yet sold, and you need a lump sum payment for your new living situation, a short-term bridge loan may help you cover affordable senior housing costs.
• Nonprofit, Church, and Community Resources: Low-income seniors may source housing vouchers or low-cost housing from non-governmental groups offering subsidized senior housing.
• Long-Term Care Insurance: If the senior is entering an assisted living, memory care, or nursing home residential setting, long-term care insurance may pay monthly benefits. Since every policy is different, however, you'll need to read your policy documents to determine if there is any benefit for the type of housing your senior loved one has chosen.
• Government Sources: HUD has several programs that provide subsidized housing for people with income within certain limits. You may also find state or regional programs that offer housing benefits.

There are many different types of senior living options for older adults, from independent living residences to residential care homes. Finding the right option for your senior requires you to consider their preferences and capabilities to research available options in their region. Government or private sources may offer affordable residential options for low-cost housing for seniors.

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• Bauer, Brandy. (2024). How older adults can get help paying for housing. National Council on Aging
• Cost of care report. (2024). Carescout
• Choosing care in an adult family home or assisted living facility. (2019). Washington State Department of Social & Health Services
• Find your next home. (2025). AffordableHousing.com
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• Homesharing program directory. (2024). National Shared Housing Resource Center 
• Housing america's older adults 2018. (2025). Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University
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• Housing for seniors and persons with disabilities. (n.d.). U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
• Information for senior citizens. (n.d.). U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
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• McCann, Katie. (2024). Senior roommates: The comprehensive guide to shared living for older adults. Azibo.com
• Ujvari, Kathleen, et al. (2021). Adult family care — A viable alternative to nursing homes. American Association of Retired Persons
• What is the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program? (2025). AffordableHousingOnline.com