
9 Assisted Living Facilities near Iowa City, IA
Also serving communities of Lone Tree.
There are 9 Assisted Living Facilities in the Iowa City area, with 6 in Iowa City and 3 nearby.
The average cost of assisted living in Iowa City is $3,623 per month. This is higher than the national median of $3,500. Cheaper nearby regions include North Liberty with an average starting cost of $3,200.
To help you with your search, browse the 24 reviews below for assisted living facilities in Iowa City. On average, consumers rate assisted living in Iowa City 4.2 out of 5 stars. Better rated regions include North Liberty with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars.
Caring.com has helped thousands of families find high-quality senior care. To speak with one of our Family Advisors about assisted living options and costs in Iowa City, call (855) 863-8283.
Top 5 Assisted Living Facilities in Iowa City, IA
Bickford of Iowa City
Legacy Retirement Community
Oaknoll
Emerson Point
Melrose Meadows Retirement Community
Keystone Place at Forevergreen
Brown Deer Place
Country View
What to Consider About Assisted Living in Iowa City
Iowa City, home of the University of Iowa, is the sixth largest city in Iowa with a population of 72,385. There are more than a dozen assisted living facilities located in the Iowa City area, with six in the city proper and an additional seven facilities in the surrounding region. In Iowa City, as in the rest of the state, assisted living facilities are divided into two categories, depending on the level of care and supervision they provide: assisted living programs and residential care programs. Both types of facilities are licensed and monitored by the Department of Inspections and Appeals, Health Facilities Division.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Iowa City
- Iowa City has a fairly low crime rate, which may provide peace of mind for seniors and their families. The overall crime rate is 3 percent lower than the state average and 18 percent lower than the national average. The rate of violent crime here is 10 percent lower than the state average and 32 percent lower than the national average, and the rate of property crime is 2 percent lower than the Iowa average and 16 percent lower than the U.S. average.
- The climate in Iowa City can be harsh, with chilly, snowy winters making it difficult for seniors to be out and about. The July high in this city is 85 degrees, and the January low is 13 degrees. The city receives about 27 inches of snow and 36 inches of rain, and it rates 36 out of 100 on Sperling’s Comfort Index, compared to the national average of 54 out of 100.
- The cost of living in Iowa City is slightly higher than the U.S. average. Seniors can expect to pay 5 percent more on transportation and 3 percent more on miscellaneous expenses than they would in other U.S. cities, though health care costs are about 4 percent less.
- In Iowa City, seniors do not pay a tax on their Social Security benefits, and the state provides a deduction for other types of retirement income. This may leave more money in a senior’s assisted living budget.
- The Iowa City area is home to world-class medical facilities, including University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and Mercy Iowa City, in the event of medical emergencies or illness.
- Iowa City has an array of community resources for seniors, including the Elder Services, Inc., an organization that provides medical transportation, nutrition services and other programs and resources for seniors, as well as two senior centers.
Paying for Assisted Living in Iowa City
Average Monthly Costs
Cities in Iowa
Assisted Living costs in Iowa City start around $4,106 per month on average, while the nationwide average cost of assisted living is $4,000 per month, according to the latest figures from Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey.
It’s important to note that assisted living rates in Iowa City and the surrounding suburbs can vary widely based on factors such as location, the level of care needed, apartment size and the types of amenities offered at each community.
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Iowa City
Low-income seniors in Iowa City may be able to receive financial aid to cover assisted living through the Medicaid 1915 (c) Elderly Waiver program. Additionally, seniors who receive Supplemental Security Income may also receive the optional state supplement to help cover their living expenses if they reside in a residential care facility.
Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in Iowa page.


More Ways to Pay for Assisted Living
While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:
- Veterans Benefits
- Life Insurance Policy
- Long-Term Care Insurance
- Reverse Mortgage
For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in Iowa page.
Free Assisted Living Resources in Iowa City
Iowa City and the surrounding area are home to numerous government agencies and non-profit organizations offering help for seniors searching for or currently residing in an assisted living community. These organizations can also provide assistance in a number of other eldercare services such as geriatric care management, elder law advice, estate planning, finding home care and health and wellness programs.
To see a list of free assisted living resources in Iowa City, please visit our Assisted Living in Iowa page.
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Iowa City
Iowa City-area assisted living communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all assisted living communities in Iowa are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in Iowa page for more information about these laws.


Assisted Living near Iowa City, IA
Other Options in Iowa City, IA
Recent Reviews of Assisted Living in Iowa City
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Review of Bickford of Iowa City
Bickford of Iowa City has a lot of good activities. They have good staff and wonderful nurses. They just finished redoing the grounds. It's more expensive. The food and cleanliness are good. Read more
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Review of Emerson Point
i am in the process of moving my loved one in there today. my husband was with me. we accidently used the side door to move in and out of easier. we were yelled by a staff member and she was very m... Read more
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Review of Melrose Meadows Retirement Community
I found Melrose Meadows Retirement Community to be very nice, light, and pleasant. One of the nicest things was the pool. The dining room and everything that was presented was very nice. The staff ... Read more
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