Kansas City is home to over half a million people, with almost 13% in the 65 and older age group. It’s the most populous city in Missouri, famous for its KC-style barbeques and Jazz, where many great players still perform in popular venues, such as The Blue Room inside the American Jazz Museum. The City Market — one of the Midwest’s largest — is popular with seniors who enjoy that style of shopping, and those who prefer mall-type stores gravitate toward Country Club Plaza, a grand high-end retail destination designed in the classic European architecture style.

Seniors who find everyday tasks becoming more difficult may find assisted living is the solution. The facilities offer clean, comfortable accommodations with trained staff to look after their daily needs, such as cooking meals, managing medications and assisting with personal grooming. The typical fee for Kansas City is $4,585 per month, which is high compared to the state median of $3,000 but more in line with the national average of $4,500.

This guide examines the pros and cons of living in Kansas City and compares its assisted living costs with other types of care. It also lists some senior-friendly resources.

Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Kansas City, MO

Senior Star at Wexford Place

6500 North Cosby Avenue, Kansas City, MO, 64151

Senior Star at Wexford Place offers Assisted Living, Independent Living and Memory Care on a beautifully landscaped campus north of Kansas City, Missouri. The community is located near the airport and … (read more)
Senior Star at Wexford Place offers Assisted Living, Independent Living and Memory Care on a beautifully landscaped campus north of Kansas City, Missouri. The community is located near the airport and … (read more)

2016, 2021, 2022

The Gardens at Barry Road

8300 NW Barry Rd, Kansas City, MO, 64153

The Gardens at Barry Road was very nice and I liked how airy it was. It was quite clean and it smelled good. It looked like it was run very well. The apartment looked nice and clean. It had a mini fri … (read more)
The Gardens at Barry Road was very nice and I liked how airy it was. It was quite clean and it smelled good. It looked like it was run very well. The apartment looked nice and clean. It had a mini fri … (read more)
Get Pricing See Details
2016, 2021, 2022

2018, 2020, 2022

Senior Star at Villa Ventura

12100 Wornall Rd., Kansas City, MO, 64145

The Senior Star at Villa Ventura is an assisted living facility in Kansas City, Missouri. Both residents and family members adore the staff and appreciate their willingness to help. The senior residen … (read more)
The Senior Star at Villa Ventura is an assisted living facility in Kansas City, Missouri. Both residents and family members adore the staff and appreciate their willingness to help. The senior residen … (read more)
Get Pricing See Details
2018, 2020, 2022

Brookdale Wornall Place

501 West 107th St, Kansas City, MO, 64114

Brookdale Wornall Place is a well-run assisted living facility in Kansas City, Missouri. Residents can’t say enough about the long list of available amenities, including a pub and card room, all-day d … (read more)
Brookdale Wornall Place is a well-run assisted living facility in Kansas City, Missouri. Residents can’t say enough about the long list of available amenities, including a pub and card room, all-day d … (read more)

Armour Oaks Senior Living

8100 Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO, 64114

Armour Oaks Senior Living is located in a peaceful neighborhood just outside of Kansas City, MO. Guests have access to a fitness room, book club, religious services and cooking classes. Further amenit … (read more)
Armour Oaks Senior Living is located in a peaceful neighborhood just outside of Kansas City, MO. Guests have access to a fitness room, book club, religious services and cooking classes. Further amenit … (read more)

Tiffany Springs Senior Living Community

9101 N Ambassador Dr, Kansas City, MO, 64154

I did a tour of Tiffany Springs Senior Living Community. Accessing the facility was difficult. You had to come in from the south, and then you had to go out to the north. You had to go way around seve … (read more)
I did a tour of Tiffany Springs Senior Living Community. Accessing the facility was difficult. You had to come in from the south, and then you had to go out to the north. You had to go way around seve … (read more)

Anthology of Burlington Creek

6311 N. Cosby Avenue, Kansas City, MO, 64151

I went to look at Anthology of Burlington Creek. It seemed very clean and very pleasant. It was a lot bigger than the other facility. The people were very nice. They have a little theater room, so the … (read more)
I went to look at Anthology of Burlington Creek. It seemed very clean and very pleasant. It was a lot bigger than the other facility. The people were very nice. They have a little theater room, so the … (read more)

The Madison Senior Living

14001 Madison Ave, Kansas City, MO, 64145

As MO/KAN’s newest border community, The Madison is an exciting neighborhood filled with people who know how to enjoy life. Featuring independent living, assisted living, and memory care, it’s a c … (read more)
As MO/KAN’s newest border community, The Madison is an exciting neighborhood filled with people who know how to enjoy life. Featuring independent living, assisted living, and memory care, it’s a c … (read more)

Anthology of The Plaza

2 Emanuel Cleaver Blvd., Kansas City, MO, 64112

My experience at Anthology of the Plaza was great. It was excellent. Everyone was friendly. It was a beautiful place inside and outside. There was nice architecture. The situation where it’s located w … (read more)
My experience at Anthology of the Plaza was great. It was excellent. Everyone was friendly. It was a beautiful place inside and outside. There was nice architecture. The situation where it’s located w … (read more)

Addington Place of Shoal Creek

9601 North Tullis Drive, Kansas City, MO, 64157

Addington Place of Shoal Creek is located just a short drive from Hodge Park and the Shoal Creek Golf Course in Kansas City, Missouri. Residents visiting their loved ones appreciate its beautiful, coz … (read more)
Addington Place of Shoal Creek is located just a short drive from Hodge Park and the Shoal Creek Golf Course in Kansas City, Missouri. Residents visiting their loved ones appreciate its beautiful, coz … (read more)

St. Anthony’s Senior Living

1010 East 68th Street, Kansas City, MO, 64131

Amazing community with the most attentive staff. My aunt loves it here and the food is excellent!
Amazing community with the most attentive staff. My aunt loves it here and the food is excellent!

Benton House of Tiffany Springs

5901 NW 88th Street, Kansas City, MO, 64154

Benton House of Tiffany Springs is an assisted living and memory care facility nestled in Kansas City’s Tiffany Springs neighborhood, close to I-29, MO-152 and numerous shopping centers and parks. Vis … (read more)
Benton House of Tiffany Springs is an assisted living and memory care facility nestled in Kansas City’s Tiffany Springs neighborhood, close to I-29, MO-152 and numerous shopping centers and parks. Vis … (read more)

The Oxford Grand Assisted Living & Memory Care – Kansas City

8280 N. Tullis Ave., Kansas City, MO, 64158

The Oxford Grand at Shoal Creek is a picturesque facility in Kansas City, Missouri conveniently located just off of Highway 152. Visitors remark on the meticulously landscaped grounds that offer a sen … (read more)
The Oxford Grand at Shoal Creek is a picturesque facility in Kansas City, Missouri conveniently located just off of Highway 152. Visitors remark on the meticulously landscaped grounds that offer a sen … (read more)

McCrite Plaza at Briarcliff

1201-1301 NW Tullison Road, Kansas City, MO, 64116


Glennon Place Apartments

128 North Hardesty Ave, Kansas City, MO, 64123

Glennon Place Apartments is located in a tree-lined neighborhood in the northwest corner of Kansas City, Missouri. Tucked between Interstates 435, 70, 35 and 29, it has easy access to local restaurant … (read more)
Glennon Place Apartments is located in a tree-lined neighborhood in the northwest corner of Kansas City, Missouri. Tucked between Interstates 435, 70, 35 and 29, it has easy access to local restaurant … (read more)

Primrose Retirement Community of Kansas City

8559 North Line Creek, Kansas City, MO, 64154

Nestled in a suburban corner of Kansas City, Missouri, Primrose Retirement Community of Kansas City is close to golf courses, retail centers and the University of Kansas Hospital. Residents’ relatives … (read more)
Nestled in a suburban corner of Kansas City, Missouri, Primrose Retirement Community of Kansas City is close to golf courses, retail centers and the University of Kansas Hospital. Residents’ relatives … (read more)

SummitView Terrace

12101 East Bannister Road, Kansas City, MO, 64138

SummitView Terrace is a senior assisted care facility in Lee’s Summit, just outside Kansas City, Missouri. Both residents and visitors mention the cozy hometown feeling of this smaller community. The … (read more)
SummitView Terrace is a senior assisted care facility in Lee’s Summit, just outside Kansas City, Missouri. Both residents and visitors mention the cozy hometown feeling of this smaller community. The … (read more)

Saint Luke’s Bishop Spencer Place

4301 MADISON AVENUE, Kansas City, MO, 64111

The staff does not sanitize their hands when coming into or going out of the room. They don’t even do that when they serve the food. Because of that my dad got influenza A (the worst kind) and had to … (read more)
The staff does not sanitize their hands when coming into or going out of the room. They don’t even do that when they serve the food. Because of that my dad got influenza A (the worst kind) and had to … (read more)

Waterford South – CLOSED

11515 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO, 64131

Located less than two miles from Interstate 435, Waterford South is set in an idyllic location next to the scenic Minor Park Golf Course. It’s a short drive from top-rated medical centers, shopping ma … (read more)
Located less than two miles from Interstate 435, Waterford South is set in an idyllic location next to the scenic Minor Park Golf Course. It’s a short drive from top-rated medical centers, shopping ma … (read more)

Kansas City Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing

12942 Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO, 64145

Corner Brook Place is located in Kansas City, Missouri, home to the American Jazz Museum, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and the Crown Center. Residents and visitors give high marks to the 180-bed fa … (read more)
Corner Brook Place is located in Kansas City, Missouri, home to the American Jazz Museum, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and the Crown Center. Residents and visitors give high marks to the 180-bed fa … (read more)

COVID-19 Rules for Assisted Living in Kansas City

Since most COVID-19 rules for Assisted Living Communities and other Senior Living Facilities are set at the state level, you can view the specific rules for your state on our Guide to Assisted Living in Missouri. Keep in mind that every community has specific policies that they put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.

What to Consider About Assisted Living in Kansas City

The Section for Long-Term Care Services within the Department of Health and Senior Services issues licenses to assisted living facilities that satisfy licensing requirements. These include a valid fire safety certificate, appropriate insurance and adherence to all health and safety regulations. The department also certifies suitable facilities so they can accept Medicare/Medicaid beneficiaries.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Kansas City

  • The average cost of living index for Kansas City of 86.2 is slightly above the state figure of 85.9, which suggests overall costs are a little higher than normal. However, not all, as the city’s health care cost index of 94.5 is notably lower than Missouri’s average of 97.6, which suggests seniors pay less for medical care in Kansas City.
  • Kansas City has a continental climate, with chilly winter temperatures of around 20 degrees and pleasantly warm summers of approximately 89 degrees. Thunderstorms are common in spring and summer, but the city’s annual rainfall is only 4 inches more than the national mean of 38. Snowfall is typically 15 inches every year, so seniors will need to take care in winter, but there are also 215 sunny days annually — 10 more than the national average.
  • The Kansas City metro area is in the 32nd percentile for safety, which means 32% of the country’s metro areas are statistically more likely to have higher rates of crime. Within the city, the chances of being a victim of crime range from 1 in 17 in the center to 1 in 48 in the southeast neighborhoods, where crime is least common. Several factors can reduce the chances of being a victim of crime, such as the surveillance cameras and security equipment often installed in assisted living facilities. 
  • Seniors in Kansas City can choose from many high-performing hospitals, several of which have national reputations for excellence. The University of Kansas Hospital specializes in heart care, transplants, vascular medicine and neurosurgery. St. Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City is admired for its treatments concerning Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, hearing loss and Parkinson’s disease. 
  • Jackson County residents aged 60 and older can schedule low-cost rides through OATS Transit. Fares differ between cities, ranging from $1 to $3 per one-way trip. Kansas City seniors in Clay County can get transportation for necessary journeys anywhere within a 50-mile radius for $7 per one-way trip or $10 if they require a wheelchair lift.

Paying for Assisted Living in Kansas City

Average assisted living rates in Kansas City exceed the state median of $3,000 by another $1,585 per month, which Missourians may need to factor into their decisions if the city is on their shortlist. However, because the national average is $4,500, seniors relocating from other states may not notice such a spike in their costs.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities

Kansas City is the most expensive city for assisted living in Missouri, with St. Louis, at $4,100, being the only other in the state with monthly fees greater than $4,000. It’s more common to see costs between the $2,800 average paid in Columbia and the $3,875 charged in St. Joseph.

$4585

Kansas City

$3000

Missouri

$4500

The United States

$3875

St. Joseph

$2800

Columbia

$4100

St. Louis

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care

Assisted living can be a cost-effective solution for seniors needing daily assistance. At $4,585, it’s less expensive than homemaker and home health aide services, both of which typically charge $4,957 per month, with seniors still having to factor home maintenance costs into their calculations. Nursing home care is even more expensive, at $6,464 for a semiprivate room and another $1,444 needed for a private one. The least costly choice is adult day care, where charges average $1,733; although there may be additional costs, such as transport.

$4957

Homemaker Services

$4957

Home Health Aide

$1733

Adult Day Health Care

$4585

Assisted Living Facility

$6464

Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room)

$7908

Nursing Home Facility (private room)

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Kansas City

Missouri has a Supplemental Nursing Care (SNC) program for eligible seniors to help cover the costs of assisted living. There may be other financial assistance programs available through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in Missouri page.

Paying for Assisted Living Facilities in Missouri

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 Missouri page.

Free Assisted Living Resources in Kansas City

Seniors in Kansas City can get help from many nonprofits dedicated to making their lives easier. The resources listed here support veterans, help disabled adults get affordable medical devices and advocate for seniors in assisted living facilities with complaints about their care providers.

Resource

Contact

Service

(816) 474-4240

The purpose of the Missouri Long-Term Ombudsman Program is to support seniors in residential care facilities, help them understand their rights and seek to resolve issues with their care providers through counseling, negotiation and investigation. The ombudsman always advocates for the resident and never charges for its services. Seniors looking for information about assisted living facilities in Kansas City can request copies of inspection reports so they can make more informed decisions. 

(913) 371-5306

RSVP is a national AmeriCorps Seniors program administered locally by United Way of Greater Kansas City. It's for adults aged 55 and older who want to volunteer their time and accrued skills and experience to help others in the community. RSVP connects volunteers with nonprofits in and around Kansas City, provides training when necessary and handles some administrative tasks, such as arranging free insurance for volunteers against accidents and liabilities while they work. Voluntary activities vary and may include teaching children, helping out in food pantries and supporting frail seniors.

(816) 753-1866

The Kansas City Vet Center provides social and psychological services to eligible veterans and their families. Its counselors, many of whom are vets themselves, counsel people who have experienced traumatic events, such as a family bereavement and PTSD. They can also help vets cope with psychological issues that don't have an obvious cause, such as depression. If a vet requires help applying for state and federal benefits, the center can refer them to Veterans Affairs, and if their needs are medical, the VA Kansas City Healthcare System.

(816) 655-6700

Missouri Assistive Technology is a state-sponsored program that works with organizations throughout the state to provide seniors with low or no-cost medical equipment. In Kansas City, it works with Accessibility Medical, a provider of devices that also administers a recycle and reuse program to make it easier for seniors to get the equipment they need. The program also operates the Equipment Technology Consortium, which provides free short-term loans of devices for seniors to try and compare before deciding to purchase.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Kansas City

Kansas City Assisted Living Communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all Assisted Living Facilities in Missouri are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in Missouri page for more information about these laws

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Missouri