Arizona has long been a hot spot for retirees with its sunny climate, low humidity and abundance of golf courses, spas and resorts. Phoenix is Arizona’s largest metropolitan area with 1.6 million residents, and seniors make up about 18% of the state’s total population of 7.2 million. Residents across the state enjoy a reasonable cost of living that’s just 2.2% higher than the national average. Essentials, such as groceries and health care, are particularly affordable.

Retirees who are looking for a more relaxed lifestyle that gives them an opportunity to enjoy all that the state has to offer may consider moving to an independent living facility. These communities provide secure age-restricted accommodations that include maintenance and value-added recreational activities. In most cases, seniors have the option to transition to assisted living if their needs change. The average cost of independent living in Arizona is $2,535 per month, although this may vary depending on the location, amenities and accommodations.

This guide provides information about average independent living prices in Arizona, as well as popular payment methods and government-sponsored programs that serve seniors.

The Cost of Independent Living in Arizona

Note: Using the 2021 Genworth Financial Cost of Care Survey as a basis, we calculated the average cost of Independent Living by subtracting 35% from the average cost of Assisted Living. We did this because universal cost data doesn’t exist for Independent Living, and this type of senior care is usually 30-40% cheaper than Assisted Living.

While the average cost of Independent Living in Arizona is lower than the national average by $325 per month, it lands about in the middle when compared to the costs of surrounding states. California, Colorado and New Mexico all have higher Independent Living costs, at an average of $3,413, $3,088 and $2,924, respectively. Alternately, Nevada’s state average of $2,438 is lower than Arizona’s as is Utah’s average of $2,275. 

$2600

Arizona

$2925

The United States

$3413

California

$3088

Colorado

$2924

New Mexico

$2438

Nevada

$2275

Utah

When comparing Independent Living costs in the bigger, more popular cities in Arizona, many of them had a higher average compared to the state’s overall average. Flagstaff’s average was higher by $650, Lake Havasu City was higher by $455 and Prescott Valley was higher by $325. While Tucson’s average was close at just $33 higher, Phoenix’s average was lower by $16, and Yuma’s was lower by $130. 

$3250

Flagstaff

$3055

Lake Havasu City

$2925

Prescott Valley

$2633

Tucson

$2584

Phoenix

$2470

Yuma

Independent Living works well for seniors who don’t require additional care. It’s the lowest cost option, at $2,600, except for Adult Day Health Care, which runs $2,012 but doesn’t offer a residential setting. Assisted Living is the next level up from Independent Living and costs an average of $4,000 in Arizona, and Nursing Home Care is the highest level and averages $8,030 for a private room or $6,540 for a shared one. Seniors can also opt to receive care at home with In-Home Care averaging $2,102 and Home Health Care averaging $5,434. 

$2600

Independent Living

$4000

Assisted Living

$2102

Adult Day Health Care

$5339

In-Home Care

$5434

Home Health Care

$6540

Nursing Home Care (semiprivate room)

$8030

Nursing Home Care (private room)

Can You Use Medicare or Medicaid to Pay for Independent Living in Arizona?

Unfortunately, you cannot use Medicaid and Medicare to help pay the monthly fee for residing in an Independent Living community. For seniors who need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), there may be financial assistance programs available to help cover the cost of care in Independent Living. For more information about financial assistance for those who need a higher level of care, read our guide to Assisted Living in Arizona.

Read on for more information about using alternative means to make Independent Living more affordable, such as retirement funds, the sale of a home, etc.

Paying for Independent Living in Arizona

Paying for independent living is slightly different than assisted living or in-home care since providers offer accommodations but not direct personal assistance. Typically, accommodations must be paid for privately using funds from retirement accounts, pensions or a reverse mortgage. If seniors need help with meal preparation, errands or transportation and can receive these services in an independent living community, long-term care insurance can help. Medicare may also pay for some health care services provided in a residential setting. For more details, see our guide to independent living.

Independent Living Resources in Arizona

Seniors in Arizona have access to a variety of free government-sponsored resources related to independent living and long-term care. The following organizations can help seniors identify local services and create a plan for healthy aging.

Resource
Contact
Service
(602) 542-4446
The Arizona Department of Economic Security manages the state’s Division of Aging and Adult Services, which sponsors a number of programs designed to promote healthy, independent aging. These include home-delivered meals, USDA-backed nutritional assistance, legal advice, elder abuse prevention and family caregiver supports. Seniors may also qualify for home- and community-based services through Medicare or Medicaid.
(928) 298-2574
Arizona has eight Area Agencies on Aging, including the Inter-Tribal Council of Arizona, that serve seniors and disabled adults in designated geographic regions. These signposting agencies direct seniors and caregivers to government programs and service providers in their communities. Its areas of focus include in-home care, transportation, nutrition, chronic disease management and supports for unpaid caregivers. These services are available to residents aged 60 and older and those who require a nursing home level of care but want to live independently in the community.
(602) 542-6454 ext. 9
The state’s long-term care ombudsman can help seniors who are planning to move to an independent or assisted living facility make informed decisions about their options. It works with current and prospective long-term care residents to help them understand their rights and form family councils or other advocacy groups. The ombudsman program also provides a forum where residents can voice concerns about the quality of care they’re receiving.
(866) 429-8387
Be Connected is an information and referral service that assists veterans and their family members. Counselors can help residents access local and federal benefits, such as health care, psychological services, transportation and pensions. Residents who have served in the military or have a service-related disability may qualify for additional benefits, such as tax breaks. Funds from some of these programs are intended to support individuals who require personal care or assistance from home health aides.
(800) 432-4040
This free service provides answers to all types of Medicare-related questions. It helps with plan comparisons, coverage information and financial benefits that can reduce premiums and prescription drug costs. The Division of Aging and Adult Services also manages the state’s Senior Medicare Patrol, which helps seniors detect and report billing errors to prevent fraud and reduce unnecessary health care spending.
(602) 534-7436
Founded in 1990, the Arizona Senior Center Association is dedicated to enhancing the quality of the state’s senior community centers and the services they provide. It represents facilities, administrators and volunteers. These organizations offer recreational activities, travel opportunities, low-cost meals and social services, such as safe driving courses and referrals to government agencies.

COVID-19 Rules for Independent Living in Arizona

The following information is based on research done on several government websites, including azdhs.gov/covid19. These rules apply to Independent Living Communities and other types of senior living facilities. We’ve most recently updated this data on 2/2/2022, but since COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving pandemic, contact your local senior living facility or Area Agency on Aging for more specific and up-to-date information.

Visitation Policies

Rules for Arizona Communities

Are loved ones allowed to visit to provide emotional support?

Yes (Conditions Apply)

Are relatives allowed to visit for end-of-life care?

Yes

Are residents required to quarantine after visiting with a loved one?

No

Are visitors required to wear PPE (including masks) in order to visit residents?

Yes

Are non-medical contractors (such as hairdressers and entertainers) allowed in senior living facilities?

Not Available*

Are visitors checked for elevated temperatures?

Yes

Are visitors required to answer questions about health, travel, and potential virus contact?

Yes

*Note: This information was not available for this state, contact your local area agency on aging or senior living facility for more information.

Outings & Social Activities

Rules for Arizona Communities

Are residents allowed to leave (errands, visiting family, etc.) for non-medical reasons?

Yes (Conditions Apply)

Are residents who leave required to quarantine when they return?

No (Conditions Apply)

Are senior living communities required to cancel all group outings?

No

Are residents allowed to eat meals together in a common area?

Yes

Are residents allowed to gather in common areas for group activites?

Yes

COVID-19 Safety Measures for Staff and Residents

Rules for Arizona Communities

Are staff members regularly required to do a temperature check?

Yes

Are staff members regularly tested for COVID-19?

Yes

Are staff members members regularly required to do a health and safety screening, including questions about travel, contact with positive cases, etc?

Yes

Are residents regularly screened for COVID-19 symptoms?

Yes

Are residents regularly checked for elevated temperatures?

Yes

Are residents regularly tested for COVID-19?

Yes

Find Independent Living Communities in Arizona

Use the tool below to find Independent Living Communities near you – if you’d like to search in a specific city in Arizona, simply put that in the search bar below.

Directory of Independent Living Communities in Phoenix, AZ

Holiday Madison Meadows

7211 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ, 85020

Holiday Madison Meadows was nice. I liked it. The staff were very nice, very courteous, and attentive to our questions. They really answered them very well so you can understand them. The size and the … (read more)
Holiday Madison Meadows was nice. I liked it. The staff were very nice, very courteous, and attentive to our questions. They really answered them very well so you can understand them. The size and the … (read more)

2020

Park Terrace at Greenway

2577 West Greenway Road, Phoenix, AZ, 85023

I would have liked to know that they were going to cut back on food and that you would have to wait 45-60 minutes to get your food. The weekly cleaning is acceptable at best, if there is one little t … (read more)
I would have liked to know that they were going to cut back on food and that you would have to wait 45-60 minutes to get your food. The weekly cleaning is acceptable at best, if there is one little t … (read more)

2014

Brookdale Central Paradise Valley

13240 North Tatum Boulevard, Phoenix, AZ, 85032

Located in Phoenix, Arizona, Brookdale Central Paradise Valley is close to Desert Botanical Garden, Kierland Commons Shopping Center and the Stonecreek Golf Club. Visitors give high marks to the facil … (read more)
Located in Phoenix, Arizona, Brookdale Central Paradise Valley is close to Desert Botanical Garden, Kierland Commons Shopping Center and the Stonecreek Golf Club. Visitors give high marks to the facil … (read more)

La Siena

909 East Northern Avenue, Phoenix, AZ, 85020

La Siena is a great place to live. The staff is very friendly and quickly learns your name. Everyone strives to make sure you get what you need and are very attentive.
La Siena is a great place to live. The staff is very friendly and quickly learns your name. Everyone strives to make sure you get what you need and are very attentive.

The Manor Village at Desert Ridge

5560 E. Deer Valley Drive, Phoenix, AZ, 85054


LifeStream at North Phoenix

20802 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, AZ, 85024

We toured LifeStream at North Phoenix, and they had a wonderful staff. The facility was well laid out. You had to drive and walk to go to the dining room. They were patio homes with adjoining walls, a … (read more)
We toured LifeStream at North Phoenix, and they had a wonderful staff. The facility was well laid out. You had to drive and walk to go to the dining room. They were patio homes with adjoining walls, a … (read more)

The Palazzo

6250 N 19th Ave, Phoenix, AZ, 85015

It is very impressive. The place is very good, very clean, and very pretty, and the staff is excellent. It’s beautiful and they offer a lot of amenities. The prices are excellent. They have full kitch … (read more)
It is very impressive. The place is very good, very clean, and very pretty, and the staff is excellent. It’s beautiful and they offer a lot of amenities. The prices are excellent. They have full kitch … (read more)

Fellowship Square Phoenix

2002 W Sunnyside Ave, Phoenix, AZ, 85029

The room that Fellowship Square Phoenix had wasn’t as large as it was at other facilities that I saw. They were big enough to where you can put a king-sized bed in it, but I have a California king siz … (read more)
The room that Fellowship Square Phoenix had wasn’t as large as it was at other facilities that I saw. They were big enough to where you can put a king-sized bed in it, but I have a California king siz … (read more)


Clarendale Arcadia

3233 East Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ, 85018


Biltmore Care Home

3532 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ, 85018


2018

Mountain Park Senior Living

4475 E. Knox Road, Phoenix, AZ, 85044

Situated near Ahwatukee Hills in Phoenix, Arizona, Mountain Park Senior Living is a pet-friendly community offering assisted living and memory care to those 55 and over. Residents and their loved ones … (read more)
Situated near Ahwatukee Hills in Phoenix, Arizona, Mountain Park Senior Living is a pet-friendly community offering assisted living and memory care to those 55 and over. Residents and their loved ones … (read more)

2020

Sagewood

4555 East Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ, 85050

The residents and staff at Sagewood are great. Everyone we have met here goes out of their way to be friendly, welcoming and helpful. It feels like we have known them for a lot longer than the short … (read more)
The residents and staff at Sagewood are great. Everyone we have met here goes out of their way to be friendly, welcoming and helpful. It feels like we have known them for a lot longer than the short … (read more)

2012

Beatitudes Campus

1610 W Glendale Avenue, Phoenix, AZ, 85021

We are just approaching our fourth year here at Beatitudes. We were going to wait another two years before moving in, but I am glad we moved in now. I was very sedentary before moving in. Since I’v … (read more)
We are just approaching our fourth year here at Beatitudes. We were going to wait another two years before moving in, but I am glad we moved in now. I was very sedentary before moving in. Since I’v … (read more)

Zen Senior Living

11645 North 25th Place, Phoenix, AZ, 85028

My mother is in Zen Senior Living. It’s independent living so they don’t have any assistance of any kind; it’s just for 55 and over. They’ve got a nice clubhouse, activities for them to do, they have … (read more)
My mother is in Zen Senior Living. It’s independent living so they don’t have any assistance of any kind; it’s just for 55 and over. They’ve got a nice clubhouse, activities for them to do, they have … (read more)

Amber Pointe Apartments

4625 S 7th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ, 85041

I like Amber Pointe Apartments. The lady that runs this place is here on Mondays and Thursdays. I can get along with her well and she seems to be nice and friendly. The place is pretty neat. It’s got … (read more)
I like Amber Pointe Apartments. The lady that runs this place is here on Mondays and Thursdays. I can get along with her well and she seems to be nice and friendly. The place is pretty neat. It’s got … (read more)

Phoenix Manor

2636 North 41st Avenue, Phoenix, AZ, 85009

I visited Phoenix Manor for myself and my husband. It was very clean, very friendly, and it had everything we needed. The staff was really friendly, and very helpful. Everything looked really good, an … (read more)
I visited Phoenix Manor for myself and my husband. It was very clean, very friendly, and it had everything we needed. The staff was really friendly, and very helpful. Everything looked really good, an … (read more)

Clearwater Ahwatukee

15815 S 50th Street, Phoenix, AZ85048, Phoenix, AZ, 85048

They gave me a tour and I ate lunch there. The food was OK. I saw the size of the different bedrooms and I saw the people. The rooms are all the same.
They gave me a tour and I ate lunch there. The food was OK. I saw the size of the different bedrooms and I saw the people. The rooms are all the same.

The Revello

1600 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ, 85015

I toured The Revello, and what I liked most was the pricing was very reasonable. The unit was nicely updated. The staff was friendly and helpful. The amenities they had were nice. What I liked the l … (read more)
I toured The Revello, and what I liked most was the pricing was very reasonable. The unit was nicely updated. The staff was friendly and helpful. The amenities they had were nice. What I liked the l … (read more)