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Independent Living in Arizona
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.
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The Cost of Independent Living in Arizona
When trying to decide how to pay for independent living, one of the first questions that comes up is "How much does it cost?" With the impact of inflation, it's more important than ever to have up-to-date information when making a financial plan for senior living. To help shed light on real senior living prices, Caring.com has compiled proprietary cost data from its network of over 75,000 senior living providers to offer insight into the average cost of independent living in Arizona and its 14 cities.
The Cost of Independent Living in Arizona's Top Cities
Seniors in Arizona pay an average of $3,009 a month for independent care, but this is averaged out over the whole state. Some variation exists from city to city within Arizona, as in Tucson, where the average cost for independent living is $3,591 a month. Some cities are much closer in cost, as in Chandler, Mesa and Scottsdale, where independent care averages $2,965 a month across all three areas.
Arizona
$3,009
Chandler
$2,965
Mesa
$2,965
Scottsdale
$2,965
Tucson
$3,591
Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Independent Living in Arizona
Inflation has driven up the cost of independent living in Arizona by nearly 11% from 2022-24. Arizona's costs have closely mirrored national prices, as costs nationwide have risen from $2,810 a month in 2022 to a projected $3,162 in 2024, an 18% increase. Alaska's costs have only gone up by 5% during the same period, as have costs in Nevada. Colorado's monthly rates have risen by 8%, from $2,769 to $2,984, while seniors in California are seeing prices rise by 10%, from 2022's $3,481 a month to a projected $3,823 in 2024.
| Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $2,889 | $3,009 | $3,199 |
| U.S. Average | $2,810 | $2,955 | $3,162 |
| Alaska | $4,509 | $4,485 | $4,724 |
| Nevada | $2,476 | $2,463 | $2,593 |
| California | $3,481 | $3,556 | $3,823 |
| Colorado | $2,769 | $2,802 | $2,984 |
The Costs of Other Types of Senior Living
Independent living in Arizona is one of the more affordable types of senior care, though older adults with greater care needs might opt for another living arrangement. Assisted living averages $4,420 a month in Arizona, while memory care costs average $5,401.
Assisted Living
$4,420
Memory Care
$5,401
Independent Living
$3,009
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.
Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Arizona
There are many resources in Arizona that assist seniors in their retirement. caring.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs and agencies and categorized them into care types for easy reference.
Area Agency on Aging
Retirees can find support and advice on various senior-related issues from their local Area Agency on Aging. The agency provides advice on topics such as financial assistance programs, in-home care and long-term care planning. It also connects seniors and caregivers with community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Area Agencies on Aging | Arizona's Area Agencies on Aging provide support and advocacy for older residents, empowering them to remain in their homes where desirable. Accessible remotely and at a selection of statewide locations, they connect senior Arizonans, along with families and caregivers, to a range of support services. These include home-delivered meals and assistance with self-managing chronic health conditions. A 24-hour accessible senior helpline is also available at (888)-783-7500. |
Cash Assistance Programs
Cash assistance programs in Arizona provide financial support to help low-income retirees remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Seniors and caregivers can apply for tax rebates and reductions, discounts on vital services and help covering the cost of heating and cooling their home.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Lifeline Program | 800-234-9473 | The LifeLine Program offers a discount on landline or mobile telephone service, ensuring that participants can stay in contact with loved ones. |
Financial Assistance for Senior Care and Senior Living
Whether living in their own home or in a senior living community, Arizona seniors can find financial assistance from numerous local resources. These organizations help residents cover some of the costs associated with in-home or long-term care and connect them with other helpful community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) | The Arizona Long Term Care System covers a comprehensive array of supportive services for individuals who are aged or disabled. This program pays for nursing home care and community-based alternatives that can help you remain in your own home or in a residential setting of your choice. It covers in-home care, personal care attendants, assisted living, adult day health care and other services |
Food Assistance Programs
Local organizations help ensure elderly citizens have a balanced diet and receive essential vitamins and minerals to remain healthy. Through nutrition programs, congregate meals, home-delivered meals and food pantries, these programs help Arizona seniors afford the nutritious food they need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Commodity Senior Food Program (CSFP) | Arizona's Commodity Senior Food Program serves the needs of low-income seniors in the state through monthly deliveries or pickups of nutritious foods. Packages available through the CSFP include canned meats, fruits and vegetables as well as milk, cereal, rice and pasta. The food for the program is purchased by Arizona from the USDA. Seniors must meet income qualifications to participate. | |
| Arizona Coordinated Hunger Relief Program | The Arizona Department of Economic Security Coordinated Hunger Relief Program coordinates food assistance from various federal, state and local organizations to maximize resources and ensure that the nutritional needs of poor and vulnerable seniors are met. The program also administers The Emergency Food Assistance Program that distributes food from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to low-income residents, including seniors. To qualify, a senior's gross household income should not exceed $25,142 per year for one person or $33,874 for two. | |
| Arizona Meals on Wheels | Arizona seniors can access nutritious meals through the Arizona Meals on Wheels program. Those unable to travel can have pre-prepared meals delivered to their door. While making deliveries, Meals on Wheels volunteers also provide much-needed companionship and safety checks. Meals are generally provided on a sliding fee scale depending on individual circumstances. Older residents who are mobile can attend congregate meals held in senior centers, cafes and other venues throughout the state, where seniors gather together for socialization. | |
| Arizona Senior Farmers Markets Nutrition Program (SFMNP) | The Arizona Senior Farmers Markets Nutrition Program provides vouchers for seniors to use to buy fresh food at their local farmer's market. Seniors qualify for this program based on income, and they must be age 60 or older to apply. Some locations that participate in SFMNP offer Community Supported Agriculture boxes of produce, which removes the need to travel to and shop at the farmer's market. | |
| Arizona C.R.I.T. Food Distribution Program | 928-669-1283 | The C.R.I.T. Food Distribution Program in Parker, AZ, serves low-income seniors and others in the Colorado River Indian Tribes Reservation area, including Riverside and San Bernardino counties in California and La Paz County in Arizona. The nutrition assistance program provides USDA-approved foods and fresh-grown produce to supplement groceries for the month. Eligible elderly and disabled residents may qualify for home meal delivery. Recipients must complete an application, and food distribution is available on weekdays by appointment. |
| Arizona The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) | The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a federally supported program that provides free emergency food packages to low-income individuals and seniors in times of need. In each monthly food box, seniors receive shelf-stable foods, including canned or dried fruits, vegetables, pasta, bread and bottled juices. Seniors must have a total household income of less than 185% of the federal poverty line to be eligible for emergency food assistance, and they can find many participating distributors across Arizona. |
Free Used Medical Equipment
Due to the high cost of purchasing new medical equipment, several organizations in Arizona collect lightly used medical devices such as wheelchairs, ramps and walkers and distribute them to local seniors and residents in need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Loans for Assistive Technology (AZLAT) | 800-477-9921 | Operated by Northern Arizona University, this assistive technology program stocks approximately 4,000 AT and AT-related products, including items that help with hearing and vision loss and functional needs. |
Home Repair and Modifications
Seniors and those with disabilities can access a variety of local resources to help them pay for home repairs and modifications. Programs in Arizona have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Emergency Repairs and Housing Rehabilitation | The Arizona Department of Housing provides community block grants to help fund emergency repairs in designated areas. | |
| Arizona Weatherization Assistance Program | The Weatherization Assistance Program covers the cost of energy-efficient upgrades and home improvements. |
Legal Resources
Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal services to Arizona seniors. Older adults can access advice on issues such as estate planning, living wills and power of attorney. Some firms also act as long-term care ombudsmen, advocating for the rights of seniors in senior living communities.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Community Legal Services | 602-258-3434 | Seniors and low-income adults can access advice and representation for legal issues here. On a pro-bono basis, attorneys with this agency can help seniors resolve tax issues with the IRS and access health care and public benefits. This organization also runs a resource center with self-help information and forms. |
Senior Engagement
Senior engagement resources and programs in Arizona help older adults remain active and ensure they contribute to the community. Resources include wellness programs, volunteer opportunities, support groups and organizations that help residents connect with the community to live fulfilling lives.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Complete Health Avondale Resource Center | 623-333-2741 | Avondale residents aged 60 and older enjoy several fun activities and events at this community center. Participants can sign up for fitness classes, bingo, raffles and more. Transportation service is available to and from the campus. |
Social Security Offices
Social Security offices in Arizona help seniors and disabled people access the benefits they're entitled to. Older adults can contact their local office for information about receiving retirement benefits, disability allowance and Supplemental Security Income.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Social Security | Social Security is a source of income available to retirees and people who can no longer work because of a disability. The money for Social Security comes from a payroll tax levied on employers, employees and self-employed individuals. When you retire, you'll receive monthly payments based on how much you earned when you were working. |
Tax Assistance
Seniors can apply for tax assistance from several Arizona resources. Elderly residents and those with disabilities could be eligible for tax exemptions on medical expenses, reductions on property tax and other tax assistance programs.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Senior Property Tax Freeze | The Arizona Department of Revenue allows seniors to request a property valuation protection option on their primary residence. This program will freeze the assessed value of a senior's home for three years. Tax rates may fluctuate based on local regulations. Applications are processed by your County Assessor. |
Utility & Energy Bill Assistance
Low-income seniors who are struggling to meet the costs of maintaining their homes can find support from organizations that offer assistance with utility and energy bills. Arizona retirees could also qualify for emergency funding programs if they're in danger of losing utility services due to unpaid invoices.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) | 866-494-1981 | LIHEAP provides one payment per 12-month period to income-eligible families. Funds can help with unpaid energy bills, deposits and some energy-efficient energy bills, deposits and some energy-efficient |
Veteran's Services
Arizona retirees who have served in the U.S. military can find support from local veteran services. These offices and organizations help vets access the benefits they're eligible for and provide advice and information on a variety of issues.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona VA Benefits and Health Care | Arizona VA Benefits and Health Care is a support network offering extensive services to senior veterans. It provides comprehensive health care solutions, including mental health and PTSD support. The program assists with disability compensation, pensions and home loans to help seniors have the financial support they need. It also assists with burials and memorials, demonstrating its commitment to the veteran community. |
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