Life in Maine is almost iconic as a representation of New England. Seniors seeking an active retirement spot with some of the country’s best seafood, a cost of living that’s 3.5% below the national average and four full seasons each year might consider the crashing waves and rocky Atlantic Beaches of Maine. Portland, the largest city in the state, is right on the coast and has plenty to occupy those interested in the arts and culture at the Portland Museum of Art, while the Allagash Brewing Company is just one of the dozens of small-batch, craft brewers throughout the state. 

Seniors who are early in their retirement or who need little to no assistance with daily activities are ideal candidates for independent living communities. These communities often provide easy access to social opportunities and may offer extra services such as congregate meals, all while residents live in individual homes or apartments. Seniors participate as much or as little as they choose. 

Independent living averages $3,862 per month in this state. This guide offers more information about the expected cost of independent living in Maine, along with resources that may be helpful to seniors as their situation changes. 

The Cost of Independent Living in Maine

Note: There is no definitive data for tracking the specific costs of Independent Living, but it tends to be 30-40% percent less expensive than Assisted Living. To determine Independent Living prices in the guide below, we’ve subtracted 35% from the Assisted Living cost data found in the Genworth Financial Cost of Care Survey.

Independent Living costs roughly $3,812 a month in Maine, which is considerably higher than the U.S. average of $2,925. However, Maine’s prices are also a bit lower than those of its direct neighbor New Hampshire, where seniors pay an estimated $3,934 per month. Prices are yet higher in Massachusetts at $4,225, while Vermont’s prices are the lowest of the group at $3,413.

$3812

Maine

$2925

The United States

$3934

New Hampshire

$4225

Massachusetts

$3413

Vermont

Prices for Independent Living fall within a fairly wide range in Maine. In Bangor, seniors can expect to pay $3,088, and in Lewiston, the price is $3,565 — both below the statewide average. In Portland, the state’s most populous city, the estimated cost of Independent Living is much higher at $4,241.

$3088

Bangor

$3565

Lewiston

$4241

Portland

There are a few other care-type options for older adults in Maine. Adult Day Care runs about $2,600 a month, making it a much cheaper option than Independent Living. For an average price of $5,720 a month, seniors can set up home-based care through either Home Health Aide or Homemaker services. Assisted Living is a slightly more expensive option at $5,865 but is essential for seniors who need personal daily support. There’s a significant jump in the costs with Nursing Home care, where a semiprivate room costs $10,494 a month and a private room runs roughly $11,254.

$5720

Homemaker

$5720

Home Health Aide

$2600

Adult Day Care

$3812

Independent Living

$5865

Assisted Living

$10494

Nursing Home (semiprivate room)

$11254

Nursing Home (private room)

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

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 Maine.

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 Maine

Independent living is typically paid entirely out of pocket. Government programs don’t offer assistance with room and board at these facilities, though some waivers or long-term care insurance may help with assistance services delivered as seniors need additional help with daily activities. For the direct cost of independent living, seniors may opt to sell their homes to purchase their new retirement homes. Another option may be a reverse mortgage for those seniors uninterested in selling their homes. There are many financing options to help with the costs of independent living in Maine. 

Independent Living Resources in Maine

For seniors considering retirement or newly retired, there’s a lot to do. Below are some resources that may answer questions or provide access to senior services for Mainers. 

Resource
Contact 
Service
(800) 272-3900
The Maine Council on Aging is a membership organization that works together to advance legislative changes to benefit the senior community. Established in 2012, this nonprofit advocacy group is currently working to ensure expanded access to affordable housing and home repair services and addressing financial insecurity among the senior population along issues directly related to low-income such as food insecurity and access to transportation. 
(207) 287-2400
In Maine, seniors can sign up for reduced-price entry to the state parks, giving them access to seemingly endless acres of pristine, natural landscapes. Seniors are eligible for both free admission without a pass and the purchase of a reduced-price vehicle pass that allows entry for everyone in the vehicle as long as the pass holder is present. Veterans can also visit state parks for free and camp for free with a lifetime membership pass available. 
(800) 750-5353
Legal Services for the Elderly is a program that offers free legal help to Mainers aged 65 and better. Legal help is often provided via the hotline and includes answering a variety of questions surrounding topics such as Medicare, handling bill collectors, accessing benefits and estate planning. For complex legal matters that may require in-person representation, a staff attorney may be able to help in person. 
(877) 353-3771
There are five Area Agencies on Aging serving seniors throughout Maine. Each location also doubles as an Aging and Disability Resource Center, offering services that include information and help for seniors seeking long-term care support and referral services to long-term care providers. Health insurance counseling, educational programs and advocacy are also offered through Area Agencies on Aging. 
(855) 797-4357
Seniors who need financial help can apply for a variety of public supports through a simple, one-stop web portal. My Maine Connection allows seniors to apply for nutritional supplements (SNAP) and the state's Medicaid program using the same application. This program is administered through the Department of Health & Human Services.

COVID-19 Rules for Independent Living in Maine

The following information is based on research done on several government websites, including maine.gov/dhhs. These rules apply to Independent Living Communities and other types of senior living facilities. We’ve most recently updated this data on 2/8/2022, 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 Maine 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?

Yes

Are visitors checked for elevated temperatures?

Yes

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

Yes

Outings & Social Activities

Rules for Maine Communities

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

Yes

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 (Conditions Apply)

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

Yes (Conditions Apply)

COVID-19 Safety Measures for Staff and Residents

Rules for Maine Communities

Are staff members regularly required to do a temperature check?

Yes

Are staff members regularly tested for COVID-19?

Yes (Conditions Apply)

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 (Conditions Apply)

Find Independent Living Communities in Maine

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

Directory of Independent Living Communities in Portland, ME

Holiday The Woods at Canco

257 Canco Rd, Portland, ME, 04103

I’m now at Holiday the Woods at Canco. So far, it has been very pleasant. The one concern I have is that I wish there was some sort of an orientation for new residents. I have so many questions about … (read more)
I’m now at Holiday the Woods at Canco. So far, it has been very pleasant. The one concern I have is that I wish there was some sort of an orientation for new residents. I have so many questions about … (read more)

75 State Street

75 State Street, Portland, ME, 04101

I liked 75 State Street very much. Lauren showed me around, and she was excellent. I didn’t get a chance to see the rooms, but it was a lovely facility in a nice location. We just visited the differen … (read more)
I liked 75 State Street very much. Lauren showed me around, and she was excellent. I didn’t get a chance to see the rooms, but it was a lovely facility in a nice location. We just visited the differen … (read more)

The Park Danforth

777 Stevens Avenue, Portland, ME, 04103

I found The Park Danforth to be a fabulous facility. The director and the assistant were both fantastic. The rooms were very nice. The staff seemed to be very amenable to helping, like making sure tha … (read more)
I found The Park Danforth to be a fabulous facility. The director and the assistant were both fantastic. The rooms were very nice. The staff seemed to be very amenable to helping, like making sure tha … (read more)

Ashton Gardens Gracious Retirement Living

830 Ocean Avenue, Portland, ME, 04103

As soon as there’s availability, I’ll be going to Ashton Gardens Gracious Retirement Living. They seemed to be (and continued to be) transparent. My sister and I are living in this house together, so … (read more)
As soon as there’s availability, I’ll be going to Ashton Gardens Gracious Retirement Living. They seemed to be (and continued to be) transparent. My sister and I are living in this house together, so … (read more)

The Atrium at The Cedars

620 – 650 Ocean Avenue, Portland, ME, 04103

My mom has been a resident for over five years and I can’t say enough about how kind the staff is! I have never met such caring employees. The apartments are very nice and are painted before you mov … (read more)
My mom has been a resident for over five years and I can’t say enough about how kind the staff is! I have never met such caring employees. The apartments are very nice and are painted before you mov … (read more)

Sable Lodge Retirement Community

74 Running Hill Road, South Portland, ME, 04106

I toured Sable Lodge Retirement Community. I liked the location. The location was good. They had valet parking, a nice dining room, and nice accommodation. I was interested in a one-bedroom-one-bath. … (read more)
I toured Sable Lodge Retirement Community. I liked the location. The location was good. They had valet parking, a nice dining room, and nice accommodation. I was interested in a one-bedroom-one-bath. … (read more)

The Landing at Cape Elizabeth

78 Scott Dyer Road, Cape Elizabeth, ME, 04107


Gorham House

50 New Portland Road, Gorham, ME, 04038

I visited Gorham House. They’re very pleasant, but it is beyond my price range. I specifically visited independent living. It is a nicely laid out place, and it looked good, but it costs more than I w … (read more)
I visited Gorham House. They’re very pleasant, but it is beyond my price range. I specifically visited independent living. It is a nicely laid out place, and it looked good, but it costs more than I w … (read more)

Avita of Stroudwater

113 Landing Road, Westbrook, ME, 04092

Avita of Stroudwater is an assisted and independent living and memory care facility near the Wassamki Springs Campground in Westbrook, Maine. In addition to its upscale, modern appearance, residents a … (read more)
Avita of Stroudwater is an assisted and independent living and memory care facility near the Wassamki Springs Campground in Westbrook, Maine. In addition to its upscale, modern appearance, residents a … (read more)

Cape Elizabeth Home

521 Ocean Street, South Portland, ME, 04106

The Cape Elizabeth Home is smaller. There are only six or seven people there, so it’ more personalized. The building is in very good condition. They have an excellent chef that does meal preparation d … (read more)
The Cape Elizabeth Home is smaller. There are only six or seven people there, so it’ more personalized. The building is in very good condition. They have an excellent chef that does meal preparation d … (read more)

Atlantic Heights Retirement

100 Harbor Drive, Saco, ME, 04072

My mother preferred the Inn at Atlantic’s independent housing, where you could have a house, but you’re going to buy it. In addition, it has assisted living, and if you need rehabilitation, it was con … (read more)
My mother preferred the Inn at Atlantic’s independent housing, where you could have a house, but you’re going to buy it. In addition, it has assisted living, and if you need rehabilitation, it was con … (read more)

Kaler-Vaill

382 Black Point Rd, Scarborough, ME, 04074


Bessey Crossing

4 Bessey School Drive, Scarborough, ME, 04074