Located in the northeast portion of the United States and bordering Lake Erie, Ohio is an option for seniors looking to retire. The cost of living throughout the state is lower than the national average. Seniors can expect to pay less for healthcare, groceries, housing and transportation. The state is also tax-friendly for retirees. Social Security is fully exempt from state income tax, and there are credits available for pension and retirement accounts. The state also gets around 173 sunny days per year, with average July highs of 84 degrees and winter lows around 20 degrees. Summers are comfortable for exploring the outdoors, and during winter, the state gets approximately 28 inches of snow.
Independent living allows active seniors to maintain their privacy and live healthy lives for as long as possible with support if it’s ever needed. Independent living communities are maintenance-free and provide everything needed to live stress-free. The average independent living community in Ohio costs $2,827 per month.
This guide covers the cost of independent living in the state, ways to pay for it and a list of available resources in the state geared to help seniors.
The Cost of Independent Living in Ohio
Note: To calculate the cost of Independent Living in Ohio, 35% is subtracted from the average cost of Assisted Living. It’s necessary because no other reliable source for Independent Living costs is available. Typically, Independent Living is 30-40% less expensive than Assisted Living. Assisted Living cost information is obtained from Genworth Financial’s Cost of Care Survey for 2021.
While Ohio is the only state in the region with Independent Living costs higher than the national average of $2,925 per month, it’s not much more expensive than other nearby states. Michigan and Indiana are about $200 less expensive per month, at $2,763 and $2,784, respectively. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the average rate is $2,665 per month. Ohio shares its longest border with West Virginia, where the average monthly price for Independent Living is $2,704. With a median price of $2,241 per month, Kentucky has the least expensive Independent Living costs in the region.
The variation in Independent Living costs between cities in Ohio is relatively small. At the bottom end of the range is Columbus, with a monthly average of $2,655. At the top is Cleveland, with a median rate of $3,211 per month. Youngstown, along the Pennsylvania border, has a monthly average of $3,078. Lima is at the opposite end of the state and has an average rate of $2,992 per month for Independent Living. In nearby Dayton, seniors pay an average of $2,763 monthly.
Independent Living is one of the most affordable types of senior communities in Ohio. Adult Day Care is cheaper at $1,733 per month, but it’s usually only available during the weekdays. The average cost for Assisted Living facilities is $4,635 per month. Seniors who want care in their own homes in Ohio can expect an average expense of $4,957 per month for In-Home Care and $5,053 for Home Health Care. Nursing Home Care in the state is the most expensive for senior care and has a median price of $7,300 per month.
Can You Use Medicare or Medicaid to Pay for Independent Living in Ohio?
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 Ohio.
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 Ohio
Independent living costs are typically not covered by insurance. However, those with long-term care insurance may have some home and community-based services covered under their policy. Many seniors rely on retirement income to pay for independent living; however, other options include pensions, Social Security Income, reverse mortgages, veterans benefits and annuities. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has several programs that help low-income seniors secure safe and affordable living quarters, including public housing and rental assistance or vouchers. To learn more about various options to pay, read our guide to independent living.
Independent Living Resources in Ohio
Ohio has many low-cost and free resources for seniors throughout the state. The following is a list of a few of the most common.
(800) 266-4346
The Ohio Department of Aging provides services and programs to older adults throughout the state. These programs are funded by Medicaid, the federal Older Americans Act and other state and federal agencies. These programs and services are coordinated by local Area Agencies on Aging. Top programs include Meals on Wheels, transportation, health and fitness, home maintenance, insurance counseling and help locating long-term care.
(800) 837-0814
ABLE is a nonprofit agency that provides low-income and elderly adults with free legal services. The agency works to help protect the rights of seniors from elderly abuse and assists with fraud.
(330) 747-2696
The help network offers referrals and support services to seniors ages 55 and up throughout northeast Ohio. Some of these services include providing assistive devices to the hearing impaired, resolution services for disputes involving civil action, information on food pantries, free meal locations and local senior centers and community centers.
(330) 253-4597
Vantage Aging promotes successful aging through multiple programs and services for those 55 and older. These services include employment opportunities, health and fitness, meals, transportation, wellness checks and home and community-based services.
(614) 644-0898
The Ohio Department of Veterans Services helps those who served sign up and receive benefits and compensation. The department can also assist beneficiaries with obtaining the benefits they are entitled to. Those in long-term care may receive help paying for home and community-based services. Other help includes employment, education, healthcare and counseling.
COVID-19 Rules for Independent Living in Ohio
The following information is based on research done on several government websites, including coronavirus.ohio.gov. These rules apply to Independent Living Communities and other types of senior living facilities. We’ve most recently updated this data on 2/13/2022), 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 OHIO COMMUNITIES
Can I visit my relative in person if he/she wants emotional support from me?
Can I visit my relative in person for end-of-life compassion care?
Will my loved one be required to self-quarantine after I visit him or her?
Do I need to wear PPE and/or a cloth mask if I do visit my relative in person?
Are Hairdressers and other non-medical contractors still allowed in senior living facilities?
Does the state recommend or require that senior living facilities assist families with setting up virtual visit alternatives?
Are visitors being screened for elevated temperatures?
Are visitors being asked questions about health, travel, and potential virus contact?
Outings & Social Activities
RULES FOR OHIO COMMUNITIES
Are residents allowed to leave the facility for non-medical reasons?
Are residents of senior living facilities who leave and return required to self-quarantine?
Are senior living facilities required to cancel all group outings?
Are residents still eating together in the dining hall?
Are facilities still allowed to host group activities within the community?
COVID-19 Safety Measures for Staff and Residents
RULES FOR OHIO COMMUNITIES
Are staff members and contractors being screened for elevated temperatures?
Are staff members and contractors being tested for Coronavirus?
Are staff members and contractors being asked questions about health, travel, and potential virus contact?
Are staff members required to regularly screen residents for coronavirus symptoms?
Are residents relied on to screen themselves and self-report potential coronavirus symptoms?
Are staff members required to take residents’ temperatures?
Are residents being tested for coronavirus?
Find Independent Living Communities in Ohio
Use the tool below to find Independent Living Communities near you – if you’d like to search in a specific city in Ohio, simply put that in the search bar below.
Directory of Independent Living Communities in Cleveland, OH
My mother will be moving into McGregor. I was happy. We felt very welcomed. There were a lot of amenities there. McGregor PACE provides some other services for my mother, so this will put her closer t
… (read more)
My mother will be moving into McGregor. I was happy. We felt very welcomed. There were a lot of amenities there. McGregor PACE provides some other services for my mother, so this will put her closer to those services and also align her as she gets a little older with assisted living and those things. She will be in an independent living apartment at McGregor and because it’s independent living, she will be able to cook her own meals and things of that nature. She won’t have food service. They have field trips, they have a laundry room onsite and there’s no charge for that, and there is a weekly hair appointment. There’s a person that comes to do their hails and nails, and she can sign up for those things. The independent living building that she will be in is in the same complex as assisted and nursing, so the good thing about that again is if she gets to that point where she needs additional help, she doesn’t have to change her community. They’re right on that same campus and transition as needed. The staff is very helpful. The facility is clean. The room has just been remodeled, so everything is nice, new, clean, and fresh.
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My mother will be moving into McGregor. I was happy. We felt very welcomed. There were a lot of amenities there. McGregor PACE provides some other services for my mother, so this will put her closer t
… (read more)
My mother will be moving into McGregor. I was happy. We felt very welcomed. There were a lot of amenities there. McGregor PACE provides some other services for my mother, so this will put her closer to those services and also align her as she gets a little older with assisted living and those things. She will be in an independent living apartment at McGregor and because it’s independent living, she will be able to cook her own meals and things of that nature. She won’t have food service. They have field trips, they have a laundry room onsite and there’s no charge for that, and there is a weekly hair appointment. There’s a person that comes to do their hails and nails, and she can sign up for those things. The independent living building that she will be in is in the same complex as assisted and nursing, so the good thing about that again is if she gets to that point where she needs additional help, she doesn’t have to change her community. They’re right on that same campus and transition as needed. The staff is very helpful. The facility is clean. The room has just been remodeled, so everything is nice, new, clean, and fresh.
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Move here at your own risk! They have roaches, they have mice and management cares nothing about complaints of children constantly running all over the building and over your head! Now that they have
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Move here at your own risk! They have roaches, they have mice and management cares nothing about complaints of children constantly running all over the building and over your head! Now that they have installed wood floors, which comes with wood roaches as a result of the wood floors that they’ve installed which makes it worse with kids running over your head! There is no extermination schedule, just extermination if you call you call, but no one calls you back! There’s roaches, mice, and there’s kids! It’s not a 55 and older community because they’re letting any and everyone move in here advertising $250 off your rent! The elevators are always filthy. There’s never steady management they’re always changing staff. They advertise 24-hour security, but there’s only one per shift considering there’s a million apartments in the building so you go figure!
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Move here at your own risk! They have roaches, they have mice and management cares nothing about complaints of children constantly running all over the building and over your head! Now that they have
… (read more)
Move here at your own risk! They have roaches, they have mice and management cares nothing about complaints of children constantly running all over the building and over your head! Now that they have installed wood floors, which comes with wood roaches as a result of the wood floors that they’ve installed which makes it worse with kids running over your head! There is no extermination schedule, just extermination if you call you call, but no one calls you back! There’s roaches, mice, and there’s kids! It’s not a 55 and older community because they’re letting any and everyone move in here advertising $250 off your rent! The elevators are always filthy. There’s never steady management they’re always changing staff. They advertise 24-hour security, but there’s only one per shift considering there’s a million apartments in the building so you go figure!
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My sister is at Vitalia Rockside Active Adult Community. I like everything about it. I like the size of the rooms and the meal plans. Everybody is very friendly. She is in a mini apartment. She opted
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My sister is at Vitalia Rockside Active Adult Community. I like everything about it. I like the size of the rooms and the meal plans. Everybody is very friendly. She is in a mini apartment. She opted for the one that has two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and two bathrooms. The food is very good. The dining area is clean, big, and accommodating. You can order food just about all day long until about 6:00. It’s a regular restaurant where they have a menu and specials every day. They have all kinds of activities, too. They have card games, they have puzzles to put together, they have different crafts during the day, and they have field trips. I think the value for money is good.
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My sister is at Vitalia Rockside Active Adult Community. I like everything about it. I like the size of the rooms and the meal plans. Everybody is very friendly. She is in a mini apartment. She opted
… (read more)
My sister is at Vitalia Rockside Active Adult Community. I like everything about it. I like the size of the rooms and the meal plans. Everybody is very friendly. She is in a mini apartment. She opted for the one that has two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and two bathrooms. The food is very good. The dining area is clean, big, and accommodating. You can order food just about all day long until about 6:00. It’s a regular restaurant where they have a menu and specials every day. They have all kinds of activities, too. They have card games, they have puzzles to put together, they have different crafts during the day, and they have field trips. I think the value for money is good.
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I live in Willowood Manor. You have to be 62 in order to move in the apartment building. There are elevators. They have steps you can use if you want, but you don’t have to. It’s independent living fo
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I live in Willowood Manor. You have to be 62 in order to move in the apartment building. There are elevators. They have steps you can use if you want, but you don’t have to. It’s independent living for seniors. I’ve been here for 13 years. They have maintenance to take care of anything you need doing, like your light bulbs changed or things like that. They don’t have nursing care or anything like that. It’s for people that can live by themselves or live with a little help. Most of the residents have aides or help here. The staff is fantastic. They’re great people. I’ve never had any problems in the 13 years I’ve lived here with the staff at all. They’re prompt with taking care of things. It’s almost like family. We have a community room. We have a patio. If you want to have like a little family get-together or something, you can rent the community room and you get to use the kitchen and the patio. They’re always having different meetings and different people coming in to explain things like about driving or about grocery shopping, pointers from everyone on how to handle things.
They’re good-sized rooms because all the doorways are wide enough for you to fit your walker or a riding walker. The doors are big enough and having just the elevators is a big help, too, because you don’t have to carry groceries or anything up and down steps. It’s much more convenient. Before my surgeries, I used to call bingo for the building, and we get about 20, 25 people come down out of the 70 apartments we have. We have a social director here also. She helps you with any problems you have with your food allotment or your checks or benefits or medical care or anything like that. We have a podiatrist who comes every other month. We have different people like that to help people out. You can get Meals on Wheels if you want, but you’re on your own as far as your food and your groceries. It’s up to you to take care of.
We even have a senior center right across the parking lot from us. If you need rides to the store or something, they have little buses that will take you and pick you up. The senior center has got all kinds of activities and movies and things like that for senior people. It’s kind of connected and everybody knows everybody from back and forth, and other residents or other people that don’t live in assisted living or who don’t live in Willowood, that live in their own homes and everything in Fairview Park, they come up there so you get to meet other people.
It’s a HUD building. It’s a government building. Some of the tenants need more particular care than they’re getting and Willowood is blocked on that because it’s up to the family and to the person what they’re going to do. What would make it better is to give Willowood the power to weed out the residents that are having too much of a problem or need more help than they were able to get here. Some of these people just feel that they’re entitled and they expect the building to do everything for them. It’s independent living, so you can’t depend on the building for those kinds of things, but yet the residents seem to. I’m pretty comfortable and pretty settled in my ways here and I’m very happy with the way I’m living right now.
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I live in Willowood Manor. You have to be 62 in order to move in the apartment building. There are elevators. They have steps you can use if you want, but you don’t have to. It’s independent living fo
… (read more)
I live in Willowood Manor. You have to be 62 in order to move in the apartment building. There are elevators. They have steps you can use if you want, but you don’t have to. It’s independent living for seniors. I’ve been here for 13 years. They have maintenance to take care of anything you need doing, like your light bulbs changed or things like that. They don’t have nursing care or anything like that. It’s for people that can live by themselves or live with a little help. Most of the residents have aides or help here. The staff is fantastic. They’re great people. I’ve never had any problems in the 13 years I’ve lived here with the staff at all. They’re prompt with taking care of things. It’s almost like family. We have a community room. We have a patio. If you want to have like a little family get-together or something, you can rent the community room and you get to use the kitchen and the patio. They’re always having different meetings and different people coming in to explain things like about driving or about grocery shopping, pointers from everyone on how to handle things.
They’re good-sized rooms because all the doorways are wide enough for you to fit your walker or a riding walker. The doors are big enough and having just the elevators is a big help, too, because you don’t have to carry groceries or anything up and down steps. It’s much more convenient. Before my surgeries, I used to call bingo for the building, and we get about 20, 25 people come down out of the 70 apartments we have. We have a social director here also. She helps you with any problems you have with your food allotment or your checks or benefits or medical care or anything like that. We have a podiatrist who comes every other month. We have different people like that to help people out. You can get Meals on Wheels if you want, but you’re on your own as far as your food and your groceries. It’s up to you to take care of.
We even have a senior center right across the parking lot from us. If you need rides to the store or something, they have little buses that will take you and pick you up. The senior center has got all kinds of activities and movies and things like that for senior people. It’s kind of connected and everybody knows everybody from back and forth, and other residents or other people that don’t live in assisted living or who don’t live in Willowood, that live in their own homes and everything in Fairview Park, they come up there so you get to meet other people.
It’s a HUD building. It’s a government building. Some of the tenants need more particular care than they’re getting and Willowood is blocked on that because it’s up to the family and to the person what they’re going to do. What would make it better is to give Willowood the power to weed out the residents that are having too much of a problem or need more help than they were able to get here. Some of these people just feel that they’re entitled and they expect the building to do everything for them. It’s independent living, so you can’t depend on the building for those kinds of things, but yet the residents seem to. I’m pretty comfortable and pretty settled in my ways here and I’m very happy with the way I’m living right now.
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Independent Living Facilities in Ohio (65)
- Ashtabula, OH (2)
- Avon, OH (2)
- Avon Lake, OH (2)
- Beachwood, OH (2)
- Beavercreek, OH (6)
- Bedford, OH (2)
- Brunswick, OH (2)
- Canton, OH (3)
- Centerville, OH (2)
- Chagrin Falls, OH (4)
- Cincinnati, OH (29)
- Cleveland, OH (5)
- Columbus, OH (29)
- Copley, OH (3)
- Cuyahoga Falls, OH (2)
- Dayton, OH (13)
- Delaware, OH (3)
- Dublin, OH (4)
- Elyria, OH (2)
- Euclid, OH (3)
- Fairfield, OH (3)
- Findlay, OH (4)
- Gahanna, OH (3)
- Granville, OH (2)
- Grove City, OH (4)
- Hamilton, OH (4)
- Hilliard, OH (3)
- Hudson, OH (4)
- Kettering, OH (2)
- Lancaster, OH (2)
- Lebanon, OH (2)
- Lima, OH (3)
- Loveland, OH (2)
- Mansfield, OH (3)
- Marysville, OH (3)
- Massillon, OH (2)
- Mayfield Heights, OH (3)
- Medina, OH (3)
- Mentor, OH (4)
- Miamisburg, OH (2)
- North Canton, OH (2)
- North Olmsted, OH (2)
- North Ridgeville, OH (2)
- North Royalton, OH (3)
- Parma, OH (2)
- Perrysburg, OH (2)
- Richmond Heights, OH (2)
- Rocky River, OH (2)
- Seven Hills, OH (3)
- Solon, OH (3)
- Springfield, OH (3)
- Stow, OH (3)
- Strongsville, OH (3)
- Sylvania, OH (4)
- Toledo, OH (6)
- Upper Sandusky, OH (2)
- Warren, OH (2)
- Waverly, OH (2)
- West Chester, OH (2)
- Westerville, OH (7)
- Westlake, OH (6)
- Wickliffe, OH (2)
- Wooster, OH (3)
- Xenia, OH (2)
- Youngstown, OH (2)
