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. 

$3013

Ohio

$2925

The United States

$2763

Michigan

$2784

Indiana

$2241

Kentucky

$2704

West Virginia

$2665

Pennsylvania

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.

$2655

Columbus

$3211

Cleveland

$3033

Cincinnati

$2742

Toledo

$3078

Youngstown

$2763

Dayton

$2992

Lima

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. 

$3013

Independent Living

$4957

In-Home Care

$5053

Home Health Care

$1733

Adult Day Care

$4635

Assisted Living Facility

$7300

Nursing Home Care

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.

Resource
Contact
Service
(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?

Yes (Conditions Apply)

Can I visit my relative in person for end-of-life compassion care?

Yes

Will my loved one be required to self-quarantine after I visit him or her?

No

Do I need to wear PPE and/or a cloth mask if I do visit my relative in person?

Yes

Are Hairdressers and other non-medical contractors still allowed in senior living facilities?

Yes

Does the state recommend or require that senior living facilities assist families with setting up virtual visit alternatives?

Yes

Are visitors being screened for elevated temperatures?

Yes

Are visitors being asked questions about health, travel, and potential virus contact?

Yes

Outings & Social Activities

RULES FOR OHIO COMMUNITIES

Are residents allowed to leave the facility for non-medical reasons?

Yes

Are residents of senior living facilities who leave and return required to self-quarantine?

No (Conditions Apply)

Are senior living facilities required to cancel all group outings?

No

Are residents still eating together in the dining hall?

Yes (Conditions Apply)

Are facilities still allowed to host group activities within the community?

Yes (Conditions Apply)

COVID-19 Safety Measures for Staff and Residents

RULES FOR OHIO COMMUNITIES

Are staff members and contractors being screened for elevated temperatures?

Yes

Are staff members and contractors being tested for Coronavirus?

Yes (Conditions Apply)

Are staff members and contractors being asked questions about health, travel, and potential virus contact?

Yes

Are staff members required to regularly screen residents for coronavirus symptoms?

Yes

Are residents relied on to screen themselves and self-report potential coronavirus symptoms?

No

Are staff members required to take residents’ temperatures?

Yes

Are residents being tested for coronavirus?

Yes (Conditions Apply)

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

McGregor Assisted Living

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 t … (read more)


EUCLID BEACH VILLA

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 … (read more)




Vitalia Rockside – Active Adult Community

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 … (read more)

Willowood Manor

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 fo … (read more)