As a destination for seniors to retire, Oregon is an increasingly attractive option. Oregon offers numerous outdoor and indoor attractions of interest for seniors. It’s a state with many beautiful beaches and outdoor attractions like the Willamette National Forest. Seniors who prefer more indoor activities can enjoy Portland’s internationally known craft beer scene.

The cost of living in Oregon is 13 points above the national average, but the cost of health care is 12 points below. Oregon also enjoys a very respectable 7.2 out of 10 on the Best Places Comfort Index. The state exempts Social Security retirement benefits from the state income tax, and there’s no state sales tax.

Independent living is an option for seniors who want to downsize or simplify their lives but don’t want to move into assisted living or a nursing home. Independent living communities provide seniors with a lifestyle where they can remain independent and make their own choices. In Oregon, the average monthly cost of residing in an independent living community is $3,028 a month.

In this guide, we’ll look at the cost of independent living in Oregon and provide resources seniors can use to help maintain their independent lifestyle.

The Cost of Independent Living in Oregon

Note: Neither the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey nor any other reliable source outlines cost data for independent living, but on average, this type of care costs 30-40% less than assisted living. The following independent living rates are calculated by reducing assisted living fees in the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey by 35%. 

Seniors in Oregon pay $3,279 per month on average for independent living. While this is a few hundred dollars higher than the national rate of $2,925, it’s fairly consistent with costs in the region. Idaho and Nevada have considerably lower rates of $2,495 and $2,438, respectively. In California, however, rates exceed Oregon’s average by over $100 at $3,413, and in Washington, care costs are even higher at $3,900. 

$3279

Oregon

$2925

The United States

$3900

Washington

$2495

Idaho

$2438

Nevada

$3413

California

Corvallis is the most affordable surveyed city to obtain independent living services in, with estimated care costs averaging $2,915 monthly, and in Albany, rates are comparable at $2,945. Seniors in Medford pay $3,016, and in Bend, independent living facilities charge $3,143. Senior communities in Portland charge $3,234, and in Salem, rates average $3,575. The Eugene area is the costliest option at $3,655.  

$2915

Corvallis

$2945

Albany

$3016

Medford

$3143

Bend

$3234

Portland Area

$3575

Salem

$3655

Eugene Area

Independent living is among the cheapest care options for older adults in Oregon with facilities charging $3,279 for monthly services. Only adult day care is cheaper, with seniors paying $2,654 per month. Those who need personal care may be good candidates for assisted living, which costs $5,045. Older adults who obtain care in their homes pay $6,006 for basic in-home care services, such as housekeeping and meal preparation, and those who need skilled nursing pay $6,101 for home health care. Nursing homes are for those who need a higher degree of care and typically charge $10,342 for shared rooms and $11,113 for private.  

$3279

Independent Living

$6006

Home Care

$6101

Home Health Care

$2654

Adult Day Care

$5045

Assisted Living

$10342

Nursing Home (semiprivate)

$11113

Nursing Home (private)

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

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 Oregon.

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 Oregon

How to pay for the cost of independent living can be a constant concern for seniors, but there are numerous options available. Seniors can sell their existing properties or use proceeds from long-term investments. If seniors worry that selling their property won’t bring in the income they need, they can rent their property. If regular retirement income doesn’t cover food or housing costs, seniors can explore communities where these items are included in the overall cost.

These are just a few of the options for financing available to seniors who want to transition into independent living communities. There are several others.

Independent Living Resources in Oregon

Numerous resources exist in Oregon that can help seniors offset the cost of many necessities, including those that help to pay for independent living, prescription drugs or the need for legal services.

Resource
Contact
Service
(503) 945-5600 
Medical services don’t cover the cost of independent living, but long-term care insurance can provide some assistance. If a seniors’ long-term care insurance policy covers costs for someone to help with activities of daily living like preparing a meal, running errands or doing household chores, it’s likely it will do that when seniors live in an independent living community. In Oregon, long-term care resources also include access to the Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). The PACE program offers both health care for seniors and help with coverage for long-term care and supports.
(800)
913-4284
All Oregonians can enroll in this program which has no age or income limits. Seniors can save up to 80% on the cost of generic drugs. They only need to take their discount card to any OPDP participating pharmacy, including almost all pharmacies in the state. The program is designed to help lower the cost of prescription drugs for seniors and others who may require numerous medications.
(503) 224-4086
This is a project operated by the Portland Regional Office of Legal Aid Services of Oregon. It provides legal aid to seniors over the age of 60 or to the spouses of someone who is at least 60 and who resides in Multnomah County, Oregon. The program’s lawyers can help seniors with housing problems, estate planning, advanced medical directives and some consumer matters.
(800) 722-4134
While health insurance won’t help cover independent living costs, seniors still need to ensure that their health care needs are met. The volunteer trained counselors at SHIBA can help seniors with problems concerning Medicare, Medicaid, Supplemental Insurance (Medigap) and Long-Term Care Insurance. Counselors can speak to seniors over the phone or in person. All conversations are confidential, and none of the counselors work for a health insurance company.
(503) 945-5600 
The mission of the Independent Living Services in Oregon is to help seniors with disabilities maintain their independence and participate fully in their communities and with their families. Services offered include peer counseling, independent living skills training and life transition assistance related to seniors transitioning to the least restrictive living environment. These services are provided by Centers for Independent Living, private, non-profit organizations located throughout Oregon.
(503)
463-8692
Seniors in Oregon often have difficulty determining what benefits are available to them either through the state, local or federal governments, veterans offices or local organizations. Area Agencies on Aging in Oregon offer free benefits counseling that can help seniors determine their eligibility for benefits in the state and how to apply for them.

COVID-19 Rules for Independent Living in Oregon

The following information is based on research done on several government websites, including oregon.gov/DHS/COVID-19. 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 Oregon 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 Oregon 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 Oregon 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 Oregon

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

Directory of Independent Living Communities in Portland, OR

Calaroga Terrace

1400 NE Second Avenue, Portland, OR, 97232

Pacifica Senior Living Calaroga Terrace is a retirement community in Portland, Oregon. Residents appreciate the busy activities program which includes bingo, shuffle board and trips around the city, w … (read more)
Pacifica Senior Living Calaroga Terrace is a retirement community in Portland, Oregon. Residents appreciate the busy activities program which includes bingo, shuffle board and trips around the city, w … (read more)

2015, 2016

Courtyard at Mt.Tabor

6125 SE Division St, Portland, OR, 97206

At Courtyard at Mt. Tabor, not only did we get to meet the marketing fellow who gave us the tour, but we did get to meet several of the staff members just briefly. We were able to interface with sever … (read more)
At Courtyard at Mt. Tabor, not only did we get to meet the marketing fellow who gave us the tour, but we did get to meet several of the staff members just briefly. We were able to interface with sever … (read more)

Parkrose Chateau

3141 NE 148th Ave, Portland, OR, 97230

Parkrose Chateau was very nice, well-maintained, and very organized. They had lots of activities. The food we had was moderate. It was not the best food. We had to wait a long time, about half an hour … (read more)
Parkrose Chateau was very nice, well-maintained, and very organized. They had lots of activities. The food we had was moderate. It was not the best food. We had to wait a long time, about half an hour … (read more)

Russellville Park

20 S.E. 103rd Ave, Portland, OR, 97216

Russellville Park is located in the vibrant neighborhood of Russellville in Portland, Oregon. Visitors and residents love that Russellville Park is a spacious and clean facility with a modern and cozy … (read more)
Russellville Park is located in the vibrant neighborhood of Russellville in Portland, Oregon. Visitors and residents love that Russellville Park is a spacious and clean facility with a modern and cozy … (read more)

Rose Schnitzer Manor

6140 SW Boundary Street, Portland, OR, 97221

My mom was at Cedar Sinai Park (Rose Schnitzer) for two weeks. Because it was a respite care and she has a dog, she was on the first floor. It was old and a little bit tattered as far as furniture and … (read more)
My mom was at Cedar Sinai Park (Rose Schnitzer) for two weeks. Because it was a respite care and she has a dog, she was on the first floor. It was old and a little bit tattered as far as furniture and … (read more)

Cherrywood Village

1417 SE 107th Avenue, Portland, OR, 97216

Portland, Oregon’s Cherrywood Village provides independent and assisted living as well as memory care. Residents and their loved ones rate amenities highly, including the swimming pool, fitness room, … (read more)
Portland, Oregon’s Cherrywood Village provides independent and assisted living as well as memory care. Residents and their loved ones rate amenities highly, including the swimming pool, fitness room, … (read more)

Parkview Christian Retirement Community

1825 NE 108th Avenue, Portland, OR, 97220

Clients of mine chose Parkview because they like the feel of the one-level campus with walkways from the apartments to community buildings. The couple are gardeners and walkers, so they really appreci … (read more)
Clients of mine chose Parkview because they like the feel of the one-level campus with walkways from the apartments to community buildings. The couple are gardeners and walkers, so they really appreci … (read more)

Hazelwood Community Apartments

11939 NE Davis St., Portland, OR, 97220

I am a resident of The Hazelwood Community Apartments. It’s great. I love it here. I am happy. My room is a 2-bedroom and it’s wonderful. They have bingo, arts and crafts, social, and ice cream soci … (read more)
I am a resident of The Hazelwood Community Apartments. It’s great. I love it here. I am happy. My room is a 2-bedroom and it’s wonderful. They have bingo, arts and crafts, social, and ice cream soci … (read more)

Markham House

10606 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR, 97219

Markham House is located in the West Portland Park neighborhood of Portland, Oregon. Residents and their loved ones compliment Markham House for having kind, caring and competent staff and for the fre … (read more)
Markham House is located in the West Portland Park neighborhood of Portland, Oregon. Residents and their loved ones compliment Markham House for having kind, caring and competent staff and for the fre … (read more)

Courtyard Village at Raleigh Hills

4875 SW 78th Avenue, Portland, OR, 97225

We have a one-bedroom apartment here at the Courtyard. We find it to be clean and well maintained. The staff has been friendly and helpful. We attend some of the functions for us.
We have a one-bedroom apartment here at the Courtyard. We find it to be clean and well maintained. The staff has been friendly and helpful. We attend some of the functions for us.

Touchmark in the West Hills

840 SW Touchmark Way, Portland, OR, 97225

Touchmark in the West Hills was very nice and brand new. They aren’t open yet, but the people I’ve worked with are lovely, caring, warm, and transparent as far as what the care will be. The facilities … (read more)
Touchmark in the West Hills was very nice and brand new. They aren’t open yet, but the people I’ve worked with are lovely, caring, warm, and transparent as far as what the care will be. The facilities … (read more)

Kenilworth Park Plaza

3214 SE Holgate Boulevard, Portland, OR, 97202

I chose to live at Kenilworth Park Plaza Retirement Homes because they were the first one that had an opening among the places I had applied for. The staff were extremely helpful, very considerate and … (read more)
I chose to live at Kenilworth Park Plaza Retirement Homes because they were the first one that had an opening among the places I had applied for. The staff were extremely helpful, very considerate and … (read more)

Lents Village Apartments

10325 SE Holgate, Portland, OR, 97233

I do recommend Lents Village. It’s a nice facility and they got a nice manager. The area is very clean and very well managed.
I do recommend Lents Village. It’s a nice facility and they got a nice manager. The area is very clean and very well managed.

The Ackerly at Timberland

11795 NW Cedar Falls Drive, Portland, OR, 97229

The Ackerly at Timberland is located just off of Sunset Highway in Portland, Oregon near Timerland Park and Timberland Town Center. Residents have 24/7 access to therapy, game and weight rooms, a … (read more)
The Ackerly at Timberland is located just off of Sunset Highway in Portland, Oregon near Timerland Park and Timberland Town Center. Residents have 24/7 access to therapy, game and weight rooms, a … (read more)

Northwest Place

2420 Northwest Marshall Street, Portland, OR, 97210

My partner and I moved into NW Place because we loved the neighborhood and we wanted independent living with a dining room and activities. We were willing to pay more in order to have these amenities … (read more)
My partner and I moved into NW Place because we loved the neighborhood and we wanted independent living with a dining room and activities. We were willing to pay more in order to have these amenities … (read more)

West Hills Village Senior Residence

5711 SW Multnomah Blvd, Portland, OR, 97219

West Hills Village Senior Residence had independent living and assisted care all in one building. They were all intermingled when I was there. They weren’t expecting me and the guy was giving a tour t … (read more)
West Hills Village Senior Residence had independent living and assisted care all in one building. They were all intermingled when I was there. They weren’t expecting me and the guy was giving a tour t … (read more)

Westmoreland’s Union Manor

6404 SE 23rd Avenue, Portland, OR, 97202

The apartment is just great. Wish AC units were maintained, they stink of mold and many are complaining. Maintenance will first blame you for whatever any issue is. The laundry area looks nice and c … (read more)
The apartment is just great. Wish AC units were maintained, they stink of mold and many are complaining. Maintenance will first blame you for whatever any issue is. The laundry area looks nice and c … (read more)

Holladay Park Plaza

1300 NE 16th Avenue, Portland, OR, 97232

Holladay Park Plaza was my sister-in-law’s second choice. It’s an urban environment. They have a parking garage, but the parking is quite limited. She really wanted to go there several years ago and t … (read more)
Holladay Park Plaza was my sister-in-law’s second choice. It’s an urban environment. They have a parking garage, but the parking is quite limited. She really wanted to go there several years ago and t … (read more)

Gateway Care and Retirement

10141 East Burnside, Portland, OR, 97216

I had to leave in a hurry, leaving behind valuable items because they said they had no control over the residents in the Independent wing over masks and social distancing. I walked past the dining are … (read more)
I had to leave in a hurry, leaving behind valuable items because they said they had no control over the residents in the Independent wing over masks and social distancing. I walked past the dining are … (read more)

The Heights at Columbia Knoll

8320 NE Sandy Boulevard, Portland, OR, 97220

My sister lives in The Heights at Columbia Knoll and she’s happy there. They have a movie room and an exercise room. I’ve talked to one of the staff and she was very nice and very helpful. Right now, … (read more)
My sister lives in The Heights at Columbia Knoll and she’s happy there. They have a movie room and an exercise room. I’ve talked to one of the staff and she was very nice and very helpful. Right now, … (read more)