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Independent Living in Utah
For seniors looking for a great place to retire, Utah should be high on the list. The outdoor recreation opportunities found in Utah’s beautiful national parks and the clean air quality are beneficial, and the state has a higher-than-average life expectancy. Utah is one of the top 10 places to retire, according to Kiplinger. These perks may be why 11.4% of the 3.2 million people who call Utah home are age 65 and older.
Independent living communities provide independence without assistance with the activities of daily living. They have perks like community activities, low-maintenance housing and occasional wellness checks. Independent living is ideal for Utah seniors who can take care of their daily living needs but want to enjoy an active, low-stress retirement.
The cost of assisted living in Utah is lower than average compared to both nearby states and the United States as a whole. Based on data from the 2020 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, seniors can expect to pay $2,310 a month for independent living communities in Utah.
This guide explores the costs of independent living in Utah, how seniors can pay those costs and resources they can use to encourage independence throughout their retirement years.
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The Cost of Independent Living in Utah
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 Utah and its 11 cities.
Note: There is no definitive source of information regarding the cost of Independent Living in Utah; however, it’s about 30-40% less than Assisted Living per month. By taking Assisted Living costs from Genworth Financial’s Cost of Care Survey for 2021 and subtracting 35%, we’ve estimated how much seniors will pay for Independent Living.
Utah has the least expensive Independent Living costs in the region, and it’s significantly cheaper than the national average of $2,925 per month. The three other states that make up the “Four Corners” – Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona – have average costs of $3,088, $2,924 and $2,600 per month, respectively. Wyoming, the least populous state in the nation, has a median price of $2,710 per month for Independent Living. Nevada’s average price is about $160 more than Utah’s and Idaho’s is about $220 more per month.
The Cost of Independent Living in Utah's Top Cities
While Utah generally has an average cost for independent living of $2,581 a month, this is just the average for the state. Various cities within Utah show a range of price averages, which has a more significant effect on final costs than the statewide figures do. Independent living costs in both Salt Lake City and in Sandy average $2,895 a month, while Orem and Provo are less pricey, at $2,420 a month.
Utah
$2,581
Salt Lake City
$2,895
Sandy
$2,895
Orem
$2,420
Provo
$2,420
Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Independent Living in Utah
Seniors in Utah are seeing the cost of independent living care rise as a result of inflation. From 2022 - 2024, statewide average costs are projected to rise from $2,418 a month to $2,749, a nearly 13% increase. This is just over the 12% projected rise in the national average, and it's more than in many other states. Colorado, for example, expects a 7.5% rise during the same period, while Nevada and Alaska each estimate nearly 5% increases. Wyoming actually anticipates a decrease of $2,723 to $2,200 a month during this span, a solid 21% drop.
| Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utah | $2,418 | $2,581 | $2,749 |
| U.S. Average | $2,810 | $2,955 | $3,162 |
| Colorado | $2,769 | $2,802 | $2,984 |
| Wyoming | $2,723 | $2,065 | $2,200 |
| Nevada | $2,476 | $2,463 | $2,593 |
| Alaska | $4,509 | $4,485 | $4,724 |
The Costs of Other Types of Senior Living
At $2,581 a month, independent living costs are low in Utah, compared with the other senior living options. Assisted living is more than $1,500 more expensive, at $4,129, while memory care runs to an average of $4,425 a month.
Assisted Living
$4,129
Memory Care
$4,425
Independent Living
$2,581
Can You Use Medicare or Medicaid to Pay for Independent Living in Utah?
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 Utah.
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 Utah
Independent living communities in Utah are typically more affordable than assisted living and nursing home services, but they still have a cost. Seniors have a number of options to help them pay for this type of living arrangement.
Because medical insurance does not cover independent living community costs, long-term care insurance may. Selling the senior’s home or using it as a rental home, then using those proceeds to pay for independent living costs, is another option. If a senior owns a home that other family members want to live in, a reverse mortgage can free up the funds for independent living.
To get more ideas about how to pay for independent living, visit the independent living guide.
Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Utah
There are many resources in Utah 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Utah Area Agencies on Aging | The Utah Department of Health and Human Services Area Agencies on Aging offer services and programs to seniors in the state while also looking out for their well-being. Services range from legal guidance to healthy meals and nutrition programs. Caregivers can also access beneficial support, such as counseling, dementia education and respite care. Seniors can learn how to protect themselves against Medicare fraud and financial exploitation, receive Medicare assistance with insurance counseling and find in-home services to remain independent. | |
| Utah Division of Aging and Adult Services | 800-541-7735 | The Utah Division of Aging and Adult Services offers multiple resources for Utah seniors. Meal programs include food and nutrition education, Meals on Wheels deliveries and community lunches at senior centers throughout the state. The organization also offers seniors 60 years and older without reliable transportation rides to medical offices, dental checkups and personal care appointments. In-home services are also available for low-income seniors and include assistance with the activities of daily living and short-term respite care. |
Cash Assistance Programs
Cash assistance programs in Utah 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Utah 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, Utah 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Utah Aging Waiver | 801-538-3910 | The Utah Aging Waiver Program provides supportive services to seniors aged 65 and older, helping them live as independently as possible in their homes or in community-based settings. Supervised by the Division of Aging and Adult Services, the program may cover case management, community living services, homemaker assistance, nonmedical transportation and other services based on individual assessments. Seniors who require care levels offered by a nursing facility and meet financial eligibility requirements for Medicaid can qualify for this program. |
| Utah Housing Liaison Program | 385-468-3200 | The Utah Housing Liaison Program helps older adults find suitable housing or make emergency rent payments to remain in their existing homes. In addition to providing many informational resources for the state's seniors, the Utah Housing Liaison works directly with individuals, providing counseling based on their unique circumstances and referrals to other organizations that might prove helpful. The program also assists with housing applications, helping seniors secure accommodations that meet their needs. |
| Utah Physical Disabilities Waiver | 801-538-4200 | The Physical Disabilities Waiver in Utah helps seniors with physical disabilities live independently in their own homes or communities. The waiver provides supportive services, including personal assistance, access to specialized medical equipment and a personal emergency response system. Applicants must have physical impairments arising from the functional loss of two or more limbs, need 14 hours per week of assistance and meet Medicaid eligibility requirements. This waiver has limited funding and successful applicants will be placed on a waiting list. |
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 Utah seniors afford the nutritious food they need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Utah Meals on Wheels | Utah Meals on Wheels operates independently run programs statewide that provide seniors with nutritious meals for free or low cost. Eligibility is open to adults age 60 and over. Seniors can enjoy their meals in a communal setting, such as the local senior center, or have fresh meals delivered directly to their door. The included safety checks help prevent falls, accidents or emergencies. Additional support services are available and may include pet meal delivery and emergency meal delivery during bad weather. | |
| Utah Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) | SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is a national nutrition program with an office in Salt Lake City, UT, offering eligible applicants help with purchasing food. Benefits are typically disbursed monthly onto an electronic benefits (EBT) card. Benefits may be used to buy all types of unprepared food, including meats, fruits and vegetables, breads and dairy products. Elderly households must meet income requirements. |
Financial Assistance for Senior Living
Low-income elderly individuals in senior living communities can access financial assistance through local-run programs. These Utah resources offer advice, guidance and support to help older adults pay for the services offered by long-term care providers.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Utah New Choices Waiver | 801-538-6155 | The New Choices Waiver is a program intended to help individuals living in a Utah-registered nursing facility or medical institution move into a community-based setting. Individuals accepted into the program are eligible for Medicaid-expanded support services based on their needs to help with community living. Services include adult day care, homemaker and chore services, transportation, respite care and home-delivered meals. The program includes case management services to assist participants in obtaining Medicaid and other waiver services. |
Free Used Medical Equipment
Due to the high cost of purchasing new medical equipment, several organizations in Utah 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Utah AT4All | 800-524-5152 | AT4All is the partner site of the UATP where Utah residents can purchase and borrow used medical equipment. The site lists equipment across a range of categories, including environmental modifications, shower benches and mobility devices such as electric scooters and wheelchairs. |
| Utah Ability 1st | 801-373-5044 | Ability 1st Utah loans out medical equipment for up to 90 days and can extend loan periods when another patron hasn't requested the borrowed equipment. Its varied inventory includes scooters, wheelchairs and walkers, as well as shower benches and other helpful equipment. |
| Utah Assistive Technology | 801-466-5565 | At the Utah Independent Living Center, seniors who only need medical equipment for a short duration can borrow what they need from its loan bank, while those who need assistive devices long-term may qualify to use community funding to purchase what would normally be out of reach financially. Shower seats, scooters, walkers and bedside tables are some of the most common borrowed items. The maximum loan period is three months, but the program can extend it. |
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 Utah have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Utah Section 504 Home Repair Program | 801-524-4264 | The Section 504 Home Repair Program awards grants of up to $10,000 to low-income seniors who need to perform repairs on their homes to remove health and safety hazards. |
| Utah Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) | The WAP helps seniors perform home upgrades and repairs to increase their energy efficiency, resulting in lower energy bills. Contractors with the program typically perform repairs such as installing insulation in the attics and floors and replacing broken windows. Homeowners don't have to pay to participate, but if you rent your home, your landlord may need to pay a share of the costs. |
Legal Resources
Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal services to Utah 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Utah Legal Services | 801-328-8891 | Older adults who live in Salt Lake County can turn to Utah Legal Services' Senior Citizen Law Center for free legal advice. ULS' volunteer lawyers can help seniors navigate legal concerns regarding public benefits, housing, health and family issues. The organization's Senior Law Project focuses on assistance involving estate and probate law, drafting wills, sharing bank accounts and establishing powers of attorney. |
| Utah Long Term Care Ombudsman | During a conflict at a nursing home, the Long Term Care Ombudsman is available to help seniors find solutions that serve their best interests. Complaints can be filed by long-term care facility residents or their family members. From a resident's right to privacy and confidentiality to their right to complain and make independent choices, workers in the Ombudsman program are knowledgeable about the freedoms granted to seniors living in nursing homes. |
Senior Centers
Senior centers in Utah bring together residents through recreational activities and events. Many also offer advice and support on senior issues, run wellness and nutrition programs, and connect older adults with other resources in the local area.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Utah Health Care Association | 801-486-6100 | Utah Health Care Association (UHCA) is an industry organization for long-term care facilities, including nursing homes and assisted living facilities. It also provides resources and assistance to seniors and their families who are making decisions about their long-term care. UHCA produces a number of consumer guides for people exploring long-term care, including A Consumer's Guide to Nursing Facilities, and has a search program to help people find the right senior living facility. |
Senior Engagement
Senior engagement resources and programs in Utah 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer's Association of Utah Chapter | 801-265-1944 | Trained and knowledgeable representatives with the Alzheimer's Association Utah Chapter assist seniors living with the disease through a variety of channels. Their support services include referrals to local programs and services, such as identifying available memory care facilities. Staff also offers educational opportunities that highlight what to expect as the disease progresses. |
| Utah Easterseals-Goodwill Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) | 435-986-3576 | The SCSEP administered by Easterseals-Goodwill provides paid job training for low-income job seekers 55 and older, helping them gain experience and updated skills that may lead to regular employment. Participants receive an average of 20 hours of training per week in their assigned host agencies which are nonprofit and community service organizations. These assignments vary in duration, usually from 6 to 12 months. |
Social Security Offices
Social Security offices in Utah 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Utah 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 Utah 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Utah Circuit Breaker Homeowner Low-Income Abatement | Seniors who qualify for the Homeowner Low-Income Abatement can lower their annual property taxes by up to $1,110. They can also add a 20% credit of their home's market value. | |
| Utah Indigent Abatement | 800-662-4335 | The Indigent Abatement is a tax relief program for older homeowners. It allows them to reduce their property tax burden by up to half the current year's tax or $1,110, whichever is less. Approval for the program is at the discretion of your county's tax office. |
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. Utah 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Utah Home Energy Assistance Target Program | 866-205-4357 | The Utah Home Energy Assistance Target Program offers year-round energy and water bill assistance for eligible low-income seniors in Utah. Households with people aged 60 and older are prioritized and can apply for aid a month early. Households must have a total income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level. To qualify, applicants must provide a copy of their bills along with proof of income, medical expenses, alimony and applicable disability as well as any other requested documentation. |
Veteran's Services
Utah 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Utah VA Benefits and Health Care | Utah VA Benefits and Health Care services include specialized programs for qualified veterans ages 65 and older. The state has a central VA facility in Salt Lake City as well as outpatient clinics in Moab, North Logan and St. George. The Regional Benefit Office is also in Salt Lake City. In addition to medical care, disabled veterans can access supplemental benefits, such as funds to cover long-term assistance at VA memory care or skilled nursing units or in-home care options. | |
| Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs | 801-326-2372 | The Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs administers benefits and services to qualifying veterans in the state. This department provides health care benefits, which can reduce out-of-pocket medical costs, along with life insurance, burial benefits and VA benefits claims assistance. |
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