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.

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. 

In the cities of Utah where cost information is available, Independent Living costs are similar. Logan has the least expensive average in the state at $2,145 per month, but Salt Lake City averages just $7 a month more at a median price of $2,152. Provo, which is just south of Salt Lake City, has the highest Independent Living costs in the state at $2,402 per month. Near the border with Nevada and Arizona, the city of St. George has a median price of $2,275 per month for Independent Living. 

Independent Living costs in Utah are very affordable compared to other types of senior living and care. This is one of the few states where Independent Living is less expensive per month than Adult Day Care. Assisted Living is about $1,200 more per month than Independent Living. In-Home Care costs an average of $5,625 per month, and Home Health Care costs about $100 more due to the light medical services it provides. Like all states, Nursing Home Care in Utah is the most expensive type of senior care at $7,178. 

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.