Home to stunning volcanoes, expansive deserts, evergreen forests and pristine lakes, rivers, and coastline, the state of Washington combines natural beauty with luxurious cities and world-class arts and culture. These are just a few of the reasons why the state’s 1.2 million seniors enjoy a high quality of life. USA Today ranked Washington as one of the ten best states for older Americans

Independent living communities provide housing for seniors who require very little or no help with daily activities. In most cases, they are 55+ or older locations with a variety of amenities designed to make life easier and more pleasurable for older adults. Pools, gardens, courtyards and activity centers are all common in independent living, and many also include luxury features such as libraries, movie theaters, spas and gyms. The average cost of independent living in Washington state is $3,738 per month.  

This guide provides more detailed information about the costs of independent living in Washington as well as programs that can help pay for it. We also link to helpful resources related to independent living. 

The Cost of Independent Living in Washington

Note: There’s no clear pricing information for Independent Living communities in Washington, however, this type of senior living is 30-40% less expensive than Assisted Living. An estimate for Independent Living can be calculated by subtracting 35% from the Assisted Living cost information from Genworth Financial’s Cost of Care Survey for 2021.

In Washington, seniors and families pay about $1,000 more monthly for Independent Living than the national average of $2,925 per month. This makes Washington one of the more expensive states for this type of senior community. The only nearby state that has higher costs is Alaska, where the median monthly price is $4,440. Idaho seniors pay an average of $2,495 per month for Independent Living while Oregon seniors, Washington’s southern neighbor, pay about $3,279 per month. The monthly average in Montana is $2,893, which is similar to the national average.

$3900

Washington

$2925

The United States

$2495

Idaho

$3279

Oregon

$4440

Alaska

$2893

Montana

Because Washington is such a diverse state, both geographically and economically, Independent Living costs vary greatly. At the low end of the range is the city of Walla Walla with an average cost of $2,087 per month. Seattle, the state’s largest city, is at the high end of the range with a median rate of $4,388 per month, and the state capital Olympia has an average monthly price of $3,123. Spokane, in the far west, and Bellingham, in the far north, have average monthly costs of $3,177 and $2,990, respectively.

$4388

Seattle

$3177

Spokane

$3123

Olympia

$3234

Yakima

$2990

Bellingham

$2087

Walla Walla

Other than Adult Day Care, which costs an average of $2,600 per month, Independent Living is the most affordable type of senior living in Washington. Seniors who age in place pay about $6,547 per month for In-Home Care and about $6,578 per month for Home Health Care. Assisted Living in the state has a median price of $6,000 per month, which is more expensive than Independent Living due to the additional services provided. Nursing Home Care, which is the highest level of care available, costs an average of $9,429 per month for a semiprivate room. 

$3900

Independent Living

$6547

In-Home Care

$6578

Home Health Care

$2600

Adult Day Care

$6000

Assisted Living Facility

$9429

Nursing Home Care

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

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 Washington.

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 Washington

Seniors in Washington have quite a few ways to pay for independent living. For property owners with a lot of equity, selling a home can provide more than enough cash long term. Seniors who don’t want to sell can use a reverse mortgage to receive monthly payments based on the value of their property. Home equity loans or renting are also popular funding options. Long-term care insurance may fund certain aspects of independent living depending on the policy. Investments made during working years, as well as pensions from public institutions or private companies, can pay for significant portions of independent living. In some cases, cashing out a whole life policy may be the right choice. 

Independent Living Resources in Washington

Washington state has many resources available for seniors to maintain and even improve their health, social life and finances. Below are some government and nonprofit organizations to be aware of. 

Resource
Contact
Service
(360) 725-3548
ADRCs in Washington run programs throughout the state that connect seniors and families with home and community supports that enhance independent living. These programs, which include legal and nutritional services, transportation and senior centers, are accessed through county Area Agency on Aging offices. Representatives can help families smoothly transition from home to independent living communities or long-term care options. ADRCs have strong partnerships with the Department of Veterans Affairs and Medicare. 
(866) 227-7457 
AARP is a nonprofit organization that has more than 900,000 members in the state of Washington. Their mission is to enhance the lives of retired persons through advocacy, community development, financial assistance and a variety of other local resources. AARP also plans events that benefit seniors in cities throughout the state. While membership is available for a small fee, many of the services are available at no cost.
(855) 567-0252
Community Living Connections (CLC) helps Washington seniors explore independent living options and search for resources that enhance their health, mobility and safety. Their planning service allows families to find services while considering the costs and legal implications of each decision. CLC is staffed by real people who can talk to seniors about their unique situations and options. CLC also has a self-service portal where seniors can save their searches and even request direct assistance. 
(800) 562-6900
Due to the complicated nature of Medicare and other types of insurance, Washington state offers direct help for seniors who have questions or concerns about their coverage. Specialists are available to assist with complaints, surprise medical bills, insurance claim denials, fraud reports and long-term care coverage. The Insurance Commissioner also has valuable information about car, home, dental, business and other types of insurance. 
(888) 387-7111 
The Northwest Justice Project operates the CLEAR Hotline to help low-income seniors with a variety of issues. This nonprofit deals with civil issues, such as evictions, property rights and government benefits. They also help seniors negotiate barriers that may prevent them from finding the right independent living solution. Applications are required before help is provided. Eligibility is determined during the application process, which can be done online. 

COVID-19 Rules for Independent Living in Washington

The following information is based on research done on several government websites, including dshs.wa.gov. These rules apply to Independent Living Communities and other types of senior living facilities. We’ve most recently updated this data on 2/15/2022, 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 Washington 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

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

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 Washington 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 Washington 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?

No

Are residents regularly tested for COVID-19?

Yes (Conditions Apply)

Find Independent Living Communities in Washington

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

Directory of Independent Living Communities in Seattle, WA

Northgate Plaza

Northgate Plaza is a senior living community located in the Northgate retail area of a Seattle neighborhood and close to Kindred Hospital, Group Health Clinic, UW Medicine and Pacific Medical Center. … (read more)
Northgate Plaza is a senior living community located in the Northgate retail area of a Seattle neighborhood and close to Kindred Hospital, Group Health Clinic, UW Medicine and Pacific Medical Center. … (read more)

Ballard Landmark

I went to Ballard Landmark. The people were all very, very nice. I think they had a pool and a dining area and everything was okay. The people there seemed to be quite feeble. Which is a good place, t … (read more)
I went to Ballard Landmark. The people were all very, very nice. I think they had a pool and a dining area and everything was okay. The people there seemed to be quite feeble. Which is a good place, t … (read more)

Cogir of Queen Anne

We toured Cogir of Queen Anne. The tour was very nice. The people were nice. The food was good. However, their independent living is in a different building from the dining room. The meals are include … (read more)
We toured Cogir of Queen Anne. The tour was very nice. The people were nice. The food was good. However, their independent living is in a different building from the dining room. The meals are include … (read more)

Brookdale West Seattle

We met several people at Brookdale West Seattle and they seemed very happy. They were very welcoming, nice, and very helpful. It’s an old building and it reminded me of an old hotel, but it was clean. … (read more)
We met several people at Brookdale West Seattle and they seemed very happy. They were very welcoming, nice, and very helpful. It’s an old building and it reminded me of an old hotel, but it was clean. … (read more)

Daystar Retirement Village

I was only shown 1 room at Daystar Retirement Village. They were in the process of redoing it, and there was no furniture in it, but it was an OK room. We walked by the dining room, but we didn’t go i … (read more)
I was only shown 1 room at Daystar Retirement Village. They were in the process of redoing it, and there was no furniture in it, but it was an OK room. We walked by the dining room, but we didn’t go i … (read more)


Holiday Bridge Park

Holiday Bridge Park was in a reconstruction zone. It’s going to look very, very nice. The two apartments we saw were completely remodeled. They were very nice and had great colors. Everything was bran … (read more)
Holiday Bridge Park was in a reconstruction zone. It’s going to look very, very nice. The two apartments we saw were completely remodeled. They were very nice and had great colors. Everything was bran … (read more)

Brookdale Admiral Heights

Brookdale Admiral Heights is located in Seattle, Washington, a few minutes from West Seattle Golf Course, Puget Park and Westwood Village. Visitors give high marks to the dining room for its cleanline … (read more)
Brookdale Admiral Heights is located in Seattle, Washington, a few minutes from West Seattle Golf Course, Puget Park and Westwood Village. Visitors give high marks to the dining room for its cleanline … (read more)

Reserve at SeaTac

Reserve at SeaTac was OK. The staff was OK, but the manager had a little bit of an attitude and just jumped to conclusions. Their apartments were fine. It’s an older, remodeled building. They had a ja … (read more)
Reserve at SeaTac was OK. The staff was OK, but the manager had a little bit of an attitude and just jumped to conclusions. Their apartments were fine. It’s an older, remodeled building. They had a ja … (read more)

The Lakeshore

The Lakeshore is an assisted living and independent living facility located on Lake Washington in Seattle. Visitors praise the community’s thoughtful layout, friendly staff and stunning view of the … (read more)
The Lakeshore is an assisted living and independent living facility located on Lake Washington in Seattle. Visitors praise the community’s thoughtful layout, friendly staff and stunning view of the … (read more)

2023

Ida Culver House Broadview

Ida Culver House Broadview, located in the Greenwood neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, is known for its cheerful environment designed to cultivate body wellness. This facility’s campus offers spe … (read more)
Ida Culver House Broadview, located in the Greenwood neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, is known for its cheerful environment designed to cultivate body wellness. This facility’s campus offers spe … (read more)

University House Wallingford

Situated northwest of Seattle, University House Wallingford provides assisted living and independent living close to a variety of unique dining options, including Rocking Wok Taiwanese Cuisine and Tut … (read more)
Situated northwest of Seattle, University House Wallingford provides assisted living and independent living close to a variety of unique dining options, including Rocking Wok Taiwanese Cuisine and Tut … (read more)

Ida Culver House Ravenna

Ida Culver House Ravenna is a smaller facility in Seattle, Washington offering residents a homey feel and friendly staff. Even though it is located within the city itself, it is surrounded by well-kep … (read more)
Ida Culver House Ravenna is a smaller facility in Seattle, Washington offering residents a homey feel and friendly staff. Even though it is located within the city itself, it is surrounded by well-kep … (read more)

Boulevard Park Place

We toured 3 different places that were independent living and without a meal plan. Of those 3, I liked Boulevard Park Place the best. They did not have an income cap so you don’t have to qualify and y … (read more)
We toured 3 different places that were independent living and without a meal plan. Of those 3, I liked Boulevard Park Place the best. They did not have an income cap so you don’t have to qualify and y … (read more)

SHAG’s New Haven Apartments

We’re moving my father now to SHAG’s New Haven Senior Apartment. The people and the facility are very good. There is a gym and a barber shop outside on the same block. They have a weekly schedule of … (read more)
We’re moving my father now to SHAG’s New Haven Senior Apartment. The people and the facility are very good. There is a gym and a barber shop outside on the same block. They have a weekly schedule of … (read more)


Northaven West

We got Northaven West for mom and signed a lease earlier this week. It was listed under micro studios, affordable housing. It ended up being the only one that we toured just because it was all about a … (read more)
We got Northaven West for mom and signed a lease earlier this week. It was listed under micro studios, affordable housing. It ended up being the only one that we toured just because it was all about a … (read more)

Norse Home

I visited Norse Home and it’s very nice. It’s not as nice as the place I ended up choosing, but they have great views from the units. On one side you got boats and water, and on the other side you got … (read more)
I visited Norse Home and it’s very nice. It’s not as nice as the place I ended up choosing, but they have great views from the units. On one side you got boats and water, and on the other side you got … (read more)

Interurban Senior Living

Whether you want to enjoy day trips with friends with our numerous planned social activities or relax and read your favorite book on our beautifully landscaped, rooftop deck, you have the choice to l … (read more)
Whether you want to enjoy day trips with friends with our numerous planned social activities or relax and read your favorite book on our beautifully landscaped, rooftop deck, you have the choice to l … (read more)

Arrowhead Gardens

We went to Arrowhead Gardens. The person we met was great. She took a lot of time and showed us around. There seemed to be a lot of people on staff, so it was very efficient. They were really in charg … (read more)
We went to Arrowhead Gardens. The person we met was great. She took a lot of time and showed us around. There seemed to be a lot of people on staff, so it was very efficient. They were really in charg … (read more)