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Key West is a subtropical island paradise community located at the far tip of the Florida Keys. Home to just 24,000 people, 17% of Key West’s population is made up of older adults aged 65 and over. Temperatures in Key West are almost universally balmy and warm, with average daily highs that reach the high 70s even in December. The community is popular with tourists, with more than 5 million visitors coming every year to enjoy the sun and the sand, as well as the outstanding scuba diving between the reefs. Seniors in Key West live in a geographically small community with multiple senior centers, marinas and a lively nightlife to enjoy.
The average monthly cost of assisted living in Key West is $3,500, although costs can vary based on location, the amenities offered and the services each facility offers its residents.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
According to the Genworth 2020 Cost of Care survey, seniors in Key West pay $3,500 per month for assisted living, which is $200 less than the statewide average of $3,700 per month and $800 lower than the national median of $4,300. Georgia’s costs are the same as those in Key West at $3,500 a month, and Alabama is slightly cheaper at $3,150. Seniors in South Carolina and Mississippi pay higher fees of $3,988 and $3,713 per month, respectively.
Florida is a relatively large state, and assisted living costs vary by a wide margin across its many urban areas. Tallahassee, the state capital, tops the list for average cost at $5,506 per month. Seniors in Cape Coral and Naples, neighboring communities in the south of the state, pay $4,500 and $4,550 per month, respectively. In Lakeland and Pensacola, prices average $3,945 and $3,805 per month, respectively. Orlando comes close to Key West in cost at $3,700, while Tampa seniors pay slightly less at $3,225 per month.
Note: Data for Key West was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Miami, was used instead.
Seniors in Key West may be eligible for participation in Medicaid, the state’s low-income health insurance program. Seniors may also qualify for the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long Term Care (SMMC LTC) program. This program pays many of the costs of board and care at participating assisted living facilities in the state. Services covered under the program include assistance with daily living, routine transportation and adult day health services.
Learn more about the ALW, eligibility requirements and how to apply on our Assisted Living in Florida page.
| Contact | Description | |
| Living Waters Rx Project | (305) 432-9554 | The Living Waters Rx Project provides financial assistance for qualifying seniors who need help filling prescriptions. The program helps with medication to maintain chronic health conditions. Income and asset limitations apply. |
| Veterans Affairs | (305) 451-0164 | The Department of Veterans Affairs has an office in Key West where honorably discharged veterans can get help with pension, health and disability services. Case manager support is available, as are referrals for medical, mental health and housing crisis services. Qualifying spouses and other dependents can also apply to the VA for assistance and help with appeals. |
| Center for Independent Living of the Keys (CILK) | (305) 453-3491 | The Center for Independent Living offers supportive services to Key West seniors and adults with disabilities for independent living arrangements. Case management, education and advocacy are provided by center staff, as is assistance with applying for government benefits. |
| Monroe County Nutrition Program | (305) 292-4522 | The Monroe County Nutrition Program delivers daily hot meals to local seniors aged 60 and over. The program also operates a congregate meal service that’s open to members of the community, as well as several local senior centers. The center also offers community volunteer services for seniors who need companions and social contacts in the community. |
| Catholic Charities of Monroe County | (305) 292-9790 | Catholic Charities of Monroe County is a religious nonprofit that offers interfaith financial assistance for seniors in crisis. Limited rent assistance is available, as is an emergency food assistance program. Many programs offered are available to registered program participants, who must provide proof of income and eligibility to enroll. |
Assisted living communities in Key West must meet or exceed the standards set by both Florida state law and the regulations enforced by the Agency for Health Care Administration in Tallahassee. Visit our Assisted Living in Florida page to learn more about these laws and regulations.
