Guide to Independent Living in Colorado

Colorado is situated in the western region of the nation and is a popular retirement destination for active seniors seeking diverse recreational options, a strong economy and high access to affordable health care. Of the state’s 5.8 million residents, about 15% are retirement-aged, and the senior community is projected to grow rapidly during the coming years. 

Colorado is among the more expensive places in the country to live, with a cost of living that’s about 20% higher than the national median. This is primarily due to high housing costs that exceed the national average by 66%. Despite expensive housing, independent living rates are only a little higher than the national average at $3,088 per month. Additionally, the state’s income tax laws benefit retirees, and groceries and medications are exempt from sales taxes. Affordable independent living and retirement-friendly tax laws may offset high living costs and make Colorado a budget-friendly option for those with fixed incomes. 

Independent living is ideal for those who don’t need medical monitoring or personal care but want to live in an environment that supports a low-maintenance lifestyle and access to social and recreational opportunities. This guide provides information on this senior lifestyle, including typical care costs, ways to pay for services and resources for older adults throughout Colorado.  

How Much Does Independent Living Cost in Colorado?

Note: There currently isn’t authoritative data on the average cost of Independent Living Facilities nationwide, so instead, we use the cost of Assisted Living to estimate it. Since the cost of Independent Living is typically 30-40% lower than the cost of Assisted Living, the numbers below were calculated by subtracting 35% from the cost of Assisted Living as reported in the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey.

Independent living communities in Colorado charge an estimated $3,088 per month, which is about $160 more than the national median of $2,925. Rates in Colorado’s bordering states tend to be lower, with Utah coming in with the lowest monthly fees at $2,275. Older adults in Wyoming pay $2,710 per month. In New Mexico and Kansas, rates are consistent with the national median at $2,924 and $2,977, respectively.  

The Cost of Independent Living in Colorado’s Top Cities 

Independent living fees vary throughout Colorado, depending on factors, such as the local cost of living and access to services. Pueblo is the cheapest surveyed city in Colorado for this type of care, with independent living communities charging $2,470 per month. In Fort Collins and Grand Junction, respective care costs average $2,600 and $2,763, and in Greeley, rates are closer to the national median at $2,860. Fees in Colorado Springs come in at $3,031, and in the capital city of Denver, fees average $3,575. Boulder is the most expensive surveyed city in Colorado for care, with estimated rates of $4,079.  

The Cost of Independent Living vs. Other Types of Care 

Older adults in Colorado have multiple care options, depending on their budgets, lifestyle preferences and care needs. Older adults who live in their own homes and attend adult day health care pay $1,950 per month. Those who don’t need personal care services but want a low-maintenance lifestyle pay $3,088 for independent living, and seniors who need help with daily living activities pay $4,750 for assisted living. Basic homemaker services and skilled home health aide services cost $6,387 per month, and semiprivate accommodations in a nursing home costs $8,567.  

Does Medicare or Medicaid Cover Independent Living in Colorado?

The short answer is no, Medicaid and Medicare do not cover the cost of living in an independent living community. That being said, those who need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), may be able to take advantage of financial assistance programs in Colorado to partially or fully cover the cost of care in Assisted Living. For more information about financial assistance for those who need help with ADLs, read our guide to Assisted Living in Colorado.

For more information about other ways to make Independent Living more affordable, such as retirement funds, the sale of a home, etc, read the section below.

How to Make Independent Living More Affordable in Colorado

Paying for independent living entirely out-of-pocket isn’t feasible for everyone, but that doesn’t mean this lifestyle is out of reach. Older adults have numerous options for funding independent living services, depending on their assets. Those who own their homes but don’t want to sell may use the equity to supplement retirement income via a reverse mortgage. Seniors with access to a large sum of cash may convert it into a steady stream of monthly payments by purchasing an annuity, and in some cases, the individual’s life insurance policy may provide access to death benefits to pay for senior care services. Finally, while long-term care insurance doesn’t typically provide full coverage for independent living, it may cover certain services and bring down the overall monthly cost. 

Free Independent Living Resources for Seniors in Colorado

Colorado seniors have access to numerous free and low-cost programs and services to maximize their safety and comfort throughout their retirement years. The following resource table lists nonprofit organizations and government programs that help older adults find options for paying for independent living, find discounts for activities in the community and connect with social and recreational programs.  

COVID-19 Rules and Restrictions for Colorado Independent Living Communities

The following rules and guidelines were obtained from covid19.colorado.gov, as well as other state-level government sites. Among others, these rules apply to independent living communities and assisted living facilities.

This data has been most recently updated on 2/7/2022, but keep in mind that COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving crisis, so all of the below information can change at any time. For additional questions and up-to-date information, you can contact your loved one’s senior living facility or your local Area Agency on Aging.

Visiting Loved Ones

Outings and Group Activities

Safety Measures for Staff & Contractors

Safety Measures for Residents