Guide to Independent Living in Idaho

With 30 state parks and over 4 million acres of wilderness, world-class museums and galleries and over 100 golf courses, Idaho provides a dynamic environment for active adults. Of its 1.8 million residents, about 16% of the population is retirement-aged. Generally comfortable weather makes the state a compelling option for those who enjoy outdoor living, and the low overall crime rate provides peace of mind for those seeking a quiet retirement. The state’s overall cost of living is slightly below the national median, which may make it a financially feasible option for those with budgetary considerations. Additionally, older adults enjoy very affordable independent living rates of $2,495 per month, making this one of the cheapest places in the United States for this senior living option.  

Independent living is ideal for older adults seeking a low-maintenance lifestyle. These communities don’t provide medical monitoring or help with daily living activities, but they support residents’ comfort by offering daily meals, housekeeping and lawn services, recreational activities and transportation.

This guide provides more insight into how much seniors in Idaho pay for independent living, along with some tips on finding the right community, paying for services and connecting with community-based resources.  

How Much Does Independent Living Cost in Idaho?

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 Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey.

Seniors in Idaho pay $2,495 per month for independent living, which is about $400 cheaper than the national median of $2,925. The only bordering state with more affordable monthly fees is Nevada, where residents pay $2,438. In Wyoming, fees average $2,710, and in Montana, older adults pay $2,893. Services in Oregon and Washington are considerably costlier at $3,279 and $3,900, respectively.  

The Cost of Independent Living in Idaho’s Top Cities 

Idaho Falls is the most economical major city in Idaho for obtaining independent living services, with seniors paying approximately $2,275 for care. In Boise City, rates are slightly higher at $2,331, and in Twin Falls, monthly rates come in at $2,483. Communities in Pocatello charge $2,734, and in Lewiston, seniors pay $2,872. Coeur d’Alene is the costliest surveyed city in Idaho for care, with rates averaging $3,039.  

The Cost of Independent Living vs. Other Types of Care 

Independent living is one of the cheapest types of senior care in Idaho at $2,495. The only cheaper option is adult day health care, which costs $2,167 per month. Older adults who need personal care services pay $3,838 for assisted living, and those who obtain care in their own homes pay $5,434 for homemaker services and home health aide services. Nursing homes have the costliest care, with facilities charging $8,517 for shared rooms.  

Does Medicare or Medicaid Cover Independent Living in Idaho?

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 Idaho 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 Idaho.

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 Idaho

Older adults in Idaho have several options for maximizing their independent living budgets, even if they’re unable to cover costs out of pocket. Some common ways to cover independent living include: 

• Reverse mortgage loans: For older adults who own their homes but aren’t ready to sell, reverse mortgage loans let them convert some of their home’s equity to cash that can be used toward independent living expenses.  
• Annuities: Seniors with access to lump sums of cash may purchase an annuity, which provides set monthly payments they can use at their discretion for living expenses.  
• Long-term care insurance: Long-term care insurance policies may cover certain services in independent living communities, such as transportation and housekeeping. This may bring down the overall monthly cost. 

Free Independent Living Resources for Seniors in Idaho

In Idaho, several nonprofit agencies and government programs serve older adults, helping them find solutions to age-related issues. Through the following resources, seniors can connect with information and referral specialists, options counselors and financial planners who can assist them with making informed decisions regarding their retirement. 

COVID-19 Rules and Restrictions for Idaho Independent Living Communities

The following rules and guidelines were obtained from coronavirus.idaho.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

*NOTE: This information was not available for this state, contact your local area agency on aging or senior living facility for more information.

Outings and Group Activities

Safety Measures for Staff & Contractors

Safety Measures for Residents