Seniors who prefer cooler conditions over intense heat may find that Maine’s snowy winters and mild summers make it the perfect place to retire. The cost of living in the state is lower than the national average, and Social Security is exempt from taxes. Compared to other states, the overall rate of crime is very low, and the air and water quality are excellent.

There are several options for senior residential living within the state. Independent living communities provide a safe place where seniors can live in a community with their peers and take part in fun social activities without worrying about yardwork and home ownership. These communities usually provide social events, meals and transportation, and they can even help with errands.

This guide covers the cost of independent living in Maine and within the state and compares the cost to other types of long-term care. It also includes a list of resources for seniors.

How Much Does Independent Living Cost in Maine?

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.

In the far northeast of the United States in Maine, the average cost of independent living is $3,812 per month. This is $887 more than the national average of $2,925. The cost in neighboring states is higher in New Hampshire at $3,934 per month and in Massachusetts at $4,225, but the cost in Vermont is $3,413, which is $399 less than Maine.

The Cost of Independent Living in Maine’s Top Cities

The cost for independent living in Maine varies from $3,088 in Bangor to $4,241 in Portland. Lewiston has a monthly average that’s closer to the state average at $3,565 per month.

The Cost of Independent Living vs Other Types of Care

Seniors considering long-term care have several options throughout the state depending on what their individual needs and health requirements are. Assisted living communities are similar at $5,865, but seniors are able to get help with personal care, including grooming and bathing, and also may receive help with housekeeping, meals, transportation and medication administration.

Seniors who have their own homes and prefer to receive assistance while aging in place can choose homemaker services or a home health aide. Both cost around $5,720 per month and offer help with personal care and activities of daily living. A home health aide may also provide some medical care. Adult day health is the least expensive option at $2,600 per month and is ideal for seniors who live with loved ones that work during the day. A safe and supportive environment is provided during those daytime hours. Nursing homes offer the most comprehensive level of care outside of a hospital. A semiprivate room costs around $10,494, while a private room is around $11,254.

Does Medicare or Medicaid Cover Independent Living in Maine?

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 Maine 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 Maine.

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 Maine

Independent living typically isn’t covered by insurance, so other forms of payment are required.

• Annuities: An annuity is a payout from an initial investment. The payout depends on how much money was invested.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Seniors aged 65 and older and those who are blind or have a disability may receive SSI benefits to help cover the cost of food, clothing and shelter.
• Reverse mortgage: A reverse mortgage is a type of home loan that provides a payout for the equity in your home. No repayments are made during the life of the loan, but once the property is sold, the loan becomes due.
• Life insurance: In some instances, seniors may cash out their life insurance policies to pay for long-term care.

Free Independent Living Resources for Seniors in Maine

Maine provides numerous programs to assist seniors and improve their quality of life. Learn more about some of the free and low-cost services available to older adults and their families.

Resource	Contact	Description
Maine Area Agencies on Aging	(800) 427-7411	Local Area Agencies on Aging connect seniors with available programs and services in their county. These services include legal help, employment training, home-delivered meals, insurance counseling and Alzheimer’s services.
Healthy Living for Maine	(800) 620-6036	Healthy Living for Maine works to improve the lives of individuals in Maine. Evidence-based programs focus on falls prevention, diabetes management, chronic pain management and caregiver support. This nonprofit agency partners with multiple community organizations and local Area Agencies on Aging.
Maine Legal Services for the Elderly	(207) 621-0087	Legal Services for the Elderly is for seniors aged 60 and older. It offers free legal advice regarding health care, insurance, pensions, powers of attorney and consumer matters. Staff also provide help with abuse, guardianships and other age-related issues.
Seniors Plus	(800) 427-1241	Seniors Plus is a nonprofit corporation that helps enrich the lives of seniors and those with disabilities throughout the state. The organization assists with placement, nutrition, care coordination, home modifications, assistive technologies and personal response systems. They also offer insurance counseling and provide information on health and wellness, Alzheimer’s support, assistance applying for benefits and long-term care supports.
Maine Council on Aging	(877) 353-3771	The Maine Council on Aging works to improve the overall quality of life of the state’s older residents. The agency provides information on a variety of topics including ageism, health care, policy issues and disease. It also operates the Equity and Healthy Aging Initiative to help community partners better understand the aging population and provide programs and services that address individual needs.

COVID-19 Rules and Restrictions for Maine Independent Living Communities

The following rules and guidelines were obtained from maine.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 2/8/2022, 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

Can I visit my relative in person if he/she wants emotional support from me?	Yes (Conditions Apply)
Can I visit my relative in person for end-of-life compassion care?	Yes
Will my loved one be required to self-quarantine after I visit him or her?	No
Do I need to wear PPE and/or a cloth mask if I do visit my relative in person?	Yes
Are Hairdressers and other non-medical contractors still 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 being screened for elevated temperatures?	Yes
Are visitors being asked questions about health, travel, and potential virus contact?	Yes

Outings and Group Activities

Are residents allowed to leave the facility for non-medical reasons?	Yes
Are residents of senior living facilities who leave and return required to self-quarantine?	No (Conditions Apply)
Are senior living facilities required to cancel all group outings?	No
Are residents still eating together in the dining hall?	Yes (Conditions Apply)
Are facilities still allowed to host group activities within the community?	Yes (Conditions Apply)

Safety Measures for Staff & Contractors

Are staff members and contractors being screened for elevated temperatures?	Yes
Are staff members and contractors being tested for Coronavirus?	Yes (Conditions Apply)
Are staff members and contractors being asked questions about health, travel, and potential virus contact?	Yes

Safety Measures for Residents

Are staff members required to regularly screen residents for coronavirus symptoms?	Yes
Are residents relied on to screen themselves and self-report potential coronavirus symptoms?	No
Are staff members required to take residents’ temperatures?	Yes
Are residents being tested for coronavirus?	Yes (Conditions Apply)