Guide to Independent Living in Oregon

Oregon is part of the vast Pacific Northwestern forest and mountain range that draws in settlers from around the country. The region’s mild summers and cool, misty winters encourage seniors to enjoy an active life outdoors, with endless hiking and biking trails, camping areas and fishing spots that rival any in the nation. The state also offers plenty to do in the bustling cities of Portland and Eugene. Oregon has no sales tax, which can help keep independent living expenses under control, and seniors’ Social Security income is wholly exempt from state-level taxation, making Oregon an even friendlier place for seniors to choose to retire in.

Safety is always a concern for older adults, especially independent seniors who frequently travel or socialize outside of their homes. Oregon has a very low crime rate compared with other states, with violent crimes ranking especially low compared with the rest of the country. Seniors who’ve given up driving can enjoy more of that safe atmosphere in Portland and Eugene, which consistently rank among the most bicycle-friendly cities in the United States. 

This guide is intended as an aid for seniors in Oregon who have chosen independent living for their retirement years. It goes over likely costs, types of care and the various free and low-cost resources available to help seniors of all ability levels thrive. 

How Much Does Independent Living Cost in Oregon?

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.

Seniors in Oregon can expect to pay an average of $3,279 a month for independent living. This is somewhat more than the national average cost of $2,925. Oregon’s cost for independent senior living is also generally lower than that of neighboring states. For example, Washington averages $3,900 a month for independent living, while California’s average of $3,413 is nearly $200 a month higher than the Oregon equivalent. Idaho’s average cost is lower at just $2,495 a month for independent living.  

The Cost of Independent Living in Oregon’s Top Cities

The cost of independent living varies considerably in Oregon. Depending on the specific location, monthly costs can fluctuate by several hundred dollars. In Portland, for example, monthly costs average $3,234, with similar costs in Salem ($3,575) and Eugene ($3,655). Grants Pass is in a similar range, at $3,621 a month for independent living, while lower costs can be found in both Medford ($3,016) and in Albany ($2,945).

The Cost of Independent Living vs. Other Types of Care

Independent living is not the best choice for every senior. For many, a different level of care is both more appropriate and even more affordable. In Oregon, seniors can expect to pay an average of $5,045 for assisted living, while adult day health care averages $2,654 a month. Homemaker and home health services are close in price, at $6,006 and $6,101 a month, respectively, while care in a semiprivate room in nursing care costs an average of $10,342 a month.

Does Medicare or Medicaid Cover Independent Living in Oregon?

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 Oregon 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 Oregon.

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 Oregon

Seniors who opt for independent living have a number of options to help them pay for the costs they face. Apart from cash on hand and the use of retirement accounts, consider these common sources of income to help pay for living and care expenses relating to age:

• Reverse mortgage: A reverse mortgage is a type of loan for seniors aged 62 and older that provides a payout based on the equity in a home.
• Equity lines of credit: An equity line of credit is a revolving credit line that uses a home as collateral, which can be used to pay for living expenses. 
• Long-term care insurance: Long-term care insurance may pay for some services, such as housekeeping, transportation and meals.
• Life insurance: Many insurance policies allow individuals to cash out the present value of the policy for any reason.
• Annuities: Annuities offer regularly scheduled payouts that may be used to pay for long-term care.

Free Independent Living Resources for Seniors in Oregon

Oregon seniors have several places to turn when they need help remaining independent. Several state and nonprofit organizations offer free and low-cost support that can help meet seniors needs for aging in place and staying active in their communities.

COVID-19 Rules and Restrictions for Oregon Independent Living Communities

The following rules and guidelines were obtained from oregon.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 2/13/2022, 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