How Much Does a Continuing Care Retirement Community Cost?
This guide explains typical continuing care retirement community costs, what affects them, and how to compare provider quotes.
Typical prices by job
| Job | What it involves | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Independent living, studio | Housing and basic community services | $2,000 - $5,000 per month |
| Independent living, larger unit | More space and included amenities | $3,000 - $7,000 per month |
| Assisted living | Housing and help with daily activities | $4,000 - $9,000 per month |
| Skilled nursing care | Ongoing nursing and personal care | $7,000 - $12,000 or more per month |
Ranges are typical, not quotes - the price for your job depends on scope and location, so always confirm with the provider.
What affects the price
The contract model matters: some communities charge a large entrance fee and lower monthly fees, while rental or lower-entry plans may have higher monthly charges. Refund terms, included services, meal plans, and future care coverage can change the total cost substantially.
Location, apartment size, and care needs also affect fees. Assisted living and skilled nursing generally cost more than independent living, and a move to a higher care level may trigger additional charges. Ask how annual increases and care transitions are handled.
How to pay less
Compare the full contract cost, not just the advertised monthly rate. Ask for a written breakdown of entrance fees, refunds, included services, care-level charges, and likely annual increases, then compare similar contract types.
Consider smaller units and communities outside the most expensive metro areas, and ask whether services can be removed from the monthly package. Quotes from checked, reviewed providers on Reedleys are easier to compare because you can assess provider details alongside the stated terms.
Cost questions
Many do, but some offer rental or lower-entry contracts. Confirm the amount, refund conditions, and what happens to any refundable balance after a move or death.
Review what the monthly fee includes, how care-level changes are billed, and whether fees can rise. Have a qualified elder-law attorney or financial adviser review unclear terms.
Quotes may cover different care levels, apartment sizes, services, and contract types. Compare the same occupancy, care assumptions, entrance-fee structure, and refund terms before judging the totals.
Recognized Continuing Care Retirement Community businesses
A Fresno senior living community offering assisted living and other levels of care through a Life Plan model.
A 14-acre continuing care retirement community in Wichita offering independent living, assisted living, long-term care and skilled nursing.
Senior living community in Bakersfield offering assisted living and other levels of care.
A Lincoln senior living community offering multiple levels of care on one campus.
A Greensboro Life Plan community offering senior residences, activities, and multiple levels of care.
A Fort Wayne retirement community offering independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing.
A downtown Chicago Life Plan Community offering senior apartments, assisted living, and on-site health care.
A San Diego senior living community offering a Life Plan with care options as needs change.
Senior care advisors help families assess care options and plan for a loved one's next home.
Oakwood Village Prairie Ridge is a continuing care community in Madison offering senior living and care options.