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Senior housing options

The main types of housing for older adults: what each one offers, what it typically costs, and where to read the full guide.

Types of senior housing: what each offers and what it typically costs
Housing typeWhat it isTypical pricingFull guide
Independent livingApartment-style communities for older adults who live on their own. Rent covers the home, meals, housekeeping, activities, and maintenance. No medical or personal care is included.No national survey median is published for independent living. A published example: $2,500 a month for an apartment in Phoenix with 25 meals a month, utilities, and scheduled transportation included (provider rate page, checked October 2026).Full guide →
Assisted livingHousing with help on hand: meals, housekeeping, and personal care such as bathing, dressing, and medication management, with staff available around the clock.$6,200 a month, US median; $5,666 a month in Texas (CareScout, 2025).Full guide →
Memory careSecured housing for people with Alzheimer's disease or another dementia, either inside an assisted living community or in a building of its own, with trained staff and set daily routines.No national median is published for memory care on its own. Published examples at one Texas community run $7,250 to $9,495 a month depending on the room, with all care levels included (provider rate page, checked October 2026).Full guide →
Care homesSmall homes in regular neighborhoods, often with 4 to 16 residents, where caregivers provide meals, personal care, and supervision in a house setting. Also called board-and-care homes or residential care homes.National surveys count small care homes together with assisted living: $6,200 a month, US median (CareScout, 2025).Full guide →
Nursing homesRound-the-clock nursing and personal care for people with serious medical needs, or who need help with most daily tasks. Nursing homes take both long stays and short rehabilitation stays after a hospital visit.$315 a day for a semi-private room ($9,450 for 30 days) and $355 a day for a private room, US medians; in Texas, $185 and $250 a day (CareScout, 2025).Full guide →

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