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Independent Living Community

Own apartment, community amenities, no personal care included.

Photo of David Stein

Why I built this

Most families I meet start planning for care after a fall or a hospital stay, when there's no time to compare options. The first question is almost always about cost, and an honest answer is hard to find online. I built these calculators so you can see real Washington numbers before you're forced to decide. Independent living is usually paid entirely out of pocket, so it helps to see how long savings will last.

— David Stein, founder of Real Property Planning

Cost of Care Calculator

Independent Living in Washington

What care could cost, compared with the national median
When might care begin?
Now
How many years of care?
3
Washington
$3,145
per month
National median
$3,145
per month
Estimated total · 3 years
$117,229
vs. $117,229 at the national median
About $3,256 a month on average, with costs rising each year.

Estimate. No survey publishes a Washington figure for independent living; this is a national industry estimate, and Seattle-area communities often charge more. It generally costs less than assisted living because personal care is not included. Washington medians from the CareScout Cost of Care Survey, 2025 data (published March 2026); memory care, adult family home, independent living and CCRC figures are estimates. Includes a 3.5% yearly increase in costs. Actual prices vary by community and level of care.

Senior Living Cost Calculator — Results Summary

Prepared via realpropertyplanning.com on October 23, 2026

Care Type

Independent Living Community

Care Timeline

Care begins now (2026).

Planned for 3 years of care, through 2029.

Cost Assumption

Annual cost growth: 3.5%

Projected Cost

WashingtonNational
Per month$3,145$3,145
Per year$37,740$37,740
Total over 3-year plan$117,229$117,229

Washington medians from the CareScout Cost of Care Survey, 2025 data (published March 2026); memory care, adult family home, independent living and CCRC figures are estimates. Actual costs vary by area, provider, and level of care. For general planning only. Courtesy of Real Property Planning — realpropertyplanning.com.

Free: the family home planning checklist

For most families the house pays for care. Get the 7-step checklist for Washington families: who can sign, how the home is owned, and when to sell. You'll also get the occasional Real Property Planning newsletter. Unsubscribe any time.

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Professional Disclosure

Real Property Planning is an educational and connection hub. It does not provide legal, tax, accounting, financial, brokerage, or appraisal services. Professionals referenced on this site are independently licensed and operate through their own separate businesses. Real estate brokerage services are provided by David Stein, a licensed Washington broker, through eXp Realty. Appraisal services are provided by David Stein through Stein Appraisal. Read the full disclaimer.

Working out how to pay for care?

The home is usually the largest part of the answer — what it is worth, whether to sell before or after the move, and how the proceeds fit the monthly number above. Talk through the housing and property options.

Talk through the housing and property options

Property questions go to David Stein, the featured broker and appraiser (eXp Realty), independently of Real Property Planning.

Aging Life Care Association Corporate Partner (opens in a new window)National Association of Estate Planners & Councils (opens in a new window)National Association of Senior Advocates (opens in a new window)Friends of King County Collaborative Law (opens in a new window)