--- title: Bethesda - Cost comparison infographic description: Independent senior living is more affordable than you think. Explore what you should consider when moving into a senior living community and the costs associated with it. image: https://info.bethesdahealth.org/hubfs/Interactive%20Infographic/cuddling-1-1.png --- [![logo-white](https://info.bethesdahealth.org/hubfs/logo-white.png)](https://bethesdahealth.org/) # Holding onto a House vs. Creating a Home in Independent Living: A Cost Comparison ![Woman sitting by the window with a coffee in her hands](https://info.bethesdahealth.org/hubfs/Interactive%20Infographic/woman-in-window.png) **Are you considering moving to an independent senior living community? One of the top questions regarding senior living is what it costs, especially compared to staying at home.**  However, independent senior living is more affordable than you may think. Let’s explore what you should consider when moving into a senior living community and the costs associated with your options so you can make an informed decision. ## Independent Senior Living vs. Aging in Place Not sure if senior living is the right choice at the moment? You'll want to consider your current residence, how it suits you, and what you want from your retirement years. Here are some things to consider: ![home](https://info.bethesdahealth.org/hubfs/Interactive%20Infographic/home.png) Is your current residence too large to maintain? ![tools](https://info.bethesdahealth.org/hubfs/Interactive%20Infographic/tools.png) Is home maintenance becoming a burden? ![bag](https://info.bethesdahealth.org/hubfs/Interactive%20Infographic/bag.png) Do you want easier access to appointments, errands, and fun outings? ![heart-hands](https://info.bethesdahealth.org/hubfs/Interactive%20Infographic/heart-hands.png) Do you want more opportunities to make friends with similar interests? ![Couple sitting on the couch watching television](https://info.bethesdahealth.org/hubfs/Interactive%20Infographic/elderly-couple.png) ## Benefits [Independent senior living](https://bethesdahealth.org/blog/2023/04/13/the-benefits-of-independent-senior-living-vs-staying-at-home/) enables you to make the most of your retirement while living a low-maintenance lifestyle. The keyword associated with independent living is “opportunity,” and there are plenty of them with this lifestyle. You will have opportunities to meet new friends, participate in new experiences, enjoy fine dining with chef-styled meals, and plenty more. ![salad](https://info.bethesdahealth.org/hubfs/Interactive%20Infographic/salad.png) ### Dining ### Dining Food should be delicious and healthy, and in independent living, you get the best of both worlds with less work. Independent living residents may cook in their apartment or head to the dining room to enjoy a chef-prepared meal with friends without driving to a restaurant. ![man in chair reading newspaper](https://info.bethesdahealth.org/hubfs/Interactive%20Infographic/man-in-chair.png) ### Activities ### Activities Your time is yours to spend how you wish. Tackle your list of books to read in your apartment, enjoy group outings with friends, or do a bit of both. Your social calendar can be as full as you want it to be!  Independent senior living provides organized activities that otherwise may be difficult to access, allowing you to discover hidden talents or new hobbies. Some offerings include shopping trips, educational series, area events, and more.     ![pool](https://info.bethesdahealth.org/hubfs/Interactive%20Infographic/pool.png) ### Amenities ### Amenities One of the top benefits of independent senior living is [easy access to amenities](https://bethesdahealth.org/blog/2019/08/09/independent-living-amenities-you-cant-get-at-home/). These amenities may include a fitness center, salon, or library, all within the community. Some communities even provide access to a pool. Some fitness centers are equipped with a wide range of equipment and trained wellness coordinators who lead fitness classes.  ![dog](https://info.bethesdahealth.org/hubfs/Interactive%20Infographic/dog.png) ### Pet-Friendly Environment ### Pet-Friendly Environment Moving to an independent senior living community doesn’t mean giving up your beloved pet. At Bethesda, we know that [pets are a part of the family](https://bethesdahealth.org/blog/2019/09/17/senior-home-safety-keeping-your-pet-while-you-age-in-place/), and we welcome them as one of our own! Pets often become as familiar to residents as their owners, and it isn’t uncommon for residents to interact with the pets in the community. ![packed box next to a plant on some stacked books](https://info.bethesdahealth.org/hubfs/Interactive%20Infographic/packing.png) ### Personalized Apartments ### Personalized Apartments You aren’t moving into a glorified hotel room. You’re moving into a luxurious apartment that gives you space to live and decorate according to your style. Enjoy a separate kitchen, living room, and a bedroom with spacious closets. You have the freedom to make your space your own. ![couple dancing](https://info.bethesdahealth.org/hubfs/Interactive%20Infographic/dancing.png) ### Socialization ### Socialization It’s natural for social circles to get smaller as people age. However, isolation and loneliness can contribute to obesity, heart disease, depression, and Alzheimer’s disease. Independent senior living communities are designed around socialization to help prevent these negative effects. From communal dining rooms to social and recreational activities, there are plenty of opportunities to make new friends. ![couple cuddling](https://info.bethesdahealth.org/hubfs/Interactive%20Infographic/cuddling.png) ### Low-Maintenance Living ### Low-Maintenance Living Say goodbye to costly home repairs, snow removal, lawn care, and other household tasks with independent senior living. Home maintenance can become more challenging as people age. If you choose to do those tasks yourself, they can be a burden and potentially result in injury. If you hire someone for the tasks, it can result in hefty bills. With independent senior living, you don’t have to worry about either of those things because it’s all taken care of for you and any associated costs are built into the monthly fees. ![woman watering plant](https://info.bethesdahealth.org/hubfs/Interactive%20Infographic/woman-watering-plant-1.png) ## Monthly Homeowner Costs Utilities Taxes Property owner’s association dues Home maintenance Home repairs Seasonal maintenance Cable television Dining Entertainment and recreation Transportation Home security and emergency response Housekeeping ## Monthly Independent Senior Living Costs Monthly fee for an independent living apartment ### Costs Included in the Monthly Independent Living Fee Utilities (except for phone and internet) Taxes Property owner’s association dues Home maintenance 24-hour emergency maintenance Home repairs Seasonal maintenance Cable television Continental breakfast Dining Entertainment and recreation Transportation Home security and emergency response Weekly housekeeping Weekly shopping trips Cultural, recreational, and educational activities 24-hour onsite staff ### Optional Services (Additional Fees May Apply) Carport parking Weekly laundry Guest suite Guest meals Carry-out meals Beauty salon Senior Support Solutions (private duty) On-site outpatient therapy ![Bethesda\_logo\_transparent (1)](https://info.bethesdahealth.org/hubfs/Bethesda_logo_transparent%20(1).png) ## Incredible Advantages Await You Independent living is all about making the most of your golden years and enjoying what your community has to offer. Many people have shared that they wish they made the transition sooner to enjoy the wonderful amenities, new friends, and engaging activities longer.  Change can be difficult, but knowing you’re moving to an outstanding community such as Bethesda can make the transition much easier. Bethesda has several communities with professional and caring staff who focus on helping each resident live their best life. This is what sets us apart.  To decide which community is best for you, you need to understand the costs of senior living. For help determining the cost, explore our interactive [cost calculator](https://bethesdahealth.org/cost-calculator/) to determine what you can save by moving to a Bethesda community. [Get My Calculation](https://bethesdahealth.org/cost-calculator/) ![couple walking](https://info.bethesdahealth.org/hubfs/Interactive%20Infographic/couple.png) ![woman lifting weights](https://info.bethesdahealth.org/hubfs/Interactive%20Infographic/exercise-lady.png) ![woman doing stretch band exercises](https://info.bethesdahealth.org/hubfs/Interactive%20Infographic/stretch-band-exercises.png) ![woman knitting on rocking chair](https://info.bethesdahealth.org/hubfs/Interactive%20Infographic/granny.png) Book a tour to see the company difference in person. [Book a Tour](https://info.bethesdahealth.org/book-a-tour?hsLang=en) ![fit-lady](https://info.bethesdahealth.org/hubfs/Interactive%20Infographic/fit-lady.png) [![Bethesda Health Group Footer Logo](https://info.bethesdahealth.org/hubfs/bethesda-footer-logo.svg "Bethesda Health Group Footer Logo")](https://bethesdahealth.org) Corporate Office 12101 Woodcrest Executive Dr. St. Louis, MO 63141 [314-800-1900](tel:3148001900) - - - - Bethesda Health Group is a non-profit, non-denominational St. Louis-based senior living, care and service organization providing a continuum of residential and care options for St. Louis area seniors and their families. Through the Bethesda Health Group Foundation, Bethesda provides substantial financial assistance to residents who exhaust their resources and are unable to pay for care and services. Bethesda does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, disability or age in admission, treatment or participation in its programs, services and activities or in employment. [Notice of Privacy Practices](https://bethesdahealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Notice-of-Privacy-Practices-012418-2-002.pdf) ©2026 Bethesda Health Group Inc. ![Pet Friendly](https://bethesdahealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/footer-pet-friendly.png) ![2023 Best Places to Work](https://info.bethesdahealth.org/hs-fs/hubfs/SmartStart/Global%20Images/2023%20Best%20Places%20to%20Work%20logo.png?width=115&height=115&name=2023%20Best%20Places%20to%20Work%20logo.png) ![Better Business Bureau Accredited Charity](https://bethesdahealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/footer-bbb.png) ![Equal Housing Opportunity](https://bethesdahealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/footer-equal-housing.png)