Denver Assisted Living Cost Calculator
Estimate monthly and annual costs for assisted living, independent living, and memory care across the Denver metro — including Aurora, Centennial, Highlands Ranch, and Littleton. Based on 2025 CareScout and market data.
1. Care Level
2. Room Type
3. Denver Metro Area
4. Additional Care Services
Estimated Monthly Cost — Denver
- Housing & Room$3,750/mo
- Meals & Dining$1,350/mo
- Personal Care Staff$1,650/mo
- Activities & Amenities$750/mo
* Estimates based on 2025–2026 Colorado market averages. Actual costs vary by community and individual care needs.
Navigating senior housing costs can be overwhelming — Bernie can help you understand all your options.
Talk to Bernie — Free ConsultationWhat Drives Senior Housing Costs in Denver?
Senior housing costs in the Denver metro area vary significantly based on the level of care required, the type of accommodation, and the specific neighborhood. In general, the Denver market sits slightly above the national average, driven by the region's high demand and rising cost of living.
Independent living communities cater to active seniors who don't need daily assistance. Costs typically cover housing, meals, activities, and maintenance — but not personal care services.
Assisted living adds personal care services — help with bathing, dressing, medication management, and mobility. The more support needed, the higher the monthly fee.
Memory care is a specialized form of assisted living for those with Alzheimer's or other dementias. The secure environment, specialized programming, and higher staff-to-resident ratios make it the most expensive option.
Suburban areas like Highlands Ranch and Centennial tend to run slightly higher than Aurora or Englewood, reflecting broader real estate and cost-of-living differences across the metro.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of assisted living in Denver, Colorado?
According to the CareScout 2025 Cost of Care Survey, the median cost of assisted living in the Denver metropolitan area is $7,508 per month — above the Colorado state median of $6,525 and 21% above the national median of $6,200. Costs can range from around $5,500/mo for a more modest studio to $9,500 or more for premium one-bedroom accommodations. Suburban areas like Highlands Ranch and Centennial tend to run slightly higher than Aurora or Englewood.
How much does memory care cost in the Denver area?
Memory care in the Denver area generally ranges from $7,000 to $11,000 per month. The higher cost reflects the specialized secure environment, dedicated programming, and the elevated staff-to-resident ratio required to care for individuals with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia — typically 20–30% more than standard assisted living.
What does independent living cost in Denver?
Independent living communities in the Denver metro typically range from $2,800 to $4,800 per month for a studio. These communities are designed for active seniors who do not need daily personal care assistance, and costs generally cover housing, meals, housekeeping, and community amenities.
Does Medicare cover assisted living in Colorado?
Medicare generally does not cover assisted living costs. It may cover short-term skilled nursing or rehabilitation after a qualifying hospital stay, but ongoing room, board, and custodial care are not covered. Medicaid may assist eligible low-income seniors. Long-term care insurance and private savings are the most common funding sources.
What financial options exist to pay for assisted living in Colorado?
Common options include long-term care insurance, proceeds from selling your home, Medicaid (for qualifying seniors), VA Aid & Attendance benefits for veterans, and bridge loans. A Senior Real Estate Specialist like Bernie can help you understand how selling your current home fits into your overall senior housing and financial plan.
How can a Senior Real Estate Specialist help with assisted living costs?
Many Denver seniors fund assisted living through the proceeds of a home sale. An SRES®-certified agent like Bernie can help you maximize your sale price, time the transaction around your move, and connect you with financial and legal advisors who specialize in senior housing transitions in the Denver metro area.
Data Sources
- CareScout (formerly Genworth) 2025 Cost of Care Survey — national and Colorado median assisted living rates
- Caring.com Denver assisted living listings — current advertised community rates across the metro area
- Denver metro area cost-of-living differentials based on publicly available community pricing
Disclaimer: The estimates provided by this calculator are for general informational purposes only and do not constitute financial, legal, or healthcare advice. Cost ranges are based on publicly available market data and may not reflect the actual pricing of any specific community or care provider. Individual costs vary significantly based on the level of care required, specific community pricing, room type, and additional services. BCR Realty, Inc. makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of these estimates. You should consult directly with senior housing communities, a licensed financial advisor, and/or a qualified elder law attorney before making any care or financial decisions.
Related Reading
- 2026 Colorado Long-Term Care Costs: Denver Is More Expensive Than You Think — The CareScout data behind this calculator, with context on what the numbers mean for Denver families.
- Understanding the Cost of Long-Term Care in Colorado — A broader overview of care cost ranges, payment options, and planning strategies.
- Independent Living vs. Assisted Living in Denver: What's the Difference? — Understand which care type fits your situation before estimating costs.
- How to Decide if It's Time for Assisted Living: Signs to Look Out For — Recognize the signs that indicate a transition may be the right step.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
For many Denver seniors, the sale of their home is what funds the next chapter. Bernie specializes in helping seniors navigate that transition with confidence.
Talk to Bernie — Free Consultation