Independent Living in North Dakota

North Dakota is a unique and diverse retirement destination that extends from the highlands of the Missouri Plateau to the fertile farmlands along the Red River Valley. Residents can explore some of the state’s historic sites by visiting the Theodore Roosevelt National Park or the reconstructed Fort Union Trading Post. Although North Dakota has just 762,062 residents, it’s home to nearly 120,000 senior citizens who represent more than 15% of the population. The state’s three metropolitan centers and five micropolitan areas give residents access to cultural attractions, entertainment and high-quality medical care.

Independent living in private apartments or stand-alone cottages is an option at many continuing care retirement communities. This can be ideal for active seniors without care needs who don’t want to worry about maintenance and other responsibilities of homeownership. According to Genworth Financial, the median cost of independent living in North Dakota is $2,662 per month, which is slightly lower than the national average.

Seniors who want to learn more about independent living can find information about average prices and potential payment options in this guide. It also includes a directory of statewide programs that can help older adults maintain their independence.

When trying to decide how to pay for independent living, one of the first questions that comes up is "How much does it cost?" With the impact of inflation, it's more important than ever to have up-to-date information when making a financial plan for senior living. To help shed light on real senior living prices, Caring.com has compiled proprietary cost data from its network of over 75,000 senior living providers to offer insight into the average cost of independent living in North Dakota and its 1 cities.

Note: Independent Living costs are generally 30%-40% lower than costs for Assisted Living, but there’s no definitive source for national Independent Living costs. This guide estimates Independent Living costs by subtracting 35% from the Assisted Living costs found in the Genworth Financial Cost of Care Survey.

North Dakota’s monthly estimated cost of $2,204 for Independent Living is relatively low when compared to national and regional averages. In general, seniors can expect to pay $2,925 a month for this level of care elsewhere in the nation. Independent Living is also relatively affordable in South Dakota, where the estimated monthly cost is $2,177. Prices are much closer to the national average in North Dakota’s other two border states: $2,893 in Montana and $2,930 in Minnesota.

North Dakota averages $2,873 a month for independent living. This is the same figure as the state's capital city, Fargo, but exact prices in the area vary. Sioux Falls, SD, for instance, averages $2,117 a month for independent living, while Rapid City, SD, costs more at $2,403. Seniors in Helena, MT, pay an average of $2,920 a month, or $47 more than North Dakota's average cost.

The $2,873 monthly cost of independent living is low relative to other types of senior care where seniors may need more attention and therapy. Assisted living costs $3,472 a month in North Dakota, while memory care averages $5,899.

Although independent living costs less than other long-term care options, there are fewer financial assistance programs available. Most seniors pay for independent living out of pocket using their retirement income, just as they would pay for their living expenses if they stayed in the community. Seniors who want to increase their monthly cash flow or need a lump sum for move-in expenses may consider selling real estate or applying for a reverse mortgage. Financial assistance may also be available through long-term care insurance, VA benefits and Medicaid, although these options only pay for medically necessary services, such as meal preparation, grocery shopping assistance and transportation. Our guide to independent living provides a more complete look at estimated costs and possible payment options.