Senior Living Costs in Denver
Senior living in Denver is priced as monthly rent plus a care fee. Independent living sits lowest, assisted living in the middle, and secured memory care highest because of staffing. Expect a one time community fee too. We tell you the real number for a real building, free.
What does each care level cost per month?
These are our current Colorado ranges by care level and room type. Denver metro pricing sits at or a little above them, and central Denver addresses run higher than the outer suburbs.
| Room type | Lower end | Higher end |
|---|---|---|
| Independent living | ||
| One bedroom | $3,200 | $4,800 |
| Studio | $2,500 | $4,200 |
| Assisted living | ||
| One bedroom | $5,200 | $7,500 |
| Studio | $4,500 | $6,500 |
| Memory care | ||
| Private room | $6,800 | $9,500 |
| Shared room | $5,800 | $7,800 |
| Skilled nursing and rehab | ||
| Private room | $9,500 | $13,000 |
| Semi-private room | $8,500 | $11,500 |
| Respite care | ||
| Daily rate | $200 | $400 |
Ranges reflect what our advisors see across Colorado communities. Your actual cost depends on care needs and location. Last reviewed September 2026.
What is included in the monthly price?
Almost every surprise on a Denver invoice comes from this list. Ask about all three before you sign anything.
Almost always included in the monthly rent
The apartment, utilities, three meals a day, housekeeping, laundry, scheduled transportation, activities, and 24 hour staffing in the building.
Usually billed on top
A one time community fee, often about one month of rent. Then care levels, medication management, incontinence care, and sometimes a second person in the same apartment.
Never included
Doctor visits, prescriptions, hospice, private duty caregivers, cable or internet upgrades in some buildings, and personal spending.
What makes one Denver community cost more than another?
Five things move the number, and only one of them is the address.
- Care level. Hands on help with bathing, transfers, and medications moves the price more than the address does.
- Memory care. A secured neighborhood with higher staffing ratios sits at the top of the Denver range.
- Room type. A studio versus a one bedroom can be a difference of a thousand dollars a month in the same building.
- Location inside the metro. Cherry Creek, Greenwood Village, and central Denver run higher than Aurora, Lakewood, or Thornton.
- Timing. A building with open rooms is more willing to talk about the community fee than one with a waitlist.
Comparing care levels first? See assisted living, memory care, and independent living.
How do Denver families pay for senior living?
Four sources cover almost every family we work with, often two of them together.
Private pay
Income, savings, and often the proceeds of a house sale. Most Denver assisted living and memory care starts here.
Long term care insurance
Many policies pay a daily benefit once help with two activities of daily living is documented. The assessment paperwork is what triggers it.
VA Aid & Attendance
A monthly benefit for eligible wartime veterans and surviving spouses that can be applied to care costs.
Medicaid and the EBD waiver
Colorado's Elderly, Blind and Disabled waiver, administered through HCPF, can cover care in a participating community. Far fewer Denver buildings accept it, so the short list is different from day one.
Next steps in Denver: see current pricing and availability, the step by step move guide, Denver memory care options, or get help from a Denver advisor.