Research consistently finds that most older adults prefer to “age at home.” Still, many choose a retirement community—such as a CCRC (continuing care retirement community, also called a life plan community)—because it better aligns with their long-term goals and offers peace of mind.
One of the strongest reasons people move to a CCRC is access to a full continuum of care. In multiple consumer surveys, “access to care” frequently ranks as the top reason people select a CCRC over other senior living options, including remaining at home.
At the same time, several factors cause people to hesitate or delay moving to a retirement community. Recent survey data point to two leading concerns: not wanting to leave the comfort and independence of a home (about 37.3% of respondents) and worries about cost and long-term affordability (about 41.3% of respondents).
>> Related: 2 Key Factors in Senior Living Cost Comparisons
Is aging at home really cheaper?
Many assume staying in their house will be less expensive month to month than moving to a CCRC. The answer depends on your situation. Consider these major cost areas when comparing options.
Mortgage or rent
Your mortgage or rent is often the largest monthly expense. Some older adults own their homes outright; in those cases, home equity can fund a CCRC entry fee or cover monthly community fees. For those still paying a mortgage or rent, that expense must be weighed against the cost of senior living fees.
Utilities
Utilities—electricity, water, phone, cable, and internet—can add up. Many CCRCs include utilities in the monthly fee, which simplifies budgeting and may reduce overall costs. Always verify which services are covered when evaluating communities.
Insurance, taxes, and other home expenses
Homeowners insurance, property taxes, and routine expenses such as trash service, snow removal, HOA fees, lawn care, and housekeeping can be significant. CCRCs and many retirement communities often incorporate many of these services into the monthly fee, lowering individual bills and reducing the burden of coordinating maintenance.
Unexpected large expenses—like replacing a roof, fixing an HVAC system, or repairing plumbing—are another financial risk of homeownership. Those costs should be included when comparing staying at home versus moving to a community.
Food
Food costs vary. Most CCRCs provide at least one daily meal as part of the monthly fee, and dining options are increasingly flexible across communities. Keep in mind that residents in a community healthcare center may pay extra for three delivered meals per day.
>> Related: “…but I love my home”: Is Staying in Your House the Right Move?
The biggest senior living cost difference
The single largest cost factor in many comparisons is care services. If you stay at home but require care, you typically have two paths: hire paid in-home caregivers or rely on unpaid family caregivers.
Industry data show rising hourly rates for home care. For part-time help—about 20 hours per week—monthly costs can reach several thousand dollars. Full-time or 24-hour in-home care can become prohibitively expensive, often far exceeding the monthly fee at many retirement communities that include some level of care.
>> Related: Home- and Community-Based Services: An Increasingly Popular Care Option
The true cost of unpaid caregiving
Relying on a spouse, partner, or adult child to provide unpaid care may reduce out-of-pocket spending, but it carries substantial financial, emotional, and physical costs for the caregiver. Large numbers of Americans provide unpaid care to older adults, and many caregivers spend a meaningful portion of their income on caregiving-related expenses, from household costs to medical bills.
Beyond money, unpaid caregivers often experience emotional stress, less relaxation, and diminished ability to focus on their own mental health. Those non-monetary costs—lost income, reduced career opportunities, and health impacts—represent real long-term expenses transferred to family members.
>> Related: The Unexpected Costs of Caring for an Aging Parent
Aging at home or moving to a CCRC: The full picture
Deciding whether aging at home or moving to a CCRC is more economical depends on many factors: existing mortgage or rent, utilities and services included, property taxes and insurance, food, home maintenance risks, and—most critically—care needs. Paid in-home care can become very expensive, and unpaid caregiving imposes significant personal and financial costs on family members.
When evaluating options, include both direct expenses and the less visible costs of caregiving. A thorough comparison that factors in care needs, the extent of services included by a community, and long-term affordability will provide the clearest picture of which choice best meets your financial and quality-of-life goals.
Originally posted February 25, 2019; updated January 28, 2025