The cost for living in a 55-and-older community can vary widely depending on where it is located. In the least expensive states, median monthly costs are less than half those in the most expensive states. The national median cost per month for independent living is $3,000, with Alabama coming in most economical ($2,376) and Hawaii most costly at ($5,031). Independent living communities for retirees typically provide room, board, maintenance, housekeeping, activities, transportation and sometimes meals in exchange for their monthly fees.