Retirement residences are private businesses, so their fees are set by the operator rather than by the province, and the monthly cost depends mostly on the care package, the size of the suite and the city. Independent living with meals and activities costs the least; assisted living, where staff help with bathing, dressing and medication, costs more; and memory care costs more again. Publicly funded long-term care homes, for people who need 24-hour nursing, work differently: the province sets the resident’s charge. This page covers retirement residences and assisted living. It is part of our directory of what things cost in Canada; long-term care homes, their provincial charges and waitlists are covered in long-term care costs.
Types of seniors’ housing and care
| Type | Level of care | Who sets the cost |
|---|---|---|
| Independent living | Meals, housekeeping, activities, little personal care | The operator |
| Assisted living | Help with daily activities and medication | The operator; in some provinces, publicly subsidized assisted living charges an income-based rate |
| Memory care | A secure unit for people with dementia | The operator |
| Long-term care home | 24-hour nursing | The province sets the resident’s accommodation charge |
| Home care | Services in your own home | Public programs after an assessment, plus private care as needed |
What drives the monthly fee
| Factor | Effect |
|---|---|
| Level of care | Each added hour or service of personal care raises the fee |
| Suite | A studio, one-bedroom or two-bedroom, and whether a couple shares it |
| City | Fees are generally highest in large metropolitan areas |
| The residence | Newer buildings and more amenities cost more |
| Meals | One, two or three meals a day in the base fee |
What the fee usually includes, and what costs extra
| Usually included | Often extra |
|---|---|
| Rent for the suite | Additional care services, priced as packages or by the hour |
| Some or all meals | Medication management |
| Housekeeping and linen service | Extra meals, guest meals |
| Utilities | Phone, cable and internet |
| Activities and outings | Parking, storage, hairdressing |
| Emergency response system | Transportation to appointments |
Asking each residence for its full price list, and how and when fees rise, makes it possible to compare them; provinces regulate retirement homes to different degrees, and some (such as Ontario) require licensing and set rules for care services and fee increases.
Home care vs a retirement residence
Staying at home with publicly funded home care and some private help can cost less than a residence for someone who needs a few hours of help a week, but costs rise quickly as care needs grow; a residence bundles housing, meals and some care, and adds social contact. The publicly funded home care side is covered in long-term care costs.
How seniors pay for it
| Source | Notes |
|---|---|
| CPP, OAS and GIS | The base of most retirees’ income; the GIS is for low incomes |
| Workplace pensions and RRIF withdrawals | RRIF minimums apply each year |
| TFSA and other savings | Income earned in a TFSA and TFSA withdrawals don't reduce federal benefits such as OAS, GIS and EI, or credits such as the Canada child benefit, the Canada workers benefit and the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (formerly the GST/HST credit). |
| Selling the home | Often the largest source; see downsizing for retirement |
| Family help | Adult children sharing costs |
| Tax relief | Some care costs in a retirement home (attendant care, for example) can count toward the medical expense tax credit |
Moving into a residence is also a move, with its own costs; see moving costs. Insurance that helps with care costs is covered in is long-term care insurance worth it.
Related articles
Sources
The figures and rules on this page come from these sources, last checked against them on September 29, 2026. How we check facts.
- Canada Revenue Agency: What is a TFSA