Can I Afford Senior Living?

By Christine Hall

You can’t put a price on peace of mind and independence, but investing in a senior living community like Franke Tobey Jones can be a smart financial decision. Many people believe that senior living is too expensive, but when you compare your current monthly expenses to the all-inclusive pricing at Franke Tobey Jones, you may find it is more affordable than you think. 

Breaking Down Monthly Expenses 

Living costs vary based on location and individual circumstances. Here’s an estimate of monthly expenses for a single person in the Seattle/Tacoma area in 2025: 

• Rent: $2,062 (average apartment in Seattle/Tacoma) 
• Mortgage: $3,115 (average mortgage in Seattle/Tacoma) 
• Other expenses (averages): 
  • Groceries: $390 
  • Utilities: $164 
  • Gas: $82 
  • Cable: $83 
  • Internet: $52 
  • Home Maintenance: $452 
  • Lawn Maintenance: $55 
  • Landscaping: $226 
  • Security System: $50
  • Housekeeping: $254 
  • Gym Membership: $199

Total Monthly Costs: 

• Rent + expenses = $4,069 (excluding property taxes, dining, entertainment, etc.) 
• Mortgage + expenses = $5,122 (excluding additional costs) 

Independent Living with Services 

At Franke Tobey Jones, monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the Tobey Jones independent living with services starts at $4,520/month (with no buy-in). This includes all the above expenses plus: 

• Social activities 
• Three chef-prepared meals per day 
• Transportation 
• Weekly housekeeping 
• Fitness and wellness programs 
• Property taxes and more 

Try Our Budget Calculator: Click Here 

 View the Tobey Jones Building Brochure 

Assisted Living and Memory Care Costs 

If you or a loved one needs additional care, a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) like Franke Tobey Jones offers a full spectrum of services, ensuring seamless transitions as care needs change. 

In-Home Care Pricing in Tacoma, Washington (approximate) 

• In-home caregiver costs: $29/hour 
  • 8 hours/day: $7,000/month 
  • 24 hours/day: $21,228/month 
  • (Medicare does not cover 24-hour skilled nursing care) 

• Total costs including home expenses: 
  • Rent + expenses + caregiving 8 hours per day: $11,069–$25,297/month 
  • Mortgage + expenses + caregiving 24 hours per day: $12,122 – $26,350/month 

At Franke Tobey Jones: 

• Studio apartment in Assisted Living: monthly rent starts at $4,650/month (excludes level of care fees) 
• One-bedroom Assisted Living apartment: monthly rent starts at $6,930/month (excludes level of care fees) 
• Assisted Living level of care monthly fees: $525–$4,125/month depending on how much care is needed. 

Learn more about Assisted Living pricing level of care services

Learn more about Assisted Living pricing including level of care pricing 

Memory Care Pricing in Tacoma, Washington 

• In-home memory care: $23,000/month (24-hour care – approximate cost) 
• At Franke Tobey Jones: 
  • Shared bathroom suite: monthly rent starts at $5,660/month (excluding care fees) 
  • Private room: monthly rent starts at $6,795/month (excluding care fees) 
  • Memory Care level of care monthly fees: $2,620 – $5,150 depending on how much care is needed.

 Learn more about Memory Care level of care services

Learn more about Memory Care pricing including level of care prices

The Value of Senior Living 

Choosing a senior living community like Franke Tobey Jones means more than just covering housing costs. It offers a maintenance-free, stress-free lifestyle with built-in social engagement, fitness programs, and security. 

With the senior population projected to grow by 18 million by 2030, more older adults are seeking communities that provide a full continuum of care (Source). By moving to Franke Tobey Jones, you gain peace of mind, security, and a thriving community, making it a smart and comforting choice for your future…and that is priceless!