2026 Cost Guide · CO
Assisted Living Cost in Colorado
Average monthly cost of assisted living in Colorado is $4,500 in 2026 — ranging from $2,800 to $7,500 depending on city, care level, and amenities. Compare cities, understand Colorado HCBS-SLS / PACE Medicaid coverage, and learn about veterans benefits available in Colorado.
Avg Monthly Cost
$4,500
vs. National Avg
At average
Medicaid Covers AL
Partial
Licensed Facilities
~720
Colorado Assisted Living Cost Range
Assisted living costs in Colorado span from $2,800/month for basic shared-room settings to $7,500+/month for premium private suites with specialized memory care. Most residents pay $3,825–$5,400/month for a standard private or companion room with full personal care services.
| Setting / Room Type | Est. Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Shared room, basic AL | $3,080/mo |
| Private room, standard AL | $4,500/mo |
| Private suite with kitchenette | $5,175/mo |
| Memory care (Alzheimer's / dementia unit) | $6,075/mo |
| High-acuity AL / enhanced care | $6,375/mo |
Estimates based on 2026 statewide averages. Actual rates vary by facility, location, and care level. Always request a written fee schedule from each community.
Assisted Living Costs by City in Colorado
Compare detailed cost breakdowns, Medicaid coverage, and nearby alternatives for individual cities.
What Drives Assisted Living Costs in Colorado
- Denver and Boulder metro facilities run 20–30% above state average
- Mountain towns (Aspen, Vail area) carry a significant tourism premium
- Colorado Springs averages 10–15% below Denver
- High housing costs across the Front Range pass through to AL base rates
- Strong outdoor lifestyle emphasis drives demand for active senior communities
Colorado Medicaid Coverage for Assisted Living
Colorado Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers cover personal care in assisted living facilities. InnovAge PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) in the Denver and Colorado Springs areas provides comprehensive care coordination for dual-eligible seniors. Colorado's HCBS-SLS waiver also supports individuals with developmental disabilities in AL settings.
Important: Even when Medicaid covers personal care in an assisted living setting, it typically does NOT pay for room and board (the housing and meals portion). You are responsible for the room and board cost separately — often $1,200–$2,500/month depending on the facility and Colorado location.
To apply for Colorado Medicaid long-term care benefits, contact your local Area Agency on Aging (call 800-677-0133 — the national Eldercare Locator) or your local county Department of Social Services office.
Veterans Benefits for Assisted Living in Colorado
Colorado veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for significant financial assistance:
- VA Aid & Attendance pension: Up to $2,830/month for veterans, $1,810/month for surviving spouses (2025 rates)
- VA Housebound allowance: $490–$810/month additional for homebound veterans
- Colorado state veterans homes: Subsidized skilled nursing care for qualifying veterans
- Free benefit counseling: Contact Colorado Department of Veterans Affairs — they'll screen for all available programs at no cost
See our complete Colorado veterans assisted living guide for full eligibility details and how to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions: Colorado Assisted Living Costs
Does Colorado Medicaid pay for assisted living?▾
Colorado Medicaid HCBS waivers cover personal care services in licensed assisted living facilities. Colorado's InnovAge PACE program in Denver and Colorado Springs provides comprehensive coordinated care for dual-eligible seniors, potentially covering a wider range of AL-related services. Colorado Medicaid does not cover room and board costs.
How much does assisted living cost in Denver versus Colorado Springs?▾
Denver assisted living averages $4,500–$6,500/month; Aurora (a Denver suburb) runs slightly lower. Colorado Springs averages $3,500–$5,500/month. Boulder and Fort Collins trend higher due to real estate costs. Mountain resort communities can run $6,000–$10,000+/month.
What are Colorado Assisted Living Residences (ALRs)?▾
Colorado licenses assisted living as 'Assisted Living Residences' (ALRs), regulated by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). ALRs must meet specific staffing, medication, and facility standards. Colorado also has Residential Care Homes (5 or fewer residents) — smaller, more home-like settings licensed under different regulations.
Are there Colorado state veterans homes that provide assisted living?▾
Colorado has seven state veterans homes (in Aurora, Florence, Homelake, Rifle, Walsenburg, Wheatridge, and Yuma) providing skilled nursing care at subsidized rates for qualifying veterans. These are skilled nursing — not assisted living — but offer significant cost savings for veterans with higher care needs.
What financial assistance is available for assisted living in Colorado?▾
Key resources include: (1) Old Age Pension (OAP) — state supplement for low-income seniors 60+; (2) Colorado Property Tax/Rent/Heat Credit (PTC Rebate) — reduces housing costs for seniors; (3) VA Aid & Attendance pension up to $2,830/month for qualifying veterans; (4) Colorado PACE program (InnovAge) for dual-eligible seniors in the Denver and Colorado Springs metro areas.
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