For decades, seniors have flocked to Miami, Florida. With warm weather, world-class outdoor activities, and no state income tax, Miami is the perfect destination for active seniors. While Miami is no longer the low-cost-of-living haven it once was, the Magic City retains its charm for people over 55 looking for senior apartments.
Senior apartments are the most affordable senior living option. Unlike assisted living or memory care, senior apartments don’t offer personal care services or meal plans. However, many senior apartments in Miami do provide activities and amenities for their residents.
This guide contains everything you need to know about senior apartments in Miami, Florida. We cover the cost of senior apartments, the cost of living in Miami, what living in Miami’s senior apartments is like, local laws and regulations for senior apartments, and senior-friendly health care, transportation, and activities. Read on to find the best senior apartment in Miami.
Senior Living Apartments in Miami, FL
For decades, seniors have flocked to Miami, Florida. With warm weather, world-class outdoor activities, and no state income tax, Miami is the perfect destination for active seniors. While Miami is no longer the low-cost-of-living haven it once was, the Magic City retains its charm for people over 55 looking for senior apartments.Read more
Senior apartments are the most affordable senior living option. Unlike assisted living or memory care, senior apartments don’t offer personal care services or meal plans. However, many senior apartments in Miami do provide activities and amenities for their residents.
This guide contains everything you need to know about senior apartments in Miami, Florida. We cover the cost of senior apartments, the cost of living in Miami, what living in Miami’s senior apartments is like, local laws and regulations for senior apartments, and senior-friendly health care, transportation, and activities. Read on to find the best senior apartment in Miami.
Senior Apartments Facilities near Miami, FL
My Mom has been there for a month and it’s been a blessing to have found them. The owner, management & staff are always available when needed. Overall, it’s a great team at Cutler Bay Village. They provide a...
Our free advisors can help
- Compare local facilities
- Determine care type
- Schedule tours
- Evaluate pricing
Costs of senior apartments in the Miami area
Senior apartments are the most affordable senior living option in Miami because they don’t offer care services like assisted living or memory care facilities. Senior apartments provide housing and may feature some additional amenities, such as a pool, while assisted living or memory care offers housing, amenities, meals, housekeeping, and care services.
While senior apartments tend to be a low-cost option for active people over 55, Miami is considered a higher cost of living area. A one-bedroom senior apartment in Miami costs $2,091 a month on average. Rent in Miami is about 47% higher than the national average.[01] Some of the expenses of living in Miami can be offset by Florida’s lack of income tax. Florida also doesn’t tax Social Security benefits.
Cost of senior apartments in neighboring communities
The following figures reflect the average baseline costs of senior apartments in Miami before any additional fees, such as utilities or amenity fees. It’s best read as a comparison between the cost of senior apartments in Miami and nearby communities.
Average cost comparisons near Miami, FL
Average monthly costs
Miami, FL
How people pay for senior apartments in Miami
Most seniors use their income or savings to pay for a senior apartment. Unlike assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing care, senior apartments don’t offer care services and can’t be paid for using Medicaid or Medicare. However, some seniors can use veterans benefits to pay for their senior apartment, or pay for care in their residence with Medicaid and Medicare.
Read on to learn how to pay for a senior apartment in Miami and how to use veterans benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare to your advantage.
Personal income and savings are the primary ways most people pay for a senior apartment. However, there are other strategies to afford a senior apartment, such as using Social Security benefits, pensions, and investment returns. Learn how to use these and other private payment strategies to keep your Miami senior apartment within reach.
Number of veterans who live in Miami
About 53% of Miami veterans are over 55.
Florida has the third-highest population of veterans in the United States. While many veterans choose to live in Jacksonville, veterans living in Miami have access to a well-organized support system through the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs and other local programs. And senior Miami veterans can easily find community, as most veterans in Miami are over 55.
Using veterans benefits to pay for a senior apartment
The Aid and Attendance benefit is one of the more generous veterans benefits available. If you’re eligible for this benefit, you can use it to pay for anything that improves your quality of life, including monthly rent for a senior apartment. Eligibility for the Aid and Attendance benefit depends on a number of variables, so contact a veterans benefits counselor before applying.
Veterans benefits counseling in Miami
Applying for veterans benefits can be confusing. To help, we’ve compiled a list of veterans benefits counselors in Miami. These experts can help veterans and their family members apply for and understand their benefits. Contact these experts in and around Miami with any veterans benefits questions.
- The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA). Florida’s Veterans’ Affairs Department offers professional benefits counseling to veterans and their families. Counselors are employed by the department and offer virtual benefits counseling to veterans across Florida. You can call 727-319-7408 to set up a virtual appointment. Benefits counseling through the FDVA comes at no cost to veterans or their families.
- Miami-Dade County Veteran Services Program. Miami-Dade County offers veterans benefits counseling to local veterans and their families through the Community Action and Human Services Department (CAHSD). To set up an appointment, visit the nearest Veterans Service Center. You can find a list of Veterans Service Centers in Miami on the VA website. Benefits counseling through Miami-Dade County comes at no cost to veterans or their families.
- Veterans of Foreign Wars – Miami. The Veterans of Foreign Wars, a veterans service organization (or VSO), offers support and free benefits counseling to veterans living in Miami. You can sign up for membership at your local VFW post. Review the VFW: At a Glance brochure to learn more.
Resources for Miami veterans
Florida Department of Veterans Affairs
9500 Bay Pines Blvd., #214
St. Petersburg, FL 33708
Phone: 727-316-7440
Email: VSO@fdva.state.fl.us
Virtual benefits counseling
Miami-Dade County Veterans Services
300 E. 1st Ave.
Hialeah, FL 33010
Phone: 305-884-4801
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10212
11350 SW 53rd Terr.
Miami, FL 33165
Phone: 305-552-1048
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10068
7710 SW 59th Ave.
South Miami, FL 33143
Phone: 789-556-2013
Neither Medicare nor Medicaid will cover the rent of a senior apartment in Miami. Both programs cover health-related expenses, and senior apartments don’t provide any care services covered by either program. However, it’s still important to understand what Medicaid and Medicare do and don’t cover so you can make informed decisions, regardless of where you’re living.
Florida Medicaid is a state-run health insurance program
Florida Medicaid provides health insurance to low-income state residents. The state’s Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) runs Florida Medicaid and offers two different insurance programs:
- Managed Medical Assistance (MMA) program. The MMA program is the most widely used Florida Medicaid program. It covers general health care expenses, such as hospital care, prescription drugs, immunizations, and hospitalization. The MMA program also covers transportation to and from certain appointments.
- Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care (SMMC LTC) program. The SMMC LTC program covers both general health care expenses and long-term care services, such as personal care and monthly fees at an assisted living or skilled nursing facility. It may also cover some home care services. While the SMMC LTC program will cover long-term care, it won’t cover the rent of a senior apartment.
Florida Medicaid eligibility
Florida Medicaid is available to people who:
- Are residents of Florida
- Require health care services
- Make less than $18,075 a year before taxes, as of 2023 (this number is adjusted annually)
Applicants must also meet at least one of the following requirements:
- Be 65 years or older
- Have a dependent
- Have severe vision impairment
- Have a disability
- Be pregnant
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for seniors
Medicare is run by the federal government and is for people over 65 years of age. If you’ve paid your Medicare taxes (or are married to someone who has) and are over 65, you’re eligible for Medicare coverage. Seniors are expected to pay a premium for Medicare insurance, as is common with other health insurance programs.
Medicare covers short-term and medically necessary health care expenses
Medicare is specific about what it does and doesn’t cover. In general, Medicare covers only short-term care and medically necessary health care expenses. For example, Medicare will cover the entire cost — including meals and all care services — of a short-term hospital stay for up to 20 days.
Whether or not a procedure, test, item, or medication is medically necessary depends on the individual. What’s medically necessary for one person may not be for another. Typically, your physician and a Medicare representative decide what services and resources are medically necessary. You can get a sense of what Medicare covers on the Medicare coverage portal.
Medicare Savings Programs can help cover your premiums
Miami seniors can use Medicare Savings Programs to cover some of their premiums. Seniors can find and sign up for these programs on the federal Medicare website. These programs are income-dependent, and seniors typically need to make under $1,549 a month in pretax income to be eligible, although this number is adjusted annually.
Medicaid and Medicare benefits counseling for Miami seniors
Local to Miami is the Alliance for Aging, Inc., which offers benefits counseling and support to local seniors. Another good resource is the Department of Elder Affairs for the State of Florida. Miami’s local SHINE program (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders), is another free program that provides benefits counseling through trained volunteers. All of these programs offer Medicaid and Medicare benefits counseling at no cost to seniors.
Miami Medicaid and Medicare resources
Florida Medicaid
2727 Mahan Drive
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: 866-762-2237
Finding affordable housing can be difficult in Miami, where the cost of living is 21% higher than the national average.[01] Seniors who need help finding a place to live, paying rent, or getting proper nutrition can access a few different safety nets throughout Miami-Dade County.
Housing assistance in Miami-Dade County
Seniors seeking to use Section 8 housing vouchers to pay for their senior apartment should be aware that the vouchers only apply to certain Section 8-eligible housing developments. Miami-Dade County’s Section 8 program offers affordable housing to low- and very low-income people. There’s currently a waiting list to receive an affordable housing voucher. Where you place on the list is determined by age, disability, household size, and income.
Registration to get on the waiting list is occasionally closed. Open registration dates are published in the following newspapers: The Miami Herald, The Miami Times, Diario Las Americas, and Le Floridien.
Rent assistance in Miami-Dade County
The City of Miami runs an Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program. This program was open as of June 2023 and reviewing applications. Priority is determined by income, age, disability, and household size. You can begin the application process by calling 305-330-1508.
Food assistance in Miami-Dade County
Meals on Wheels is the primary food assistance program for seniors in Miami. Homebound seniors who are at least 60 years of age can receive free meals from their home, or seniors can opt to pick up their meals at senior centers throughout Miami. You can find locations and information about signing up at the Meals on Wheels webpage.
Social Security benefits for Miami seniors
Some Social Security benefits can be used to pay for rent. While Social Security benefits likely won’t cover the entire cost of a senior apartment in Miami, they can help. Seniors are eligible for Social Security based on a number of factors, such as work credits and having a disability.
One of the easiest ways to determine which Social Security benefits you’re eligible for is to take an eligibility quiz. You can also read the quick review of common Social Security benefits below.
- Social Security Retirement benefit (SSR). This benefit is for seniors who have paid Social Security taxes for more than 10 years. You can no longer apply for this benefit once you’re over 70.
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). This benefit is for people who have paid their Social Security taxes for more than 10 years and have a qualifying disability.
- Social Security Survivor’s Pension. This benefit is for surviving spouses of seniors who have paid their Social Security taxes.
Miami resident public assistance resources
Miami-Dade County Section 8 Housing program
2936 NW 17th Ave.
Miami, FL 33142
Phone: 789-469-4300
The City of Miami Emergency Rental Assistance program
Miami Riverside Center (MRC)
444 SW 2nd Ave.
Miami, FL 33130
Phone: 305-330-1508
Miami-Dade County Meals on Wheels program
Phone: 786-469-4707
Understand FL laws and regulations for senior apartments
Senior apartments in Florida follow the same laws and regulations as other apartment complexes. In general, senior apartments don’t need to follow any special regulations the way assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing facilities do.
The one difference between senior apartments and other apartment complexes is that senior apartments often have age restrictions. In Miami, the age restriction is typically around 55. Some senior apartments may still allow younger residents, as long as they live with a resident who meets the age requirement.
You enter into a tenant-landlord relationship in a senior apartment
When you live in one of Miami’s senior apartments, you are a tenant and the apartment complex is your landlord. Residents need to follow the same guidelines and regulations as other tenants, such as the following:
- Keep all living areas clean and tidy
- Don’t knowingly alter the dwelling without permission from the landlord
- Pay rent on time
- Follow community guidelines, such as quiet hours and picking up after a pet
Senior apartments follow basic quality of life laws
Senior apartment complexes in Miami are required by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to do the following:
- Keep all living areas up to safety codes and in a clean condition
- Provide hot water, gas, and electricity
- Offer heat in the winter
- Provide extermination services
- Complete all repairs and maintenance
- Give residents locks and keys prior to move-in
- Return the resident’s security deposit within 15 days of the resident vacating
Disputes between a senior and their senior apartment complex in Miami
The state of Florida mediates all tenant and landlord disputes through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. If residents feel that a senior apartment complex has violated their quality of life or treated them unfairly, seniors should give the complex a written notice and give the landlord time to respond before taking any legal action. If the problem is serious, residents should consider speaking with a lawyer familiar with local tenant-landlord law or a housing association.
Living in a Miami senior apartment with a disability
Many seniors with a disability choose to live independently in a senior apartment instead of in an assisted living facility. Senior apartments don’t offer care services, but they must follow the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA prevents any senior apartment from barring a resident due to a disability. Individual apartments don’t need to be ADA compliant, but all public areas of the apartment complex, such as pools and lobbies, need to be accessible to people with disabilities.
Seniors with disabilities are also allowed to alter the apartment to make it more accessible, according to the Fair Housing Act. Service animals are permitted in all public areas of senior apartment complexes.
COVID-19 regulations for Miami senior apartments
Miami-Dade County remains dedicated to stopping the spread of COVID-19 amongst senior residents. Senior apartments in Miami don’t follow any special regulations to prevent COVID-19 because they don’t offer health or personal care services.
Miami-Dade County provides free COVID-19 testing and vaccinations for all county residents. These are available either through at-home testing kits or in pharmacies and health care centers throughout the county. You can find press releases and updated case and vaccine data on Miami-Dade County’s Coronavirus webpage.
Vaccinations. Miami-Dade County offers free vaccinations to all county residents at most health care centers and pharmacies.
Facility cleanliness. Senior apartments in Miami offer regular disinfections of public living areas.
What to expect from senior apartments in Miami
Miami’s swanky charm has long called to seniors looking for a retirement destination. While Miami is no longer the low-cost-of-living haven it once was, there’s still a long list of reasons why seniors choose Miami over other, less expensive cities. Gorgeous weather and white sand beaches aside, Miami’s cultural riches are another big draw.
Stunning art deco architecture, strong Latin culture, and the sense of being in the heart of it all make Miami a mainstay for active seniors. Many seniors also appreciate Florida’s lack of income tax and generous state Medicaid plan.
Senior apartments or independent living communities in Miami
Active seniors in Miami can choose between living in a home, a senior apartment, or an independent living community. A Place for Mom partners with more independent living communities than senior apartments in Miami, and in general, independent living communities are more popular.[03] Unlike senior apartments, independent living communities offer meal plans, daily activities, classes, and housekeeping services. They also tend to lump all monthly fees, including utilities, into one monthly payment.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free, resort-like retirement community that allows you to keep your autonomy, consider Miami’s independent living communities. If you’re looking for a simple apartment without the added amenity or housekeeping expenses, Miami’s senior apartments may be a better fit.
Senior apartments in Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, and Highland Beach
In general, the cities north of Miami tend to have a lower cost of living. Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, and Highland Beach all offer senior apartments at lower prices than in Miami. Highland Beach is a one hour drive from Miami, and about 76% of the town’s population is over 55.
Explore senior care with confidence
Know where to start.
Identify the right care for your loved one with our free assessment.
See what you can afford.
Understand cost and payment for long-term care based on your loved one's needs.
Find top facilities for you.
Free, personalized guidance from our Senior Living Advisors can help you narrow your search.
Tour your favorite facilities.
Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Unfamiliar with Miami? Highlights for seniors
78,402
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Miami
$79,886
Average household income in Miami[05]
Health care for seniors in Miami
Seniors in Miami can access some of the best health care in the world. Renowned medical centers like the Cleveland Clinic Weston and the University of Miami Hospital and Clinic make Miami an excellent choice for seniors concerned about the quality of their health care.
Cleveland Clinic Weston
Cleveland Clinic Weston is considered one of the best hospitals in the nation. It offers a wide range of specialties and has an emergency room. Its physicians lead the nation in transplant technology, and the hospital accepts most health insurance policies.
1950 Cleveland Clinic Blvd.
Weston, FL 33331
Phone: 954-659-5000
Find a provider
University of Miami Hospital and Clinics
The University of Miami Hospital is a teaching hospital offering most specialties. It’s one of the best training hospitals in the nation and home to cutting-edge research in ophthalmology, internal medicine, and geriatrics.
1400 NW 12th Ave.
Miami, FL 33136
Phone: 305-325-5511
Find a provider
Mount Sinai Medical Center
Mount Sinai Medical Center is a teaching hospital serving Miami and Fort Lauderdale. It offers care in most specialties and has an emergency department.
4300 Alton Road
Miami Beach, FL 33140
Phone: 305-674-2121
Find a provider
Transportation for seniors in Miami
It’s possible to get almost anywhere in Miami with public transportation. Miami-Dade County provides train systems — the Metrorail and Metromover — as well as the Metrobus. Downtown Miami also has trolleys. Residents and visitors can use taxis or other ride sharing services throughout the city.
Seniors in Miami can ride all public transportation for free using a Golden Passport EASY Card. You can apply for one of these cards in person at the Miami-Dade Transit Golden Passport Office or by calling 311. Miami can have heavy traffic, so be sure to keep that in mind when scheduling appointments or outings.
Walk Score rates cities on their transportation systems and navigability. Miami received the following scores, each out of 100:[06]
77
Walk Score
57
Transit Score
64
Bike Score
Senior activities in Miami
Miami has enough culture, food, and natural beauty to keep even the most discerning travelers and residents entertained. Whether your perfect day involves snoozing on the beach, trying a cafecito, exploring the Everglades, or delving into history, Miami’s got it all.
Senior centers in Miami
- Miami-Dade Parks’ Active Older Adults program. Miami-Dade County puts on regular fitness classes and field trips and provides meals for older adults across the county. Find schedules and registration information on their website.
- Golden Ticket Arts Guide. Seniors can register with the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs to get a Golden Ticket, which gives them free access to cultural events throughout the city. You can find a list of current events on the website.
Senior-friendly outdoor activities in Miami
- The Everglades. Miami is a natural jumping-off point for Everglades expeditions. Head to the Homestead entrance of the park about 90 minutes south of Miami. Be sure to book an airboat tour as a non-invasive and exciting method to explore the park.
- Sunny Isles Beach. Between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Sunny Isles Beach is quiet and close to excellent restaurants.
- Crandon Park Beach. Quieter than most other beaches in Miami, Crandon Park Beach has tennis courts, a golf course, and cabanas for showering.
Senior-friendly cultural activities in Miami
- Little Havana. On Calle Oche (Southwest Eighth St.), Little Havana is the heartbeat of Miami’s Cuban culture. You’ll find Latin restaurants and lounges, murals, and music venues.
- Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. The former home of businessman James Deering, the Vizcaya Museums and Gardens offer Renaissance-style gardens and an extensive art collection.
- Wynwood Walls. Wynwood Walls is Miami’s street art museum. You can visit at any time, but you do need to reserve tickets in advance.
Frequently asked questions
Fort Lauderdale Flagler Village, Cutler Bay Village and Lincoln Manor are the top-rated Senior Apartments facilities near Miami, FL. These Senior Apartments facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Senior Apartments in Miami is 2830.97 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
Rentcafe.com. (2022). Miami, FL rental market trends.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Miami city [Data set]. American Community Survey.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and sex (S0101): Miami city [Data set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2023). Mean income in the past 12 months (S1902): Miami city [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Walk Score. (2023). Miami, Florida.
More questions?
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
- Miami Gardens, Florida
- Hollywood, Florida
- Hallandale Beach, Florida
- Doral, Florida
- North Miami Beach, Florida
- Coral Gables, Florida
- Miami Lakes, Florida
- Dania Beach, Florida
- Westchester, Florida
- Miami Beach, Florida
- Miami Shores, Florida
- Hialeah Gardens, Florida
- Brownsville, Florida
- Miramar, Florida
- Cooper City, Florida
- South Miami, Florida
- Aventura, Florida
- Ives Estates, Florida
- Pembroke Pines, Florida
- West Miami, Florida