The Link Between Affordable Transportation and Living Independently

In the infographic below, we illustrate how transportation costs differ across states and how these differences affect the ability of older adults living alone to maintain independence.

Key Takeaways:

• Most older adults (77%) want to “age in place,” remaining in their homes and communities. Yet 63% of adults are concerned about their ability to live independently as they age.

• Access to affordable, reliable transportation is crucial for older adults—especially the 43% of adults age 65+ who live alone and depend on a personal vehicle.

• Transportation costs for single older adults vary significantly nationwide, from a high of $4,080 per year in Vermont to a low of $2,796 per year in New Jersey. The national average is $3,240 per year.

• Nearly 4 million households headed by adults 65+ do not have access to a vehicle—an indicator of cost pressures and mobility barriers.

• States across the country are adopting Multisector Plans for Aging to build coordinated systems that support the growing older adult population, including strategies to improve transportation access.

About the Data:

This infographic draws on data from the Elder Index, which measures the income older adults need to maintain independence and cover basic living expenses, including transportation. Transportation costs are calculated using estimated annual mileage from the National Household Travel Survey multiplied by the IRS standard mileage reimbursement rate. Additional insights come from national demographic data, West Health–Gallup survey findings, and Mosaic articles examining transportation, housing, and aging.

Sources:

• 77% of Older Adults Want to “Age in Place” – Housing, Health Care, and Transportation
  https://westhealthmosaic.com/articles/77-of-older-adults-want-to-age-in-place-housing-health-care-and-transportation-

• West Health–Gallup Healthcare Affordability and Value Indices 2025 Report
  https://www.gallup.com/westhealth

• West Health–Gallup Healthcare & Aging Survey
  https://westhealthmosaic.com/data-mosaics/west-health-gallup-healthcare-and-aging-survey?tab=indices-well-being&domain=healthcare_affordability_value_index&indicator=healthcare_affordability

• American Community Survey, U.S. Census Bureau
  https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2023.S0103?q=s0103&g=010XX00US,$0400000

• Elder Index, Gerontology Institute at the University of Massachusetts Boston
  https://elderindex.org/

• Multisector Plan for Aging
  https://multisectorplanforaging.org/