What is the average monthly mortgage or rent payment for a one or two bedroom, senior independent unit for my wife and myself?

In my area a low income based one bedroom starts at $871.00 per month. The wait list is 2 to 4 years depending on the building. Other senior apartments starts at about $2800.00 per month.

Jim, a mortgage payment isn't "average" as it depends on the amount of the mortgage, the interest rate (over prime, and the caliber of the mortgagee (lender), as well as some other factors.   If your credit is good, contact one of the good lenders to get an assessment/idea of what you might expect to pay as a down payment for the caliber of house in a price range that's affordable for you.    

If you're a Veteran, you may also have the benefit of getting a VA mortgage.

https://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/

https://www.bankrate.com/ is a good site to compare mortgage rates.

I know a couple in Boulder who are paying $8,000 for a 2bd senior living apartment. It includes meals and events.

It really depends on ur finances. There are low income in my area that run about 700. I think these units are only 1 bedroom. The ones that are 1/3 of ur income are HUD subsidized and income needs to be low. There are Senior units that are 55 and up and those that are 62 and up. The pricing all depends on where u live.

Call ur Office of Aging and see what info they have.

I am hoping to retire to the Springs, as well, but not for awhile yet. I found this site. It isn't too soon to start looking, in the Denver area some wait lists are 2-3 years.

https://www.after55.com/co/colorado-springs

https://www.caring.com/senior-living/independent-living/colorado/colorado-springs

Check out this link.

It depends on where you live. In my area it is over $1000 a month. There are senior apartments that charge about a quarter of your income but sometimes the waiting list to get in one of those is long. It really depends on where you are.