Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the health status and life satisfaction of elders in charged and free welfare facilities. Methods: The subjects of this study were selected among those without cognitive impairment from charged (124 persons) and free (126 persons) welfare facilities in D city. The data were analyzed using frequency analysis, $x^$ test, and t-test. Results: Subjective health status was significantly higher for the residents in the charged welfare facilities. The data collected indicated significantly higher scores for the residents at charged welfare facilities when questioned regarding the physical health status, sense, personal hygiene, excretion control and activity. The data collected indicated significantly higher scores for the residents at charged welfare facilities when questioned regarding the mental health status, recall of breakfast side dishes, awareness of dates, interests in daily matters, feelings of happiness, feelings of loneliness and depression. Life satisfaction was significantly higher for the residents at the charged welfare facilities. Conclusions: There were significant differences in health status and life satisfaction of elders in charged and free welfare facilities.