The present study was carried out on 140 respondents belonging to 60 years and above age group living in old age homes (n=65) and with family (n=75). The respondents were randomly selected from Hubli-Dharwad city with an objective to compare the level of distress among institutionalized and non-institutionalized senior citizens and to know the factors influencing distress among both groups. Results revealed that institutionalized respondents showed more of physical and total distress. Whereas, non-institutionalized senior citizens had more emotional distress than institutionalized senior citizens. Among institutionalized, age significantly influenced each type of distress. Age, education, gender and family size significantly influenced each type of distress of non-institutionalized senior citizens.