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Assisted Living in California

Reviewed by BoomersHub Senior Living AdvisorsUpdated

Compare communities across 620 cities and 36 counties. California averages $7,000 per month for assisted living, and BoomersHub advisors help you shortlist, confirm pricing, and book tours for free.

Why families choose California

California has a temperate, coastal climate and draws retirees for family-close urban options across three major metros, plus quieter coastal and Central Valley towns. Communities cluster across Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and Sacramento, from small residential care homes to full-campus senior-living properties. This guide walks through what assisted living in California costs, how families pay for it, the state's licensing rules, and how to shortlist communities without doing the legwork alone.

Find the best assisted living facilities in California

Start with a major metro, or jump straight to your town in the A–Z directory. Every link opens that city's assisted living options.

620 cities · 36 counties

Browse assisted living by county

California compares to the states around it

The average cost of assisted living in California is $7,000 per month. Your actual rate depends on the city, apartment size, and level of care, which is what our advisors confirm for you before you tour.

Average monthly cost of assisted living

  • California$7,000
  • Alaska$9,882
  • Arizona$6,250
  • Nevada$6,241
  • Oregon$6,875

State averages. Individual community rates vary by city, floor plan, and care level.

How assisted living compares to other senior care

Average monthly cost in California by care type. Tap any card to explore that care type across the state.

California state averages. Bars are scaled to the highest cost shown.

How to pay for assisted living in California

Most California families combine two or three of these. An advisor walks through which apply to your situation.

  • Option 1

    Private pay

    Many families pay for care with private funds: personal savings, pension payments, retirement accounts, or a combination of these and family contributions.

  • Option 2

    Selling your home

    Selling a parent's home can help finance assisted living, especially once the home is no longer occupied. Proceeds often fund several years of care.

  • Option 3

    Reverse mortgage

    Homeowners aged 62+ can convert part of their home equity into cash while retaining ownership, with no loan payments due while living in the home. A spouse may remain in the home while proceeds help pay for a partner's care.

  • Option 4

    Long-term care insurance

    LTC policies typically begin paying out when the policyholder needs help with two or more activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, or eating. Check the policy's elimination period and daily benefit before counting on it.

  • Option 5

    Veteran's programs

    Veterans with at least 90 days of active duty (including one day during wartime) may qualify for VA benefits such as Aid & Attendance, which can add a monthly amount on top of a VA pension.

  • State program

    Medicaid in California

    California Medicaid's Veterans Administration (VA) Centers in California program helps eligible lower-income seniors with assisted living costs in participating communities. Waivers typically do not cover room and board.

Assisted living regulations in California

Every assisted living community in California is licensed and inspected by California's state licensing authority. Communities must meet standards for staffing, caregiver training, medication administration, and building safety, with managers and staff completing continuing in-service training each year.

Verify any California community

Free assisted living resources in California

What you should know about California

The California median for assisted living sits well above the national average, driven by urban land values, higher minimum-wage staffing, and strict state licensing rules that add operating overhead. Where a state lands depends on labour costs, cost of living, and the mix of urban vs rural communities. Your actual rate depends on the city, apartment size, and level of care — an advisor confirms current pricing for any community you're considering, free.

A California expert in your corner, at no cost

Searching California alone is overwhelming. Our advisors know the assisted living communities, the real pricing, and the availability across California, and they do the legwork for you.

  • A shortlist matched to your care needs, budget, and preferred California cities
  • Confirmed pricing and availability before you ever tour
  • Tours scheduled and move-in arrangements handled with your family
(877) 409-0666
  • 656California cities and counties covered on BoomersHub
  • 1,000+Families guided to the right community since 2019
  • $0Cost to you. Our service is completely free for families

Important resources about assisted living

Guides written for families starting the search, from first conversations to moving day.

FAQs related to assisted living

How can I get my parents into Assisted Living in California?

Start with an honest family conversation and a needs assessment from their physician. Tour two or three California communities together, ask about care levels and pricing, then complete the community's health assessment and residency agreement. A BoomersHub advisor can shortlist communities, confirm pricing, and schedule tours for free.

What is pet-friendly Assisted Living?

Pet-friendly Assisted Living communities welcome residents' cats, small dogs, or other companion animals, usually with size limits, a pet deposit, and the expectation that the resident or family can care for the pet. Ask each California community for its written pet policy before move-in.

What is the total number of Assisted Living facilities in the US?

Over 30,000 licensed Assisted Living communities across the United States, housing more than 800,000 residents (AHCA / NCAL industry data). Ranges from large resort-style campuses to small residential care homes.

Which states have the highest number of Assisted Living facilities?

Large states lead the count: California, Florida, and Texas consistently rank among the top states for the number of licensed Assisted Living communities.

What are the cheapest states to live in as a senior?

Southern and Midwestern states consistently rank among the most affordable for Assisted Living — Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, North Dakota, and South Dakota all sit well below the national median. New England, the West Coast, and Alaska are the expensive end.

What is the average age of a Assisted Living resident?

The average Assisted Living resident is in their mid-80s. A typical resident needs help with 2 or 3 daily activities — bathing, dressing, medication management. Many move in after living alone became difficult rather than after a single medical event.

Can you keep pets in Assisted Living facilities?

Many California communities allow pets — most commonly cats and small dogs, subject to the community's pet policy. Expect size or breed limits, a pet deposit, and a check that the resident or family can handle daily pet care.

Do the total costs of Assisted Living include medical care?

Usually not. The base monthly rate typically covers housing, meals, housekeeping, activities, and help with daily activities. Medical services (doctor visits, therapy, medications) are billed separately, often through Medicare or private insurance. Ask each community exactly where its rate ends and medical billing begins.

Do Assisted Living communities allow visitors?

Yes. Family and friends are welcome at California Assisted Living communities, subject to reasonable visiting hours and sign-in policies. Many communities also host family dinners, holiday events, and overnight guest options.

Does California Medicaid pay for Assisted Living?

Partially. California Medicaid programs (HCBS waivers) can cover personal-care services in participating Assisted Living facilities for eligible lower-income seniors. Waivers do not pay for room and board, and not every community participates, so confirm before touring.

What families say about California

Assisted Living

Regency Fallbrook is awesome! I am so happy we initially picked this place for dad to stay. It's clean and the staff was kind and caring, not only to residents but to visiting family as well. I have spoken highly of you all to many of my friends and acquaintances in the community and will continue to do so. Definitely one of the best senior living communities just like https://silvergaterr.com/silvergate-fallbrook-elder-care/ fallbrook senior center which is where he was a resident for the remaining of his years. I will always be grateful and appreciative of how well he was taken care of at both facilities. Thank you!

Unknown · Regency Fallbrook · Fallbrook

Assisted Living

I can't say enough kind words about the Silvergate Fallbrook assisted living team https://goo.gl/maps/FZvAtEsbPe3DKRyWA My mom has been living there for almost a year and I have peace of mind in that she always receives superb care. The meals are delicious, facility is spotless, and the staff/managers are so friendly. We genuinely felt that most all of the staff treated our mom as if she were their own!

Unknown · Silvergate Fallbrook Retirement Residence · Fallbrook

Assisted Living

My dad was a resident here. Thank you for building a fine, caring organization which not only serves the people directly in your care, but greatly assists their family members too. Mom on the other hand was at Silvergate's Fallbrook assisted living facility https://goo.gl/maps/FZvAtEsbPe3DKRyWA It did my heart good to see that they were well cared for at both facilities. Thank you!

Unknown · Country Gardens · Fallbrook

Assisted Living

My mom has been here going on a year. When she first got there she was shortly put on hospice. Since then they have gotten her medicine sorted out. She is up talking on the phone. Playing Bingo and very happy. They treat my mom like she is their own mom. The people are so awesome. They cheer her up support her emotionally as well. She is thriving thanks to them. My mom has 6 grandkids and 5 great grandkids. Without her none of us would be here. Thanks for taking care of my mom. We love you guys.

Unknown · Renaissance Home Care · Orangevale

Assisted Living

I would love to see a -5 star. After a few days in hospital, my father-in law was transferred here. He was still recovering from a fall, but no broken bones. When he entered, he was somewhat unstable and walking. He was supposed therapy to help him get back on his feet so he could go home. He felt that the therapy was almost non-existent and that the doctor continued to prolong his stay. He stayed there for five weeks. He developed pneumonia from lack of movement. After receiving therapy, he was diagnosed with COVID and died. If you are determined to kill someone, send them here. Please send a cell phone to your loved one if they are forced to go. He couldn't answer the phone so we gave him one. The main line has one phone that they pass around to patients. It took me 2 to 3 hours to reach him. Although the front desk staff was friendly and helpful, that's all I can praise.

Unknown · Montclair Royale · Montclair

Assisted Living

Thumbs up!

Unknown · Sunrise Homes · French Camp

Explore assisted living in nearby states

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