Private pay
Many families pay for care with private funds: personal savings, pension payments, retirement accounts, or a combination of these and family contributions.
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.
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.
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.
Browse assisted living by county
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.
State averages. Individual community rates vary by city, floor plan, and care level.
Average monthly cost in California by care type. Tap any card to explore that care type across the state.
$7,000/mo
Housing, meals, and daily-living support
$5,600/mo
$8,750/mo
$15,178/mo
$477/mo
California state averages. Bars are scaled to the highest cost shown.
Most California families combine two or three of these. An advisor walks through which apply to your situation.
Many families pay for care with private funds: personal savings, pension payments, retirement accounts, or a combination of these and family contributions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
California's Medi-Cal Assisted Living Waiver (ALW) helps eligible seniors pay for care in participating licensed communities in 15 counties, including Los Angeles County. It does not pay room and board, enrollment has a waitlist, and not every California community takes part, so confirm before you tour.
Medi-Cal Assisted Living Waiver detailsEvery assisted living community in California is licensed and inspected by California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division. California licenses 1 settings — see the cards below for what each covers. Communities must meet standards for staffing, caregiver training, medication administration, and building safety, with managers and staff completing continuing in-service training each year.
Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE)
California's sole assisted-living licence — covers everything from six-bed board-and-care homes to 200+ apartment communities, with the same regulatory framework across sizes.
Verify any California community
Area 1 Agency on Aging
Area Agencies on Aging
PSA 2 Area Agency on Aging
Area Agencies on Aging
PSA 3 Area Agency on Aging
Area Agencies on Aging
Area 4 Agency on Aging
Area Agencies on Aging
Marin County Division of Aging
Area Agencies on Aging
City and County of San Francisco Dept of Aging and Adult Services
Area Agencies on Aging
Contra Costa County Aging and Adult Services
Area Agencies on Aging
San Mateo County Aging and Adult Services
Area Agencies on Aging
Alameda County Dept of Aging and Adult Services
Area Agencies on Aging
Santa Clara County
Area Agencies on Aging
San Joaquin County Dept of Aging and Community Services
Area Agencies on Aging
Area 12 Agency on Aging
Area Agencies on Aging
Seniors Council
Area Agencies on Aging
Fresno-Madera Area Agency on Aging
Area Agencies on Aging
Kings Tulare Area Agency on Aging
Area Agencies on Aging
Eastern Sierra Area Agency on Aging
Area Agencies on Aging
Central Coast Commission for Senior Citizens Area Agency on Aging
Area Agencies on Aging
Ventura County Area Agency on Aging
Area Agencies on Aging
Los Angeles County Area Agency on Aging
Area Agencies on Aging
San Bernadino County Dept of Aging and Adult Services
Area Agencies on Aging
Riverside County Office on Aging
Area Agencies on Aging
Orange County Area Agency on Aging
Area Agencies on Aging
San Diego County Aging and Independent Services
Area Agencies on Aging
Imperial County Area Agency on Aging
Area Agencies on Aging
City of Los Angeles Department of Aging
Area Agencies on Aging
Area Agency on Aging of Lake and Mendocino Counties
Area Agencies on Aging
Sonoma County Area Agency on Aging
Area Agencies on Aging
El Dorado County Area Agency on Aging
Area Agencies on Aging
Stanislaus County Aging and Veterans Services
Area Agencies on Aging
Merced County Area Agency on Aging
Area Agencies on Aging
Monterey County Area Agency on Aging
Area Agencies on Aging
Kern County Aging Adult Services
Area Agencies on Aging
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.
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.
Guides written for families starting the search, from first conversations to moving day.
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.
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.
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.
Large states lead the count: California, Florida, and Texas consistently rank among the top states for the number of licensed Assisted Living communities.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
My mother moved in three years ago, when the building was under different management. She needed some assistance. Stephanie, the Executive Directive, has done a great job making key improvements. The Villas are now well-maintained and clean. Stephanie's new chef does an excellent job with the food and the staff at the cafeteria are friendly and helpful. The staff is great at celebrating special holidays and birthdays. My mom finds that the handymen and cleaning staff are very kind and accommodating when she has any problems in her room. It was difficult to manage the adult place pandemic. Stephanie and her staff made sure that all tenants were well looked after. My mom is safe, well-taken care of and treated with kindness and love. I feel peaceful at night.
Melissa · Garden Court At Villa Santa Barbara · Santa Barbara
Here, Mom is doing so much more! Atria Rancho Penasquitos' kind, caring, and professional staff have made her life so much easier. She is eating well and gaining weight. Is it the Scottish chef or the supportive staff? She's participating in nearly every planned activity. She is having a lot more fun than me! Mom is not a "joiner", so she was attracted to the cheerful, easy-going staff. Mom is in the memory care section of the facility, so she requires more attention and patience than others. Atria RP staff provides her with all the support she needs, both professionally and spiritually. These wonderful staff members restored my hope for her comfort. They are a joy to work alongside! Because I work with patients quality and safety at my workplace, I am well-versed in the local and national responses to COVID. Atria RP's prompt, thorough, and caring quarantine setup impressed me greatly. I was able to keep Mom's health in mind by receiving regular updates via email, text, and the innovative Atria app. I am confident that Mom is in the right spot.
Stephanie S. · Pacifica Senior Living Rancho Penasquitos · San Diego
Sagebrook is fortunate to have many staff members who care about the residents and are friendly and warm. It was renovated a few years back and features modern decor and furniture. The main area is large and features a grand piano. Events and musical entertainment are available. It is beautiful to walk around the garden and along the walking path that runs around it. The whole area is surrounded with open space, trees, flowers, and birds. The shopping center and Trader Joe's are just a short walk away. The Kaiser and UCSF are right around the corner. It's a great location!
Sarah Matteo · Sagebrook Senior Living At San Francisco · San Francisco
Twelve Oaks, a beautiful renovated building, is truly a treasure. The five-acre wooded setting, which includes the "lodge," housing the dining and activities rooms, was breathtaking to me as a first-time visitor. The staff was friendly and kind. All of the remodeled assisted living apts had walk-in showers, and some even had private balconies. Even though it was not the right fit for my husband, I highly recommend the facility.
Ashley A. · Twelve Oaks · La Crescenta
Kingston Bay staff was able take away my pain, and make my worries go away. Because Li, Leah and the staff understand the importance customer satisfaction and meeting customer needs, they continue to make my mom feel at home and comfortable. They are great at managing her apartment and all of her daily activities. They provide delicious and satisfying food.
Amanda · Kingston Bay Senior Living · Fresno
They are amazing. They are a caring group that is familiar with how to deal with the needs of the elderly. My father made new friends and is now more active than under other circumstances. The wonderful staff at the hospital are a blessing to me.
Jennifer · Stacies Chalet Modesto · Modesto
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