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Assisted Living in Pennsylvania

Reviewed by BoomersHub Senior Living AdvisorsUpdated

Compare communities across 543 cities and 31 counties. Pennsylvania averages $6,480 per month for assisted living, and BoomersHub advisors help you shortlist, confirm pricing, and book tours for free.

Why families choose Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has a four-season Mid-Atlantic climate and draws retirees for Philadelphia- and Pittsburgh-area medical access plus deep small-city and rural community supply. Communities cluster across Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, and Erie, from small residential care homes to full-campus senior-living properties. This guide walks through what assisted living in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania

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.

543 cities · 31 counties

Browse assisted living by county

Pennsylvania compares to the states around it

The average cost of assisted living in Pennsylvania is $6,480 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

  • Pennsylvania$6,480
  • Maryland$7,173
  • New York$7,110
  • Ohio$6,103
  • West Virginia$6,340

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 Pennsylvania by care type. Tap any card to explore that care type across the state.

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

How to pay for assisted living in Pennsylvania

Most Pennsylvania 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

    Community HealthChoices (CHC) — Pennsylvania Medicaid

    Pennsylvania Medicaid can help eligible lower-income seniors offset assisted living costs through Community HealthChoices (CHC). The program does not pay room and board, and not every Pennsylvania community participates — confirm before you tour.

    Community HealthChoices (CHC) details

Assisted living regulations in Pennsylvania

Every assisted living community in Pennsylvania is licensed and inspected by Pennsylvania Department of Human Services — Bureau of Human Services Licensing. Pennsylvania licenses 2 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.

Licensed by Pennsylvania Department of Human Services — Bureau of Human Services LicensingWritten service plan for every resident2 license types
  • 01

    Personal Care Home

    Pennsylvania's traditional residential-care licence — home-based or apartment-style setting providing meals, personal care, and 24-hour supervision.

  • 02

    Assisted Living Residence

    Newer licensure tier permitting more comprehensive personal care and health services, including support for residents with higher acuity.

Verify any Pennsylvania community

Free assisted living resources in Pennsylvania

What you should know about Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania median for assisted living sits near the national average, driven by a large licensed-bed supply and mixed cost of living that keeps rates near the national median. 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 Pennsylvania expert in your corner, at no cost

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

  • A shortlist matched to your care needs, budget, and preferred Pennsylvania cities
  • Confirmed pricing and availability before you ever tour
  • Tours scheduled and move-in arrangements handled with your family
(877) 409-0666
  • 574Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?

Start with an honest family conversation and a needs assessment from their physician. Tour two or three Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania Medicaid pay for Assisted Living?

Partially. Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania

My mom has been with us for just over three months. She is enjoying the social interaction and scheduled activities. It's amazing how responsive the key staff members are. Each of them has provided us with their contact numbers. It has been an extremely positive experience so far that was above my expectations.

Green Meadows Nursing & Rehabilitation Center · Malvern

This center cares for my mother who has Alzheimer's. It has been her home for nearly 8 years. They are kind and caring. COVID has made it difficult for visitations, but they have made every effort to ensure that we can see our loved ones. My mom is grateful for your wonderful care. Your family will always be in our debt.

Schuylkill Center · Pottsville

My mom was taken care of by Liza at her house. It has a home-like feel and is beautifully decorated. All meals are prepared at home. Staff is wonderful and very caring. They made her feel like a part of the family. I think this is a wonderful community.

Lizas House · Danielsville

My parents have lived at Plush Mills for many decades. They were/are now residents when they were younger and can enjoy many of the activities. It's called Plush "Meals" by my children because they enjoy going to the dining room with their grandparents. It is a wonderful place to live for our parents. Staff, thank you for everything that you do to make this such a beautiful place to live.

Plush Mills Senior Living · Wallingford

This facility was home to my grandfather, and I can only praise it! Springfield Senior Living was a place I found when my grandfather became unable to live alone. The rooms are spacious and have been recently renovated. He felt at home and comfortable with the staff. Because he could get around so much more easily and was able socialize with other residents, his quality of life improved. My grandfather also told me how wonderful and friendly the staff were and that he felt at home there, which made it easy for us to relax. Anyone looking for a home for their loved one would be well served by this facility.

Springfield Senior Living Community · Glenside

It was clean and beautiful. They were helpful and polite.

The Terrace At Chestnut Hill · Philadelphia

Explore assisted living in nearby states

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