Assisted Living Communities in San Diego, California
Explore listings in San Diego, California including 1702 authentic reviews covering 383 of San Diego facilities, and find details such as base pricing, room types and more. The average the cost of facilities in San Diego depends on many factors and your loved one's required level of care.
The average rent for Assisted Living communities in San Diego County is $3,479 per month, according to Caring's proprietary data on verified Assisted Living communities.
Below, we present the top communities based on various criteria, including authentic user reviews. With the support of our Caring Family Advisors, we have helped over 102,000 families find the best community tailored to their needs, all at no cost and with no obligation. We also offer free care and budget consultations to help you make an informed decision.
Our experts have dedicated extensive time into publishing insights on this page unique to the San Diego, California area, including free and low-cost resources, financial assistance, veteran support, food aid programs, legal resources, tax assistance, and more.
13075 Evening Creek Drive South, San Diego, CA 92128
4.6
(31 reviews)
"We toured Belmont Village Sabre Springs. They were generous enough to let us stay for lunch, which was a big and interactive experience. One of the residents invited us into her apartment so Mom could see how people live. It's important to see how pe..."
"I toured Atria Collwood. I liked all of the programs that they had, the different levels of care that they offered, and the way it was structured. It was like an a la carte menu. They had it in such a way that it was very transparent like that. You c..."
"I chose Vi at La Jolla Village. It's total care to the end and I won't have to move. I want to get one spot and stay there till I die. It's independent living but it goes into assisted living in the same facility, same building, and same room. You do..."
12979 Rancho Peñasquitos Blvd, San Diego, CA 92129
4.4
(15 reviews)
"I toured Pacifica Senior Living Rancho Penasquitos. The apartments are very nice. They're nicely done. They had a refrigerator and a microwave. I think they even had a coffee pot. They had everything in there unless you want to bring in something ext..."
5219 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92117
4.2
(15 reviews)
"I moved to Novellus Clairemont. I ate their food and it was very good. It's very well presented, and there are plenty of options, so you can pick and choose what you want. So, that's helpful too. It's not only restaurant quality, but it's very nice. ..."
"Oakmont of Pacific Beach is outstanding, but it's very expensive. It is outstanding in terms of what it offers. They have a special floor for memory care. They have the state of the art just up to date with Alzheimer's. They work with the Alzheimer's..."
"Ivy Park at Sabre Springs was wonderful. The apartments were very comparable. It was a lovely building. I think if somebody chooses Ivy Park at Sabre Springs as a place, they're going to be well cared for, and I think people will be very happy there...."
"I toured Ivy Park at La Jolla. It feels like a home when you walk in. The staff is so friendly and attentive. The community is small, so they give attention to everyone. The rooms were remodeled, so they were new with new appliances, fixtures, and ba..."
"My mother lived in the facility for 3 years until she passed away a few days ago. This is a great place for caring for your loved ones. My mother never said even once that she wants to go home. She loved the caregivers, food and her daily interaction..."
"Gold Canyon Care Home was nice. It looked like more of a home than a big assisted living. It looked like a family-run business that you would fit in. The atmosphere's nice. They would let my mom's dog come and they even came out to visit my mom this ..."
"My father-in-law was at Acorn Oaks Manor II. They were amazing. The process of moving in was very simple. The nursing care was around the clock because they had three different shifts. We had a good relationship with the nurses. They kept us updated ..."
"Jacobs is very Family orientated . You feel like your with a Caring family that truly understand. Jacobs has been good to My Mother. Even during the Difficult times that myself was going through when I was moving to a new place to live...."
"The most important factor to me in finding a place for my elderly friend was the staff. I don’t care how beautiful a place is or how great a view the apartments have if the staff are not caring and attentive too all the needs of the residents it’s w..."
"Wesley Palms San Diego Retirement Community was nice, but they didn't have anything available. They had a mile track around the property, which my father likes. But if he needed more assisted living, he'll have to move to another building. Everybody ..."
"I loved BayView Senior. It's a beautiful facility. Its in a beautiful setting and its a lovely building. I really liked it. It looks like they've totally redone it. The views are beautiful and the people are very nice. It felt like a very peaceful ..."
"My mom will be moving into The Villa on Bankers Hill. I chose them because she's going to get more hands-on care there, and the price is reasonable. They had one bedroom, but she's going to go into a studio. They have activities, but my mom is just m..."
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The Cost of Assisted Living in San Diego, CA and Nearby Cities
San Diego’s assisted living communities charge fees that are slightly higher than the state average of $5,250, but they’re far from the most expensive. In nearby Los Angeles, assisted living costs are in line with the average. Further north, fees are much more expensive, with seniors in Salinas paying $6,000 per month and those in Napa paying $6,300. Redding, being located further inland, is one of the cheapest cities in the state, with average fees of just $4,450.
San Diego
$5,475
California
$5,250
The United States
$4,500
Los Angeles
$5,250
Salinas
$6,000
Napa
$6,300
Redding
$4,450
Paying for Assisted Living in San Diego, CA
When trying to decide how to pay for assisted living, one of the first questions that comes up is "How much does it cost?" With the impact of inflation, it's more important than ever to have up-to-date information when making a financial plan for senior living. To help shed light on real senior living prices, Caring.com has compiled proprietary cost data from its network of more than 75,000 senior living providers to provide insight into the average cost of assisted living in San Diego and 200 other cities in California.
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in San Diego
While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:
Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Assisted Living in San Diego, CA
Assisted living costs in San Diego have seen a steady increase, largely as a result of inflation. A difference of roughly 9% can be seen from 2022 to 2023 ($4,088 to $4,479), with costs projected to rise even further to $4,824 by 2024. However, rates in San Diego have remained quite consistent with the U.S. national average ($4,070 to $4,459). San Diego remains an affordable option for southern Californians in need of senior care. Rates are nearly $1,000 lower than those in Bakersfield and over $1,600 less expensive than costs in Los Angeles.
Location
2022 Cost (Historical)
2023 Cost (Current)
2024 Cost (Estimated)
San Diego
$4,088
$4,479
$4,824
U.S. Average
$4,070
$4,459
$4,802
California
$4,625
$4,946
$5,221
Los Angeles
$5,621
$6,158
$6,632
Riverside
$4,814
$5,274
$5,680
Bakersfield
$4,968
$5,443
$5,862
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Living in San Diego, CA
The cost of senior living in San Diego can vary greatly depending on the type of care. Independent living typically sees the lowest costs at $3,679, as it caters to individuals who are largely self-sufficient. Compared to assisted living ($4,479), memory care costs are approximately 43% higher, averaging $6,951 per month. These differences are largely the result of memory care communities providing a wider scope of care and specialized programming.
Assisted Living
$4,479
Memory Care
$6,951
Independent Living
$3,679
Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in San Diego,CA
There are many resources in San Diego,CA that assist seniors in their retirement. Caring.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs and agencies and categorized them into care types for easy reference.
For information about statewide resources and those in nearby cities, go to Caring's California state page.
Area Agency on Aging
Retirees can find support and advice on various senior-related issues from their local Area Agency on Aging. The agency provides advice on topics such as financial assistance programs, in-home care and long-term care planning. It also connects seniors and caregivers with community-based resources.
California's network of Area Agencies on Aging work under the umbrella of the California Department of Aging. These agencies promote healthy living for older residents through a variety of federal and state-funded programs. Some of these programs include supportive services, senior nutrition programs, care management programs, caregiving services and Medicare and insurance counseling. Low-income seniors can become productive community members through volunteer programs, such as the Senior Companion Program and the Senior Community Service Employment Program.
Financial Assistance for Senior Care
San Diego seniors wishing to remain in their own homes can find financial assistance from several local resources. These programs and organizations help retirees cover the cost of services such as home care, property modifications and utilities.
Community-Based Adult Services is a program designed to prevent seniors from entering nursing homes if their needs can be met in the community. It covers professional nursing care, mental health services, occupational and physical therapy, personal care and other services to help participants maintain their quality of life.
Community-Based Adult Services is a program designed to prevent seniors from entering nursing homes if their needs can be met in the community. It covers professional nursing care, mental health services, occupational and physical therapy, personal care and other services to help participants maintain their quality of life.
Community-Based Adult Services is a program designed to prevent seniors from entering nursing homes if their needs can be met in the community. It covers professional nursing care, mental health services, occupational and physical therapy, personal care and other services to help participants maintain their quality of life.
Community-Based Adult Services is a program designed to prevent seniors from entering nursing homes if their needs can be met in the community. It covers professional nursing care, mental health services, occupational and physical therapy, personal care and other services to help participants maintain their quality of life.
The In-Home Supportive Services Program covers the cost of home-based services that can help eligible participants avoid having to move out of their homes. Covered services include meal preparation, house cleaning, personal care and grocery shopping.
Cash Assistance Programs
Cash assistance programs in San Diego provide financial support to help low-income retirees remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Seniors and caregivers can apply for tax rebates and reductions, discounts on vital services and help covering the cost of heating and cooling their home.
San Diego's General Relief Cash Assistance Program is funded by the county and provides emergency cash loans to eligible seniors. Although primarily targeted toward seniors up to the age of 64, older seniors burdened by no or low incomes and few material resources may also be considered. Applicants can apply online at BenefitsCal or in person at San Diego Family Resource Centers in multiple convenient locations. Qualification requires proof of local residency and lack of access to funds or support.
Food Assistance Programs
Local organizations help ensure elderly citizens have a balanced diet and receive essential vitamins and minerals to remain healthy. Through nutrition programs, congregate meals, home-delivered meals and food pantries, these programs help San Diego seniors afford the nutritious food they need.
Chollas View United Methodist Church, located in San Diego, CA, operates a food distribution program every Saturday between 10 a.m. and noon. In-need community members of all ages can get a range of ingredients to prepare meals at home to alleviate hardship and hunger. Devout seniors can also attend worship each Sunday at 11 a.m.
Ocean Beach Emergency Food, Inc., also known as Loaves & Fishes, is an emergency food bank serving Ocean Beach and the Peninsula area. To qualify, seniors must reside in the 92106, 92107 or 92110 areas and be in need of food. The emergency food bags provided contain peanut butter, beans, canned fruits and vegetables, bread, rice and pasta, soup and other shelf-stable items. The organization can also assist with toiletries and hygiene products as needed based on available supplies.
Meals on Wheels combats hunger and isolation by delivering nutritious meals to seniors throughout California. Local branches of the organization decide how many and at what times meals will be delivered each week.
The San Diego Hunger Coalition coordinates hunger-relief efforts across San Diego County and helps direct residents to the food banks and distribution centers that serve their areas. The SDHC helps direct seniors to congregate meal sites or set them up with a home-delivered meal program. The organization also assists low-income families and individuals in signing up for CalFresh grocery assistance and the federal WIC program.
Legal Resources
Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal services to San Diego seniors. Older adults can access advice on issues such as estate planning, living wills and power of attorney. Some firms also act as long-term care ombudsmen, advocating for the rights of seniors in senior living communities.
San Diego's Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program provides direct support for seniors living in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and similar shared communities. Ombudsmen help ensure seniors are aware of their legal rights. They may advocate on behalf of such seniors when they inquire about quality of care or billing and benefits issues. The program also assists with transferring into or out of communities, financial or physical abuse by caregivers, and proper nutrition along with similar elder concerns.
Senior Engagement
Senior engagement resources and programs in San Diego help older adults remain active and ensure they contribute to the community. Resources include wellness programs, volunteer opportunities, support groups and organizations that help residents connect with the community to live fulfilling lives.
Aging & Independence Services Volunteer Programs offers two volunteer programs for seniors. Older adults aged 55 and up can join The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program run by AmeriCorps, while seniors aged 50 and older can join The Senior Volunteers in Action. Seniors will get a chance to work in museums, law enforcement and senior centers.
Social Security Offices
Social Security offices in San Diego help seniors and disabled people access the benefits they're entitled to. Older adults can contact their local office for information about receiving retirement benefits, disability allowance and Supplemental Security Income.
Social Security is a source of income available to retirees and people who can no longer work because of a disability. The money for Social Security comes from a payroll tax levied on employers, employees and self-employed individuals. When you retire, you'll receive monthly payments based on how much you earned when you were working.
Utility & Energy Bill Assistance
Low-income seniors who are struggling to meet the costs of maintaining their homes can find support from organizations that offer assistance with utility and energy bills. San Diego retirees could also qualify for emergency funding programs if they're in danger of losing utility services due to unpaid invoices.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps eligible households balance their utility bills, while the LIHEAP Energy Crisis Prevention Program provides financial assistance to low-income households facing energy-related crises. For example, the ECPP may offer assistance to a homeowner who's in danger of having their power shut off.
Veteran's Services
San Diego retirees who have served in the U.S. military can find support from local veteran services. These offices and organizations help vets access the benefits they're eligible for and provide advice and information on a variety of issues.
The Jennifer Moreno Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center provides primary and specialty health services for veterans in San Diego. Mental health care, pain management, women's health services, rehabilitation and integrative health are some of the center's many health care offerings. The center employs a philosophy of whole health and patient-centered care that ensures each veteran has comprehensive support.
The San Diego Vet Center, located in San Diego, California, is a valuable resource for veterans seeking mental health support and assistance. The center specializes in mental health counseling, providing individual and group therapy to help address issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD and grief. With a focus on improving veterans' well-being, San Diego Vet Center is a pillar of support for those who have bravely served their country.
What To Consider About Assisted Living in San Diego
Assisted living facilities in San Diego are regulated by the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division. This division oversees senior care services and sets out the rules and regulations facilities must abide by. These rules cover staffing, health and safety, medication administration and other issues to ensure the well-being of all residents.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in San Diego
The cost of living in San Diego is much higher than in other parts of California, which is itself more expensive than the U.S. average. However, many seniors feel the convenience of living in a scenic coastal area with a wealth of amenities makes the extra cost worthwhile.
The air quality in San Diego is rated as good. This may be important to seniors who have chronic respiratory conditions and want to retire somewhere that has lower pollution levels than many U.S. cities.
San Diego’s tap water is soft, and the safety of the drinking water is monitored regularly to ensure it meets EPA standards. Seniors who have skin conditions irritated by hard water may find the tap water in San Diego gentle on their skin when bathing or showering.
Both violent and property crime rates in the city are lower than the national average. Assisted living communities are usually monitored and staffed 24 hours a day for added peace of mind, and the low crime rates in the city mean seniors can feel safe and confident when out socializing or running errands.
The coastal location of the city means residents can take advantage of a generally pleasant climate and a variety of outdoor activities. San Diego attracts a lot of tourists, so entertainment options are abundant.
Social Security retirement benefits in California are untaxed, but other forms of retirement income are subject to taxation, and the state has some of the country’s highest sales tax rates. This mixed tax policy means seniors need to plan their finances carefully if they’re considering retiring to San Diego.
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in San Diego
San Diego Assisted Living Communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all Assisted Living facilities in California are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in California page for more information about these laws.
Reviews of Communities Nearby
Assisted Living
Julie
5.0
I visited this facility
Review of Ivy Park at La Jolla
I toured Ivy Park at La Jolla. It feels like a home when you walk in. The staff is so friendly and attentive. The community is small, so they give attention to everyone. The rooms were remodeled...
Gold Canyon Care Home is a board and care. They have like six patients. The man was nice enough, but the facility was not acceptable to me. I just wasn't impressed with it. They had bright-colored...
My mom will be moving into The Villa on Bankers Hill. I chose them because she's going to get more hands-on care there, and the price is reasonable. They had one bedroom, but she's going to go into...