10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in San Diego County, CA for 2025

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Assisted Living Facilities in San Diego County, CA
Assisted Living Costs in San Diego County, California
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in San Diego County
Senior Resources in San Diego County, California
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in San Diego County
Reviews of Communities Nearby
Helpful Articles

Assisted Living Costs in San Diego County, California

San Diego County likely shares the city of San Diego’s average cost of $4,525 per month for assisted living. This is about $225 higher than the United States as a whole, but about $475 more affordable than the statewide average of $5,000.

The Cost of Assisted Living in San Diego County, CA and Nearby Cities

Assisted living costs in California are typically considerably higher than the national average, but San Diego County is among the most affordable locations in the state. About 120 miles to the north, Los Angeles residents can expect to pay about $5,000 per month, which is on par with the California average but $475 more than in San Diego. In El Centro, to the east of San Diego, seniors pay about $5,825 per month, which is $1,300 above the local average rate. Costs keep increasing farther north; those in San Jose and San Francisco pay $5,875 and $6,100 per month, which are $1,350 and $1,575 higher, respectively. Seniors living in the state capital of Sacramento pay an average of $5,395 or $870 more per month. Salinas, situated between San Francisco and Los Angeles, has the highest assisted living costs in the state. Residents here can expect to pay $7,100 per month for this level of care, which is $2,575 more than their peers in San Diego County.

San Diego County/San Diego

$4,525

California

$5,000

The United States

$4,300

Los Angeles

$5,000

Sacramento

$5,395

El Centro

$5,825

San Jose

$5,875

San Francisco

$6,100

Salinas

$7,100

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in San Diego County

California’s Medicaid program, Medi-Cal, offers financial assistance to help impoverished seniors cover the cost of assisted living. Those who are eligible may be able to take part in the state’s Assisted Living Waiver Program (ALWP).

Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in California page.

More Ways to Pay for Assisted Living

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:

Veterans Benefits
Life Insurance Policy
Long-Term Care Insurance
Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in California page.

Senior Resources in San Diego County, California

Resource	Contact	Service
California Assisted Living Waiver	(888) 452-8609	Offered through the Department of Health Care Services, California’s Assisted Living Waiver program may help cover the cost of care at select assisted living communities. To qualify, seniors must be eligible for Medi-Cal and need a nursing home level of care but prefer to live in a less restrictive setting. Applicants may be placed on a waitlist to receive coverage through the program based on availability.
San Diego County Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program	(800) 640-4661	The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program advocates for those living in assisted living facilities throughout San Diego County. Volunteers investigate and resolve complaints related to the quality of care, physical abuse, neglect, financial issues, transfers and discharges. The ombudsman informs seniors about their rights as residents, and older adults may also receive assistance to locate a facility that suits their specific needs.
San Diego Veterans Affairs Benefits	(800) 827-1000	Staff at the San Diego Regional Office of the Veterans Affairs Department can help those who served in the military apply for the benefits they’ve earned. Pensions are available for veterans with limited or no income, and seniors may be eligible for monthly compensation if they have a service-connected disability. Aid and Attendance pension top-up benefits may also help eligible senior veterans pay for assisted living services.
San Diego Area Paratransit Service	(619) 557-4555	The Metropolitan Transit System’s paratransit service provides affordable transportation alternatives for individuals who are unable to use standard, fixed-route buses. All vehicles are fully equipped to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility devices. Trips must be reserved at least two days in advance, and personal care attendants ride for free. Participants must be covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and their application must be processed before being eligible to schedule a ride.
Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program	(858) 565-1392	The Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program has trained counselors available to help seniors make informed choices about their health care coverage. Staff provides free, unbiased advice on Medicare and Medi-Cal, long-term care insurance, financial assistance to pay for drugs or medical costs and helps with appeals and grievances. Seniors can also receive personalized counseling on how to avoid Medicare fraud, abuse and errors.
Mira Mesa Senior Center	(858) 860-5355	The Mira Mesa Senior Center offers programs and services to promote an active lifestyle for older adults and help them stay engaged in the community. Classes are provided on subjects such as painting, guitar, piano, ukulele and technology coaching. Seniors can receive a free lunch on weekdays, but a small donation is encouraged. Free legal advice is available on aging-related issues including basic estate planning.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in San Diego County

San Diego County-area assisted living communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all assisted living communities 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

Jan013

4.0

April 6, 2025

I visited this facility

Review of Brookdale San Marcos

I visited Brookdale San Marcos. I really liked the activities that you could get involved in, and we did sample the food there, and it was excellent. They had a menu, so you could choose what you...

Assisted Living

Nancy

5.0

April 5, 2025

I visited this facility

Review of Pacifica Senior Living Rancho Peñasquitos

Pacifica Senior Living Rancho Peñasquitos was a lot smaller than the others we have looked at, and we liked that. It was cozier, had a very nice staff, and was very clean. At the time, we thought...

Assisted Living

Estrella

4.0

March 29, 2025

I visited this facility

Review of Gardens at Escondido

We visited Gardens at Escondido. They were very nice as well. I met a staff member, and he seemed knowledgeable and very interactive with the residents. If my mother needed assisted living, that's...