Assisted Living Communities in San Diego, California

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.

Several strategies help seniors and families pay for assisted living services in San Diego, including using private funds, applying for state-funded assistance and enrolling in veterans’ benefits.

• Medicaid: Participating assisted living facilities in San Diego accept payment from California Medicaid’s Assisted Living Waiver. This home and community-based waiver program covers transitional services, from nursing homes to assisted living communities, as well as meals, homemaker services, care coordination and personal care.
• Medicare: Because assisted living residents primarily receive nonmedical custodial services, they can’t use their Medicare plan to pay for services. However, their Part B coverage pays for expenses such as durable medical equipment, physical therapy and skilled nursing, which may leave more money in the bank for assisted living.  
• VA Benefits: Qualified veterans may increase their monthly VA pension through the Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefit, giving them more money to put toward assisted living expenses each month. Additionally, the VA provides direct coverage for assisted living services, including personal care and medication management, through the Geriatrics and Extended Care program.
• Private payments: Private payments cover all assisted living expenses, including housing, personal care services, meals and recreational activities. Seniors have several options for making private payments, including their retirement savings and long-term care insurance.

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 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.

• San Diego ranks among the most expensive places to live in the United States, with a cost of living that surpasses the national norm by over 50%. While prospective assisted living residents with restrictive retirement budgets may find this prohibitive, programs such as the Assisted Living Waiver promote access to affordable care.
• The American Lung Association gives the San Diego region failing scores across all metrics it measures, indicating very poor air quality. While this can exacerbate heart and lung disease, assisted living facilities support healthy living through amenities such as air purification systems.
• San Diego's seasonal temperatures vary minimally, with daytime highs near 65 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and 77 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. This makes the city an attractive option for assisted living residents seeking mild weather.
• California provides a senior income tax exemption and a full exemption for Social Security benefits, offsetting its high state income tax rate for assisted living residents.
• As a member of the AARP Age-Friendly Network, San Diego fosters a welcoming environment for seniors and assisted living residents. It funds accessible housing initiatives, improved walkability and community-based supports that promote aging in place.