Assisted Living Communities in San Jose, California

The 2024 Genworth Cost of Care Survey shows that seniors in San Jose pay about $7,150 per month for assisted living. While local rates trend higher than the statewide median of $6,250, they compare favorably to fees in many cities near the Pacific Coast. For example, in Salinas and Santa Cruz, facilities charge around $7,709 and $8,130, respectively. However, further inland in Merced, costs hover near $3,195.

San Jose seniors and families rely on several financial strategies to pay for assisted living, including state-funded assistance programs, VA benefits and private funding options.

• Medicaid: Many assisted living communities in the San Jose region accept payment from the state Medicaid’s Assisted Living Waiver. This program doesn’t cover the cost of room and board, but it pays for medication oversight, personal care and recreational activities.
• Medicare: This health insurance doesn’t cover assisted living expenses related to nonmedical care through the regular program, supplement plans or Medicare Advantage. However, residents who need specialized care can use it for medically necessary services, such as rehabilitative therapies, medication administration and wound care.
• VA Benefits: Qualified veterans receive an increased monthly pension through the VA Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits, which helps them pay for assisted living services. Additionally, the VA’s Geriatrics and Extended Care program offers coverage for meal services, transportation and help with bathing and dressing.
• Private Payments: Personal funds, which include Social Security income, pensions, retirement accounts and other personal assets, are one of the most common ways to pay for assisted living. This option provides flexibility and coverage for room and board, personal care, meals, recreation and transportation.

The median monthly cost for assisted living in San Jose sits near $7,150, making residential care one of the city's most economical senior care solutions. For example, in-home and home health care cost hundreds of dollars more at about $8,008 and $8,771, respectively. Nursing home rates run even higher, with seniors in shared rooms paying approximately $13,809.

The California Adult Care Licensing Program issues licenses for San Jose assisted living facilities. To earn a license, facilities need to pass orientation, a professional review and training courses. Afterward, the program monitors these residences to ensure that they comply with health and safety standards and federal regulations.

• San Jose’s cost of living runs 78% higher than the national norm, indicating high assisted living costs. However, the city sits within the Assisted Living Waiver service area, which helps cover residential care services for qualified individuals.
• San Jose reports about 32 crimes per 1,000 people annually. While this exceeds crime rates in 85% of California cities and 91% of U.S. cities, it falls well below norms among other cities with comparable population sizes. For further peace of mind for residents, assisted living communities promote safety through security systems and monitored surveillance cameras. 
• California imposes some of the highest state income taxes in the nation, which may impact affordability for prospective assisted living residents. However, the state has a senior income tax exemption and a personal exemption, and Social Security benefits are tax-free.
• The American Lung Association gives Santa Clara County, where San Jose sits, failing scores for ozone, 24-hour and annual particle pollution levels. Fortunately, many local assisted living communities accommodate those sensitive to environmental irritants through air purification systems.
• A member of the AARP Age-Friendly Network since 2016, San Jose has several policies and initiatives in place to promote seniors’ comfort. Its action plans focus on creating affordable senior housing units, improving access to age-friendly resources and providing volunteer opportunities for older adults.