The capital of Massachusetts and also one of the nation's oldest cities, Boston boasts a choice of 8 assisted living facilities within its central area. Opening up the search to outer suburbs grants seniors 198 more choices. Despite being one of New England's most populous cities, Boston offers relatively affordable assisted living compared to the Massachusetts median. In 2024, seniors pay about $6,750 in the city vs. $7,120 statewide. However, expenses still greatly surpass the $5,350 national baseline.
Check 1609 reviews reviews of Boston's assisted living communities below, where providers earn an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars stars.
206 Results
111 Birch Street, Lynn, MA 01902
4.0
(8 reviews)
"When we relocated to the area three years ago we also moved my mother from another facility to the Life Care Center of the North Shore. It was recommended to us by an acquaintance whose aunt had been at the facility for several years. The staff was..."
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100 Brooksby Village Dr, Peabody, MA 01960
3.8
(41 reviews)
"Our tour to Brooksby Village was excellent. The community was vibrant. It had good facilities, good amenities, and good walking paths. It is one of the larger communities. So, it seemed to be that it would have everything that we needed, especially a..."
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1 Atlantic Terrace, Lynn, MA 01902
3.7
(4 reviews)
"Lynn Home for Elderly Persons is right next to my brother's house, so it's a good fit for my mother. We're not allowed to go in yet; we've only met my mother outside. They're very nice. So far, it has been great. She is happy. Everybody is nice. They..."
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25 Woodland Road , Stoneham, MA 02180
3.7
(4 reviews)
"The service at Life Care Center of Stoneham Assisted Living is one of a kind. The staff here treat you like family. We are more than just residents we are one big family. The Meals are great and Activities are even better...."
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981 Varnum Avenue, Lowell, MA 01854
3.7
(4 reviews)
"My mother is in D'Youville Life & Wellness Community. We chose it because they have a memory center, and it was well kept. It's everything that I wanted, and then it's probably a little bit more. Everyone's attending to her. There's a doctor and a nu..."
READ MORE140 Prescott Street, North Andover, MA 01845
3.6
(9 reviews)
"We are keeping mom at Prescott House. It's a lovely place. Everything is always neat and clean. I've never seen anything that isn't. It always smells good, it doesn't smell like disinfectant or like a hospital. They are outstanding. It's a small comm..."
READ MORE520 Fletcher Street, Lowell, MA 01854
3.6
(3 reviews)
"I am happy to have had the pleasure of working at this facility. God Bless all of the staff and residents as they go through this time of transition. Best to each and every one during the upcoming move. ..."
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89 Morton St, Andover, MA 01810
3.5
(7 reviews)
"My mother has been on their memory care unit for 8 years. The whole staff on the unit are very helpful and respectful, they would send updates to the family during the COVID waves. My mother always look well cared for, no skin issues, her room is ne..."
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68 Dean Street- Rear , Taunton, MA 02780
3.5
(9 reviews)
"I am taking the time to write this review about Long Meadow of Taunton because I have been so pleased with the wonderful care they have been extending to my mom. I feel the activities directors do a fantastic job they're constantly happy, always ..."
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888 North Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301
3.5
(8 reviews)
"I visited The Guardian Nursing Facility recently. I found the Staff very friendly and helpful. The building is clean and taken care of. It is bright and cheerful. All my questions were answered and I felt very pleased to feel comfortable there...."
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85 North Washington Street , North Attleboro, MA 02760
3.5
(2 reviews)
"I like Madonna Manor so far. The staff is very good and caring. There's not much outdoor grounds for the people to go out on, just a little patio outside, but the inside is nice. My mother is in a private room that looks OK. Everything seems adequate..."
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5000 Great Meadow Road, Dedham, MA 02026
3.4
(16 reviews)
"The tour I had with NewBridge on the Charles was excellent and the community was vibrant. It's a fairly large community. It had nice exercise and swimming facilities. We did not eat there, but we saw the dining rooms and they were very nice. The main..."
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164 Parkingway, Quincy, MA 02169
3.3
(8 reviews)
"The Assisted and Nursing Home are the best and have no problems with staff. Place very clean and have many things to do in the assisted living part. You get to no the staffs names very quickly. The food is great and sometimes they bring food to the a..."
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309 Driftway, Scituate, MA 02066
3.3
(6 reviews)
"My wife is a resident in the physical rehab section, soon to be released. Staff very helpfull, professional, and friendly. My wife felt safe, and comfortable while she's been there. Hopefully, we won't have need for this type of care going f..."
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240 Lynnfield St., Peabody, MA 01960
3.2
(12 reviews)
"My sister moved into Kaplan in December of last year and it immediately became apparent that it was a good move. I noticed how happy and comfortable the residents appeared. Unfortunately my sister became very ill and passed in April. In the few month..."
READ MORE40 Parkhurst Rd, Chelmsford, MA 01824
3.2
(9 reviews)
"The staff tries to do the best the can. The staff most of them are friendly. Love the fresh vegetables and homemade soups. Love playing bingo..."
READ MORE289 Elm Street, Everett, MA 02149
3.1
(9 reviews)
"The administrator Ben is outstanding. My aunt is in the facility, and we could not be happier. The staff have been attentive, and caring. Although we cant currently visit due to the pandemic, we have spoken with our aunt almost daily. We look fo..."
READ MORE1 Great Road, Acton, MA 01720
2.8
(13 reviews)
"I have been to visit my Father-In-law twice at this facility. The people are friendly and caring. My Father-In-Law is hard of hearing and slightly difficult and they have been doing a great job with him. Employees are everywhere. He presses the b..."
READ MORE45 Woburn Street, Waltham, MA 02452
2.7
(7 reviews)
"As I sit and read these reviews I need to tell about my experience at Meadow Green. My father in law is 90 and unable to live alone. He went into this facility for rehab and transferred into the nursing home section. People to me that their experienc..."
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21 Crescent St., Wakefield, MA 01880
2.6
(3 reviews)
"My mother will be moving into Brightview Wakefield. The rooms are very clean, spacious, and bright. The staff was extremely helpful, friendly, and welcoming. I think it's going to be a nice community atmosphere for my mom...."
READ MOREAccording to Genworth's 2024 Cost of Care Survey, assisted living costs $1,400 more than the national median in Boston. However, retirees face steeper expenses elsewhere in Massachusetts, as care costs $9,783 in Barnstable and $9,825 in Pittsfield. Seniors looking to reduce their expenses save $382 by retiring in Springfield instead of Boston, as this city offers the most affordable assisted living statewide.
Boston
$6,750
Massachusetts
$7,120
United States
$5,350
Barnstable
$9,783
Worcester
$6,906
Springfield
$6,368
Pittsfield
$9,825
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 Boston and 60 other cities in Massachusetts.
MassHealth, the Medicaid program of the state of Massachusetts, covers the cost of assisted living services through the Moving Forward Plan – Residential Supports (MFP-RS) waiver for eligible seniors in Boston or through the Supportive Senior Housing Initiative for residents of state-funded assisted living residences.
Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in Massachusetts page.
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:
For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in Massachusetts page.
Assisted living fees in Boston have slowly but steadily increased over the last few years, rising by a projected 18% between 2022 and 2024. Overall, Boston's assisted living fees are relatively costly, being around 12% higher than the national average. Compared to other cities in Massachusetts, however, Boston is relatively affordable, having average fees that are roughly 15% lower than the state average. Inflation has impacted most Massachusetts cities to a similar degree. Assisted living prices in Norton and Leominster are both projected to increase by almost 18%, as are average fees in Brewster, one of the most costly cities.
| Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston | $4,579 | $5,017 | $5,403 |
| U.S. Average | $4,070 | $4,459 | $4,802 |
| Massachusetts | $5,202 | $5,599 | $6,393 |
| Brewster | $6,070 | $6,650 | $7,162 |
| Norton | $4,567 | $5,004 | $5,389 |
| Leominster | $4,550 | $4,985 | $5,368 |
In Boston, seniors pay about $7,394 more than the median assisted living rate for a semi-private room in a nursing home. Among other retirement options, seniors spend the least on adult day care, which costs approximately $2,643 per month. Home care costs only $305 more than assisted living, enabling seniors to receive affordable support in their own homes instead of entering a retirement community.
In-Home Care
$7,055
Home Health Care
$7,436
Adult Day Health Care
$2,643
Assisted Living Facility
$6,750
Nursing Home Facility (semi-private room)
$14,144
There are many resources in Boston,MA 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 Massachusetts state page.
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.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| AgeStrong Commission | 617-635-4366 | Massachusetts is home to many Area Agencies on Aging that provide supportive services to older adults. These agencies can help seniors get connected with local programs that assist them with daily needs, including caregiver support, transportation services, meal programs and health and wellness resources. AAAs also work to combat elder abuse and fraud and empower seniors to ensure a life of safety and dignity. |
| Boston Senior Home Care | 617-292-6211 | Massachusetts is home to many Area Agencies on Aging that provide supportive services to older adults. These agencies can help seniors get connected with local programs that assist them with daily needs, including caregiver support, transportation services, meal programs and health and wellness resources. AAAs also work to combat elder abuse and fraud and empower seniors to ensure a life of safety and dignity. |
| Central Boston Elder Services, Inc. | 617-277-7416 | Massachusetts is home to many Area Agencies on Aging that provide supportive services to older adults. These agencies can help seniors get connected with local programs that assist them with daily needs, including caregiver support, transportation services, meal programs and health and wellness resources. AAAs also work to combat elder abuse and fraud and empower seniors to ensure a life of safety and dignity. |
Boston 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.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Home Care Program | 617-727-7750 | Home Care Services is for seniors needing only non-medical services, such as personal care, home-delivered meals and dementia day care. It can also cover costs for homeuse adaptive equipment, such as ramps, making it particularly useful for seniors with mobility issues. |
| Massachusetts Frail Elder Waiver | 800-243-4636 | The Frail Elder Waiver covers care costs for seniors residing in their own homes or the home of a relative with caregiving responsibilities. Congregate housing residents also fall within the waiver's scope. It can pay medical and non-medical costs, such as skilled nursing and personal care. |
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 Boston seniors afford the nutritious food they need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Elderly Nutrition Program - Boston | 617-357-0226 | Meals on Wheels agencies deliver freshly prepared and nutritionally balanced meals to adults aged 60 and older throughout Massachusetts. There are subtle differences between each branch, such as their delivery schedules and recommended donation per meal, but they all deliver to seniors regardless of their incomes, and none will refuse a meal based on the senior's ability to pay. |
| Greater Boston Food Bank | 617-427-5200 | Seniors and others experiencing food insecurity can request assistance from one of the more than 600 food pantries, soup kitchens, meal programs and senior centers served by the Greater Boston Food Bank in Boston, MA. Seniors can visit the organization's website to learn more about its distribution sites and mobile food markets throughout Eastern Massachusetts. In addition, the organization helps recipients apply for SNAP benefits and free food from the USDA's Commodity Supplemental Food Program. |
| Haley House Food Pantry | 617-236-8132 | Haley House Food Pantry distributes nutritious groceries to residents in need in the South End and Roxbury neighborhoods in Boston, MA. Seniors and other community members can take home fruits, vegetables and healthy food items when they need help stocking their pantries. The food pantry is open on Thursdays. Recipients can obtain tickets at 7 a.m., and they may pick up their grocery bags at 10 a.m. |
Due to the high cost of purchasing new medical equipment, several organizations in Boston collect lightly used medical devices such as wheelchairs, ramps and walkers and distribute them to local seniors and residents in need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Assistive Technology Regional Centers - Boston | 800-244-2756 | MassMATCH is a short-term loan program that maximizes access to assistive technologies throughout Massachusetts for those in most need. |
Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal services to Boston 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.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Greater Boston Legal Services | 800-323-3205 | The Greater Boston Legal Services provides free legal services to adults age 60 and older in the greater Boston region. It is a network of volunteer lawyers who provide free civil legal help to low-income individuals in the region. Many of their services apply to older adults, including abuse and neglect prevention, consumer rights services, health care benefits services and government benefits services. |
Seniors and those with disabilities can access a variety of local resources to help them pay for home repairs and modifications. Programs in Boston have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Home Modification Loan Program (HMLP) | 866-500-5599 | The Home Modification Loan Program provides older residents with interest-free loans, which they can use to adapt their homes to their needs. Loans are repaid when the owner sells the property or transfers the title deed. |
| Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) - Boston | 617-357-6012 | The purpose of the Weatherization Assistance Program is to improve the energy efficiency of seniors' homes, which can reduce utility costs, while also making living spaces safer. |
Senior centers in Boston bring together residents through recreational activities and events. Many also offer advice and support on senior issues, run wellness and nutrition programs, and connect older adults with other resources in the local area.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Easterseals Massachusetts Senior Services - Boston | 800-244-2756 | Easterseals Massachusetts long-term device loan program is for those on low incomes who may be unable to purchase medical equipment for home use. The service provides assistive technology, such as phones with large tactile buttons, wrist-cuff blood pressure monitors and screen reading devices. |
Social Security offices in Boston 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.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Boston Social Security Office | 800-772-1213 | 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. |
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. Boston retirees could also qualify for emergency funding programs if they're in danger of losing utility services due to unpaid invoices.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Fuel Assistance Programs | 617-573-1100 | Massachusetts Fuel Assistance Programs are aimed at assisting seniors with home heating costs during the state's severe winters. Residents who receive SNAP or other low-income benefits can qualify for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) as well as discounted utility rates. Applications for LIHEAP open on October 1. Seniors may be eligible for one-time emergency financing from the Salvation Army Good Neighbor Fund or Joe-4-Oil. |
| Fuel Assistance (LIHEAP) - Boston | 617-357-6012 | The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program can pay a percentage of seniors' winter heating bills. There is no fee for application, and seniors reach out to their local services providers, who will not charge for their assistance. |
| Massachusetts Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) | 617-573-1100 | The Massachusetts Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) assists eligible seniors with their home heating bills. Residents who qualify must have income equal to or lower than 60% of the estimated state median income for Massachusetts. Applications are open online on October 1 and available in person at one of several local LIHEAP agencies. Residents must provide a photo ID, a list of household members, income proof and a heating bill copy. |
Boston 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.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Boston Vet Center | 857-203-6461 | At the Boston Vet Center, veterans and service members can receive confidential counseling without cost. Licensed counselors specialize in the Gottman Method for couples therapy, with family, grief and bereavement counseling also available. For those struggling with mental health, counseling is available for issues such as PTSD, depression, anger, aggressive behavior and substance abuse. Evidence-based treatments are used, including cognitive behavioral therapy, cognitive processing therapy and prolonged exposure. Staff supports the specific needs of female, minority and first-response veterans. |
| VA Boston Healthcare System, Jamaica Plain Campus | 617-232-9500 | The Jamaica Plain Campus of the VA Boston Healthcare System is a medical center for veterans that offers primary and specialty services. Visitors can access amputation care (including prosthetics and rehabilitation), optometry, physical therapy, arthritis treatment, oncology and pulmonary medicine. This facility provides on-site radiation oncology, imaging, hospice care, pathology and a full-service pharmacy. Veterans can also get support with mobility devices such as scooters, wheelchairs and custom seating with long-term follow-up services. |
Boston-area assisted living communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all assisted living communities in Massachusetts are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in Massachusetts page for more information about these laws.
Assisted Living
Atkinson
1.0
Review of Providence House Assisted Living
The main receptionist shows phenomenal insensitivity to resident religion and ethnicity. Shouting at residents is common. Some on the nursing staff try at times. But too many are disrespectful of...
Assisted Living
Dee.111
3.0
Review of Providence House Assisted Living
I moved into Providence House Assisted Living. What I like best is the people that live here, and the fact that they get together, and that enjoyment. What I like least is I don't like the...
Assisted Living
Kathleen
4.0
Review of Chestnut Park at Cleveland Circle
I visited Chestnut Park at Cleveland Circle. It went very well with very good staff. The amenities are good but the rooms are very small. They have access in those function rooms to computers and...
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