Assisted Living Communities in Walla Walla, Washington

The 2024 Genworth Cost of Care Survey finds assisted living rates in Walla Walla at around $9,705 per month, which runs thousands of dollars over the statewide median of $6,138. However, other Washington cities offer more economically priced care, including Bellingham, where fees fall to nearly $8,377. Additionally, in Seattle, costs come in at around $7,650, and in Mount Vernon, seniors pay roughly $6,391.

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 Washington page.

Assisted living ranks as the costliest senior care solution in Walla Walla, with facilities charging around $9,705 per month. By comparison, seniors with complex care needs pay about $550 less for nursing home care with semi-private accommodations. Similarly, home health care fees compare favorably at around $8,008 per month. 

The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services licenses assisted living facilities in Walla Walla, as well as the rest of Washington. This department ensures a high standard of care by overseeing caregiver background checks and enforcing regulations regarding care planning, recreational activities and staff training.  

• The cost of living in Walla Walla is generally low, with local overall expenses coming in 7% below the national average and about 25% below the state median. Transportation-related expenses, such as public transportation, gasoline and auto insurance, are among the lowest in the state and nation. Housing is expensive here, which may make assisted living a good option for those with budgetary considerations.  
• Property taxes are average in Walla Walla, and the sales tax rate is high. However, the state doesn’t impose an income tax, so seniors only pay federal taxes on pension income, Social Security benefits and withdrawals from retirement savings accounts.  
• Health care is affordable and accessible in Walla Walla, which may appeal to older adults and those managing chronic conditions. In general, health care expenses, such as doctor’s office visits, dental care and hospital stays, cost about 20% less than in the nation as a whole, and there are 297 doctors per 100,000 people versus the national average of 210 doctors. The city is home to Providence St. Mary Medical Center, an award-winning facility that specializes in diagnostic imaging, cancer care and heart health.  
• Property and violent crime occur at a relatively high rate in Walla Walla compared to similarly sized cities in Washington. On a 100-point crime index, the city rates 24 for violent crime and 61 for property crime, compared to the respective national rates of 22.7 and 35.4. In general, both types of crime have been trending downward for the past two decades, which may provide peace of mind to older adults moving to this region during their retirement years.  
• On a 10-point comfort index, Walla Walla rates a little higher than the nation at 7.4, indicating that it has a more pleasant year-round climate than most cities. Summers are warm with July highs near 90, but noticeable humidity is rare. While winters are chilly with January lows around 30 degrees, the city sees just 9 inches of annual snowfall, which may make it a good option for those with mobility challenges.