California is known as the Golden State, and for a senior retiring, there is a lot to do there. If you like to look towards the future, it's the world of Silicon Valley, LA, and new ideas. However, if you want something more laid back, California has beautiful nature and plenty of small areas to live in for those not looking for the hustle and bustle of the city. Not to mention the beaches that are everywhere. The weather is moderate year-round, though one must be mindful of natural disasters such as earthquakes and wildfires. However, if you plan accordingly, retiring to California can be an adventure that's well worth the journey.
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California is a state where the cost of living is significantly higher than the rest of the USA, going nearly 52 points higher than the national average. This cost can depend on where you live. If you live in rural California, it will cost less than the heart of LA. However, you can expect to pay a little more in most areas. The least high cost is groceries, but you will be paying over 10$ more than the national average. Retiring to California can be a fantastic journey, but be sure you have enough money to partake in it.
Cost-of-living indices
100 = US average. Higher means more expensive.
Housing & rent
Statewide medians and averages.
Whether you're comparing options for a parent or planning ahead for yourself, here's where to start by care level.
Assisted living provides personal care, meals, and daily support for seniors who need help with everyday tasks but not full medical supervision.
Memory care is a specialized type of senior living for people with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or other cognitive decline.
Independent living is community housing for active seniors who want amenities, social life, and freedom from home upkeep without daily personal-care services.
Home care brings personal-care services and companionship into the senior's own home rather than moving them into a community.
A skilled nursing facility (SNF, often called a nursing home) provides 24-hour licensed medical care and rehabilitation for seniors with serious health conditions.
Senior apartments are age-restricted rental homes - typically for residents 55+ or 62+ - designed for older adults who live independently.
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Hand-picked from our directory
VerifiedCarmichael, CA
4.4 · 70 reviews
Carmichael, CA
4.7 · 74 reviews
Bellflower, CA
4.2 · 52 reviews
Carmichael, CA
4.0 · 51 reviews
Pleasanton, CA
4.7 · 48 reviews
Antelope, CA
4.5 · 48 reviews
Caregivers who come to you
Greenbrae, CA
4.7 · 193 reviews
Fresno, CA
4.6 · 180 reviews
Sacramento, CA
4.6 · 172 reviews
Santa Ana, CA
4.7 · 160 reviews
Garden Grove, CA
4.8 · 155 reviews
Burbank, CA
4.6 · 143 reviews
55+ housing without daily care
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Guides for families
Resource library
In 2027, the full retirement age for Social Security finishes its long climb to 67. People born in 1960 are the first group to reach a full retirement age of exactly 67. Here is what that changes, what it does not, and how the age you claim still moves your check by hundreds of dollars a month.
Resource library
The federal government has stopped mailing most paper checks, and Social Security wants every beneficiary on direct deposit or a Direct Express card by the end of 2026. Fewer than 1 percent of recipients still get a check in the mail. Here is who is affected, how to switch, and the narrow exceptions that let a few people keep paper.
Resource library
The repeal of WEP and GPO restored Social Security for more than 3 million public-sector retirees, and the agency has paid about $17 billion in back benefits. But those lump sums are taxable, a surprise bill hit this filing season, and a proposal in Congress would change it. Here is where things stand.
Savings
Section 8, Section 202, public housing and tax credit apartments explained in plain language: who qualifies, what rent really costs, what paperwork to gather, and how to work the waiting lists so you don't lose your place.
Savings
Costco does not offer senior discounts, but retirees have other ways to save through membership benefits. Compare the annual fee with potential savings on hearing aids, prescriptions, gas, and bulk essentials.
Savings
McDonald's senior discounts vary by location and usually apply to coffee or other beverages. Learn how to check eligibility, request senior pricing, and compare your savings with app offers.
More beyond care: all savings guides and all buying guides.
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