Senior living in California
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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Cost of living in California
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.
- Overall
- 151.7
- Grocery
- 110.3
- Housing
- 192.7
- Utilities
- 128.5
- Transportation
- 136.1
- Misc.
- 111.3
Housing & rent
Statewide medians and averages.
- Median home
- $505,000
- Average rent
- $1,503
- Studio
- $1,315
- 1 bedroom
- $1,487
- 2 bedroom
- $1,806
- 3 bedroom
- $2,126
Care levels in California
Whether you're comparing options for a parent or planning ahead for yourself, here's where to start by care level.
- AL
Assisted Living
Assisted living provides personal care, meals, and daily support for seniors who need help with everyday tasks but not full medical supervision.
- MC
Memory Care
Memory care is a specialized type of senior living for people with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or other cognitive decline.
- IL
Independent Living
Independent living is community housing for active seniors who want amenities, social life, and freedom from home upkeep without daily personal-care services.
- HC
Home Care
Home care brings personal-care services and companionship into the senior's own home rather than moving them into a community.
- SNF
Nursing Homes
A skilled nursing facility (SNF, often called a nursing home) provides 24-hour licensed medical care and rehabilitation for seniors with serious health conditions.
- SA
Senior Apartments
Senior apartments are age-restricted rental homes - typically for residents 55+ or 62+ - designed for older adults who live independently.
Browse by city
Popular cities in California
- Los Angeles, CA206 communities
- Anaheim, CA143 communities
- San Diego, CA116 communities
- San Jose, CA102 communities
- Sacramento, CA101 communities
- Fresno, CA99 communities
- San Francisco, CA85 communities
- Riverside, CA68 communities
- Carmichael, CA67 communities
- Escondido, CA66 communities
- Santa Rosa, CA66 communities
- Stockton, CA64 communities
Hand-picked from our directory
Top assisted living in California
VerifiedAtria El Camino Gardens
Carmichael, CA
4.4 · 70 reviews
Eskaton Village Carmichael
Carmichael, CA
4.7 · 74 reviews
Vista Del Mar Senior Living
Bellflower, CA
4.2 · 52 reviews
Atria Carmichael Oaks
Carmichael, CA
4.0 · 51 reviews
The Parkview Pleasanton, CA
Pleasanton, CA
4.7 · 48 reviews
Eskaton Village Roseville
Antelope, CA
4.5 · 48 reviews
Caregivers who come to you
Top home care in California
Home Care Assistance - Marin, Ca
Greenbrae, CA
4.7 · 193 reviews
Right At Home Fresno
Fresno, CA
4.6 · 180 reviews
Apexcare
Sacramento, CA
4.6 · 172 reviews
Right At Home Central Orange County
Santa Ana, CA
4.7 · 160 reviews
Assistance In Home Care
Garden Grove, CA
4.8 · 155 reviews
Right At Home Glendale And Burbank
Burbank, CA
4.6 · 143 reviews
55+ housing without daily care
Best senior apartments in California
Local pricing
Assisted living monthly cost by city in California
Median monthly cost of assisted living, sourced from public data. Actual community pricing varies by apartment size, level of care, and amenities.
Common questions about senior living in California
- What types of senior care are available in California?
- California has communities offering assisted living, memory care, independent living, home care, and skilled nursing. Larger metros have more depth of options across all care levels; smaller markets may have fewer choices in any single category.
- How much does assisted living cost in California?
- Assisted living costs in California vary widely by metro, apartment size, and the resident's level of care. The national median is roughly $5,000 per month; major metros tend to run higher and rural areas lower. Each community sets its own pricing - request a written cost breakdown when you tour.
- Does California Medicaid pay for assisted living?
- Medicaid does not pay for room-and-board in assisted living, but California's Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waiver may cover some assisted-living services for eligible residents. Coverage and eligibility vary - check directly with your state's Medicaid agency or an elder-law attorney.
- How do I evaluate a nursing home in California?
- Start with the CMS 5-star rating on Medicare.gov for any Medicare-certified facility, then look at the underlying staffing data and the most recent state inspection report. Tour the facility, watch staff interact with residents, and ask about staffing levels during evenings and overnight.
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