92 Assisted Living Communities in San Diego, California

The average cost of assisted living in San Diego is $4,500 a month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the city as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on 92 Assisted Living Communities in San Diego and several in surrounding areas.

Assisted living: $4,500
Nursing home semiprivate room: $8,517
In-home care: $4,767
Adult day health services: $1,733

Assisted Living Facilities near San Diego, California

Compare Costs, Photos, & Reviews of All Your Options Near San Diego

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Map of San Diego, California

Assisted Living Costs in San Diego

According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care Study, assisted living prices in San Diego are slightly higher than the national average of $4,000 and equal to the state average of $4,500. Compared to other metropolitan areas in Southern California, local assisted living costs are similar to Los Angeles and Oxnard. Although rates are substantially higher than Bakersfield, Riverside and El Centro, where the average cost of assisted living is around $3,433, the San Diego area is 20 percent more affordable than San Jose where residents pay $5,500 per month on average.

Cost of Assisted Living Comparison Chart

San Diego

$4,500

National average

$4,000

State average

$4,500

Los Angeles

$4,500

El Centro

$3,650

Riverside

$3,500

Oxnard

$4,575

Bakersfield

$3,150

San Jose

$5,500

Care Cost Comparison

In general, the cost of senior care is based on the level of assistance that each individual requires. Adult day programs and home health aides provide full-time care during normal business hours. While adult day care is one of the most affordable options, rates for homemaker services and home health aides in the San Diego area are close to $4,800 per month. This exceeds the cost of assisted living by some $250 per month, and it doesn’t factor in maintenance and other costs incurred by seniors who live at home. For adults who require a higher level of care, assisted living facilities and nursing homes are typically the most suitable options. Both facilities provide 24-hour care. However, assisted living services are about half as expensive. Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

Assisted living: $4,500

Homemaker services: $4,767

Home health aide: $4,799

Adult day health: $1,733

Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $8,517

Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

Assisted living

$4,500

Homemaker services

$4,767

Home health aide

$4,799

Adult day health

$1,733

Nursing home care (semiprivate room)

$8,517

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in San Diego

Medicaid in California

California’s Medicaid program provides health insurance, vision, dental and long-term care benefits to seniors, disabled adults and low-income residents of San Diego. It covers most health-related services directly or indirectly through waivers. For example, Medi-Cal provides financial assistance to almost two-thirds of nursing home residents in San Diego. The system also covers the cost of community-based services that allow members to remain in their own homes. The Assisted Living Waiver is a third option. It serves as an alternative to nursing care and in-home care for seniors who are eligible for Medicaid alone or in addition to Medicare. To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements.

Be blind, disabled or aged 65 or over
Earn less than $1,366 if single and have less than $2,000 in cash assets
Earn less than $1,852 if married and have less than $3,000 in assets

Seniors who don’t meet these guidelines but need substantial care may qualify for share-of-cost benefits through the Aged, Blind, & Disabled Medically Needy Medi-Cal program. Additionally, Medi-Cal allows seniors to write off some of their room-and-board costs for assisted living, which can reduce their share-of-cost fees. In some cases, deductions may help members qualify for full Medi-Cal benefits, including Assisted Living Waivers. To see if you’re eligible, apply online, in person or by calling (866) 262-9881.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Assisted Living Waivers

California’s Assisted Living Waiver pays for the cost of personal care in Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly. Medicaid normally covers the cost of skilled nursing facilities as well as services in the community. Just as Medicaid doesn’t pay for rent or housing in the community, it does not cover the cost of room and board, but it does pay for the following services that are billed separately.

Care management

Assistance with activities of daily living

Intermittent skilled nursing

Medication management

Housekeeping

Transportation

Laundry

Medicaid waivers are designed to reduce government spending by providing a lower cost alternative to skilled nursing. This means that Medi-Cal members must require the level of care typically provided by nursing homes to qualify for the waiver. They must also be enrolled in a Medicaid program that has zero cost sharing based on their monthly income. For applicants who exceed the income guidelines, spend-down options can help.

Section 1915(c) of the Social Security Act authorizes California’s Assisted Living Waiver. Because the program covers optional services, regulations allow the state to set an enrollment cap and create a waiting list once available funding is spent. Since 2017, San Diego’s ALW has been operating at capacity. Medi-Cal members who would like to receive waiver services can join the waiting list by contacting a registered Care Coordination Agency in San Diego County.

Assisted Living Resources in San Diego

Area Agencies on Aging

Area Agencies on Aging provide a single point of contact for older adults and disabled persons who are eligible for federal, state or county benefits. These regional organizations engage in advocacy, manage community outreach campaigns, make case management referrals and provide services directly to the public. To learn more about programs that are available in San Diego, contact your local AAA. Aging & Independence Services
1600 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101
(800) 510-2020 County of San Diego Aging & Independent Services
5560 Overland Ave, Suite 310, San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 495-5885

Veterans Administration Services

Although the VA is best known as a healthcare service for the nation’s military veterans, this government agency also provides pensions, housing assistance and other benefits to military families. Veterans can access services through the following administrative offices, community-based outpatient clinics and medical centers in San Diego.

San Diego VA Regional Office
8810 Rio San Diego Dr, San Diego, CA 92108
(800) 827-1000

Rio Clinic San Diego VA Healthcare
8989 Rio San Diego, Suite 360, San Diego, CA 92108
(619) 228-8000

VA San Diego Healthcare System
3350 La Jolla Village Dr, San Diego, CA 92161
(858) 552-8585