Independent living
California planning estimate, 2026: $2,550–$6,050 per month
Modeled planning range. Derived from the assisted-living planning baseline. Prices are estimates and may vary.
STATE GUIDE
Senior living costs and help in California
California families can start with aging.ca.gov for local support and Find Medicare counseling in California for coverage questions. 220 published campuses are currently listed in our California directory.
Use these official starting points to ask about local services, public coverage, Medicare counseling and resident support. Program rules and community participation can vary; confirm details with the agency and the specific community.
Planning costs
Assisted living
California planning estimate, 2026: $4,300–$10,050 per month
Modeled planning range. State assisted-living planning baseline. Prices are estimates and may vary.
Memory care
California planning estimate, 2026: $4,950–$11,600 per month
Modeled planning range. Modeled from the assisted-living planning baseline. Prices are estimates and may vary.
Skilled nursing
U.S. planning estimate, 2026: $6,600–$15,550 per month
Modeled planning range. U.S. planning estimate; state-specific pricing is unavailable. Prices are estimates and may vary.
Public contacts and next steps
Medicaid information
Open the linked official contact page for this state. Ask which program and application route cover the specific service; this page does not determine eligibility.
Open California Medicaid contact informationAging and disability services
Find local aging services and contact the office for your area. Ask which office serves your area and whether it provides referrals or counseling.
aging.ca.govMedicare counseling
Ask for free, unbiased help understanding Medicare coverage and plan questions. Medicare counseling does not establish payment for residential room and board.
Find Medicare counseling in CaliforniaLong-term care ombudsman
Ask the locator which local office handles concerns about long-term care services and what settings it serves.
Find your long-term care ombudsmanSelect California on the locator.
Questions to ask
- Which services are included in the monthly price, and which are billed separately?
- Does the program cover the service itself, the residence, or both? Which providers participate?
- What documents and application steps does the agency require?
- How can I confirm the community's current license and complaint process?
- Which charges continue if the resident is away or needs a different setting?