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CITY San francisco
Get Pricing & Availability for Assisted Living in San Francisco, CA

Call (855) 481-6777 for immediate assistance and get more details

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Page Reviewed / Updated – July 18, 2022

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San Francisco is a cultural hub in California and offers a range of benefits to retirees, including access to senior services and high-performing health care facilities. Its overall cost of living is very high, scoring 269 on a cost-of-living index compared to the national score of 100 and the state score of 150. However, this is primarily due to expensive housing prices. For older adults with restrictive retirement incomes, assisted living may be an affordable alternative to living alone. While rates are considerably higher than state and national medians at $6,319, there are various programs and public benefits to help older adults reduce out-of-pocket expenses. California doesn’t tax Social Security income, which may leave more money in the bank for care expenses.

This guide provides more information on assisted living costs and options for paying for services in San Francisco. It also highlights free and low-cost local resources and some of the most highly rated assisted living facilities in the city.

ut the cost of assisted living in San Francisco and what financial assistance programs are available.

The Cost of Assisted Living in San Francisco, CA

The 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey indicates that assisted living services in San Francisco are fairly pricey compared to the rest of the state, with residents paying approximately $6,319 per month for care. This is considerably higher than the state median of $5,250 and the national rate of $4,500.  

Assisted living fees vary throughout California, depending on factors such as local living costs. In Madera and Riverside, rates are among the lowest in the state at $3,828 and $4,000, respectively. Care costs in San Luis Obispo are higher but still $1,000 less than in San Francisco at $5,300 per month. In Santa Rosa, local rates exceed San Francisco’s average at $7,048. 

  • San Francisco: $6,319 
  • California: $5,250 
  • United States: $4,500 
  • San Luis Obispo: $5,300 
  • Riverside: $4,000 
  • Madera: $3,828 
  • Santa Rosa: $7,048 

The Cost of Other Types of Care in San Francisco, CA 

San Francisco seniors seeking the most affordable long-term care option may consider adult day health care, which costs $1,950 monthly. Assisted living is considerably higher at $6,319 but includes living expenses. Home-based care is several hundred dollars more, with seniors paying $6,864 for in-home care and $7,150 for home health care. Nursing home rates are roughly double the cost of assisted living, with seniors in semiprivate rooms paying $11,566 per month and those in private rooms paying $14,068.

  • In-Home Care: $6,864 
  • Home Health Care: $7,150 
  • Adult Day Health Care: $1,950 
  • Assisted Living Facility: $6,319 
  • Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room): $11,566 
  • Nursing Home Facility (private room): $14,068 

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in San Francisco, CA

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Other Ways To Pay for Assisted Living in San Francisco, CA

Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:

  • Veterans Benefits
  • Life Insurance Policy
  • Long-Term Care Insurance
  • Reverse Mortgage

For additional information and planning, read our comprehensive guide to paying for senior care in California.

Free Resources for Seniors in San Francisco, CA

Seniors in San Francisco obtain information and referrals from several local agencies, which can help them make important decisions regarding current and future care needs. The following table provides contact information on top resources for seniors in the San Francisco area.

Resource

Contact

Service

Roberta Cerri Teglia Center (650) 829-3820  The Roberta Cerri Teglia Center provides programs and services to those aged 50 and over in the San Francisco area. At this location, older adults access AARP tax preparation assistance and participate in music and fitness classes, knitting and crocheting groups and games. The center is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
San Mateo Health (800) 675-8437 San Mateo Health is the Area Agency on Aging for San Francisco and the surrounding region, meaning it uses federal funds to provide free and low-cost services to those aged 60 and over. It administers nearly a dozen programs including ombudsman services, transportation, legal assistance and information and referrals for community-based services. 
Ombudsman Services of San Mateo County, Inc. 

(650) 780-5707 

Ombudsman Services of San Mateo County, Inc., provides free advocacy and information to assisted living residents in the San Francisco region. The ombudsman helps seniors research local assisted living facilities and identify options for paying for care. They can also advocate on seniors’ behalf with issues regarding substandard care and insufficient or excessive services.
Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County 

(650) 558-0915 

The Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County provides free civil legal advice and assistance to those aged 60 and over. Through this nonprofit organization, seniors can get one-on-one help with applying for public benefits that may help them cover senior care expenses. The office can also help seniors resolve issues such as denied health insurance claims or benefit overpayment.
Bay Area Older Adults 

(650) 696-7660 

Bay Area Older Adults operates the region’s Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, which provides volunteer opportunities to retirees. To serve through this agency, applicants must be at least 55 years old and live within San Mateo or Northern Santa Clara Counties. They obtain free placement assistance, which matches them to the opportunities that fit their schedules and interests, as well as free training and benefits, such as supplemental insurance and mileage reimbursement. 

Rules and Regulations for Assisted Living Facilities in San Francisco, CA

Assisted Living Communities in San Francisco are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined by the state. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.

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The 10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in San Francisco, CA

Portola Gardens

Ideally located in San Francisco's stately Garden District, Portola Gardens is a unique assisted living and memory care community. The beautifully-restored historic building is home to 74 seniors, and accommodations include semiprivate and private rooms. Residents can spend their days relaxing in the music area, visiting with friends and neighbors in the Sun Room Cafe and exploring local attractions on one of the regular day trips to nearby parks, museums and restaurants. We included Portola Gardens on our top 10 list due to the beautiful setting and strong focus on dignified, personalized senior care. 

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The Village at Hayes Valley

The Village at Hayes Valley is a boutique-style senior living community that offers assisted living and memory care services. Centrally located close to shops, bistros and the War Memorial Opera House, amenities include a rooftop lounge with stunning city views, a chapel, a crafts room and a fitness center. Three hearty meals are prepared daily by the in-house chef, and life enrichment activities include movie nights, day trips to Lake Merced, happy hours and holiday celebrations.

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Sagebrook Senior Living at San Francisco

Sagebrook Senior Living at San Francisco is an assisted living and memory care community located in San Francisco's Jordan Park neighborhood. Meals are prepared fresh daily and can be enjoyed in the community dining room or delivered to residents' private suites. The chef is happy to prepare special meals for those with food allergies and dietary preferences. Seniors can choose from a variety of floor plans, including cozy studios with spacious walk-in showers. 

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Victorian Manor

Family owned and operated, Victorian Manor is a small, welcoming assisted living community nestled among stately Victorian homes near Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Medical Center. Mature, compassionate caregivers treat every resident with dignity and respect, and the staff team includes a full-time activity coordinator. Healthy balanced meals are served family-style, and recreational activities include tai chi classes, visits from therapy animals and crafting groups. 

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Features
  • Wheelchair-accessible
  • Escorted trips to nearby museums, parks and shopping areas

Cypress at Golden Gate

Cypress at Golden Gate is a luxurious, peaceful senior living community located just a few blocks from San Francisco's iconic Golden Gate Park. The beautiful, historic setting combines old-world charm with modern features, and the studio, one- and two-bedroom suites are equipped with individual climate controls, kitchenettes and private baths with safety bars. Residents have a wide range of amenities to enjoy, including three landscaped courtyards, a tech center, a handy corner store, a library and a fitness center. Meals are served in the on-site restaurant, which features a number of fresh daily specials crafted from locally-sourced ingredients. We included Cypress at Golden Gate on our top 10 list due to the handy location near shops, green spaces and parks in one of the city's most desirable neighborhoods.

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Rhoda Goldman Plaza

Rhoda Goldman Plaza is a senior living community founded by Jewish Family and Children's Services and the Mount Zion Health Fund. The facility is open to seniors of all faiths who are seeking a supportive, respectful assisted living experience. Meals feature farm-fresh ingredients and are served on-demand, giving residents the freedom to choose their own dining schedule. Transportation to the nearby UCSF, CPMC and Kaiser medical centers is available seven days a week, and recreational programming includes brain health activities to promote cognitive wellness. We included Rhoda Goldman Plaza on our list due to the strong focus on Jewish values, honor and inclusivity for all.  

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Coventry Place San Francisco

Coventry Place San Francisco is a modern mid-rise senior living community that offers residents easy access to world-class health care, cultural institutions and unique dining experiences. It has a fully-equipped fitness center for weekly group exercise classes and individual workouts, a spacious arts and crafts studio, a library and a full-service beauty salon. Gourmet-inspired meals are served in the restaurant, while the club lounge is a great place to enjoy a snack and cocktails with friends. Each studio and one-bedroom suite is equipped with a kitchenette, and pets are welcome upon approval. 

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AlmaVia of San Francisco

Located just north of I-280 near the Daly City BART station, AlmaVia of San Francisco is a well-appointed, pet-friendly assisted living community. Owned and operated by the faith-based Elder Care Alliance, this community features an on-site chapel, and a spiritual care director is available to support residents of all faiths. Meals are served restaurant-style, and a peaceful tea room, library and computer lab are available. The spacious private apartments are equipped with large, barrier-free bathrooms and ample ensuite storage. 

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Features
  • Private dining room available for family functions
  • Landscaped grounds and walking paths

Kimochi Home

Kimochi Home provides culturally-sensitive assisted living care to Japanese seniors. This unique, close-knit community in Japantown houses 19 amulatory residents aged 60 and older, as the building is not wheelchair-accessible. Services are delivered in Japanese and English and include three daily Japanese-style meals, social and recreational activities and transportation to nearby medical appointments. Caring staff are on-site 24 hours a day, and resident accommodations include semiprivate and private rooms. The UCSF Medical Center at Mount Zion, Japantown Peace Plaza and Japan Center shopping mall are all within a short walk of Kimochi Home. 

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Buena Vista Manor House

Located just steps from the iconic Buena Vista Park, Buena Vista Manor House is an affordable, well-maintained senior living community. Experienced, dedicated caregivers are on-site 24 hours a day, and St. Mary's Medical Center is nearby. A full-time activities director ensures residents always have plenty of fun and engaging recreational and social opportunities. Daily maid services are included, and the chef-prepared meals are nutritionally-balanced. 

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