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Page Reviewed / Updated – September 30, 2022
San Marcos’ overall cost of living is about 50% higher than the national average but consistent with the state rate, which may make the city a financially feasible option for California retirees seeking affordable care. While the state income tax rate is among the highest in the nation, seniors don’t pay taxes on their Social Security income, leaving more money available for care expenses. The Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey reports that local seniors pay approximately $5,475 for assisted living, which is a bit higher than the state median. For older adults who need help with paying for long-term care, there are several programs and entitlements that may help, including the Assisted Living Waiver and Supplemental Security Income.
In addition to providing a list of the best assisted living facilities in San Marcos, CA, this guide provides an overview of the cost of assisted living in San Marcos, as well as average costs for other types of care. Additionally, find a list of free and low-cost services that provide seniors with a variety of assistance in their communities.
The Cost of Assisted Living in San Marcos, CA
San Marcos is located near San Diego and has the same assisted living rates of $5,475. This is a little higher than the state median and nearly $1,000 higher than the national rate. Local rates are economical compared to fees in El Centro, where seniors pay $6,150, $675 more than costs in San Marcos. In Oxnard, rates are $275 higher than in San Marcos. Riverside and Oxnard may be good alternatives for older adults seeking more affordable care, with monthly care costs coming in well below San Marcos’ average at $4,000 and $3,750, respectively.
- San Marcos: $5,475
- California: $5,250
- United States: $4,500
- El Centro: $6,150
- Riverside: $4,000
- Oxnard: $5,750
- Bakersfield: $3,750
The Cost of Other Types of Care in San Marcos, CA
Seniors in San Marcos pay $5,475 per month for assisted living. By comparison, adult day health care services are less than half the cost at $2,058. Assisted living is cheaper than in-home care and home health care, which average $6,387 and $6,473, respectively. Nursing home care ranges from $9,384 to $12,167, depending on room type.
- Assisted Living Facility: $5,475
- In-Home Care: $6,387
- Home Health Care: $6,473
- Adult Day Health Care: $2,058
- Nursing Home Care (semiprivate room): $9,384
- Nursing Home Care (private room): $12,167
Note: Data for San Marcos was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, San Diego, was used instead.
Silvergate San Marcos
Silvergate San Marcos lands on this list because of its comprehensive list of care options. Here, residents can have independent living, assisted living and memory care, all under one roof. It's an established community that has been in the area for over 20 years. Residents at Silvergate San Marcos benefit from a variety of social activities planned each day. They can spend time learning tai chi, taking part in arts and crafts classes or brushing up on their tech skills in a computer class. The community also has resident transportation into town when they need to go to medical appointments or wish to do some shopping.
Features
- Religious services on-site
- Nurse on staff
Brookdale San Marcos
At Brookdale San Marcos, residents are encouraged to stay as active as possible. The caring staff takes care of housekeeping and meals, so residents can explore their hobbies, swim in the pool or hang out with friends in large, welcoming common areas. Staff assists residents with activities of daily living, giving care with dignity. The tech-savvy community has Wi-Fi access throughout and a computer area with a business center for residents to use. It also has a library stocked with many books and other types of reading material. The studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments have kitchenettes, but residents also have the option to eat restaurant-style in the community dining room.
Features
- Staff on-site 24 hours a day
- Pet-friendly community
Meridian at Lake San Marcos
Tucked away between the Lake San Marcos Executive Golf Course and the Lake San Marcos Country Club, Meridian at Lake San Marcos offers an exceptional location. This community sits on Lake San Marcos, providing a waterfront lifestyle to its residents. A large variety of floor plans, ranging from studios to two-bedroom apartments, allow residents to find exactly what they need. Staff provides personalized care to each resident to maintain independence while assisting as needed with activities of daily living. Residents have aces to a range of amenities, including a business center, clubhouse and dog park.
Features
- Weekly wellness checks
- Physician-directed nutrition program
Brookdale Oceanside
Located convenient to Route 78, Brookdale Oceanside is just minutes from the Pacific coastline. This community offers six planned programs daily, so residents are able to keep up with their hobbies, learn new skills and interact with their neighbors. Activities may include brain games, physical fitness, discussions and classes. It's not uncommon to see residents taking part in gardening outdoors or exercising with the walking club. Wine and cheese socials are often the highlight of the day. The community has apartments with kitchenettes but also provides elegant dining in a restaurant-style setting. An on-site general store and beauty shop help take care of other needs residents may have.
Features
- Specialized memory care program
- Dementia-friendly dining
Pacifica Senior Living Vista
Located close to a grocery store and Brengle Terrace Park, Pacifica Senior Living Vista has an expertly trained team of staff members ready to assist residents with their daily care needs. Here, a licensed nurse is available daily for medical care and needs, and staff provides ample social activities to encourage active living. Residents often take part in outdoor activities to enjoy the climate of Vista, and a secure outdoor patio protects them while they get some fresh air, and walking paths give a place for outdoor exercise or taking dogs for a walk. The wishes of residents are always considered when planning activities and menus at this community.
Features
- Resident town hall and council
- Personal laundry and housekeeping assistance
Westmont Town Court
Located right next to the Palomar Medical Center's downtown location in Escondido, Westmont Town Court makes it easy to get medical care when needed. It's also near the shopping, dining and cultural activities of the downtown region. Yet with so many activities on campus, residents of Westmont Town Court can find plenty to do to stay busy and active without leaving home. Each apartment has cable and a kitchenette, making a comfortable living area for residents. Routine activities such as lecture discussions and art classes provide interesting ways to spend the day. It even has a resident garden where residents can tend to plants outdoors.
Features
- Outdoor pool
- Exercise and leisure clubs
Redwood Terrace
Redwood Terrace sits in a quiet residential neighborhood across the street from an elementary school in The wide range of housing options are why we ranked Redwood Terrace among the top options in the region. Residents are able to choose from a range of apartment sizes as well as detached homes and cottages. Dining at Redwood Terrace is a positive experience for residents. Fresh produce is woven into chef-created dishes that include many local favorites. It's not uncommon to see tri-tip on the menu.
Features
- General store on-site
- Private cleaning services
Sunrise at La Costa
Located in Carlsbad next to shopping, dining and entertainment Sunrise at La Costa makes it simple to enjoy dinner out or do some shopping. It's also minutes from the Legoland Amusement Park, so residents can take the grandkids somewhere fun when they visit. This community maintains a busy social scene, with events daily to encourage residents to spend time interacting with their neighbors. Residents have studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartment options, with kitchenettes in many.
Features
- Secure memory care garden and patio
- Quarter-mile walking path
Alta Vista Senior Living
Sitting right along Route 78, Alta Vista Senior Living in Vista is across the street from the Tri-City Medical Center and within a short drive of the ocean. This convenient location makes it easy to enjoy both Vista and San Marcos and all that they offer. This community has staff on hand and away 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including licensed nurses who perform regular wellness checks. Each apartment home in this community has a large, open floor plan. Emergency call systems help keep residents connected to staff when they need a little extra help. This is a pet-friendly community.
Features
- Daily exercise classes
- Patios on apartments
Atria Encinitas
Atria Encinitas is situated in Encinitas just a mile from the shoreline and close to public transportation and many community services and amenities. This assisted living and independent living community provides comfortable apartment homes for its residents that have their own kitchens. This community ranked among the top in the San Marcos area because of the worry-free living it provides. Staff members are on hand at all times and assist not only with activities of daily living but also with housekeeping and even laundry. This frees residents to pursue activities in line with their interests, instead of focusing on caring for their apartments.
Features
- Courtyard and gardens
- Emergency alert system in apartments