San Diego assisted living communities range from smaller residential care homes to large senior living campuses offering multiple levels of care. The San Diego area costs a median of $6,820/month according to the CareScout 2025 Cost of Care Survey, placing it slightly below the California statewide median of $7,000/month but above the national median of $6,200/month.
Pricing, services, and amenities vary depending on location, community size, and level of care required. Communities in the La Jolla, Chula Vista, and Escondido areas reflect a range of options across the greater San Diego market.
For families comparing options across the state, see our full breakdown of assisted living costs in California for a detailed statewide analysis including regional pricing differences and long-term planning considerations.
This guide covers costs, top communities, and what families should consider when comparing assisted living options in the San Diego area.
San Diego Assisted Living Costs (2026)
Assisted living in the San Diego area costs a median of $6,820/month (about $81,840 annually), according to the CareScout 2025 Cost of Care Survey. This reflects the San Diego Metropolitan Statistical Area median based on data collected July through November 2025.
| Period | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 Year | $81,840 |
| 3 Years | $245,520 |
| 5 Years | $409,200 |
These projections do not account for annual rate increases, which typically range between 3% and 7%.
For a deeper breakdown of regional pricing trends, cost drivers, and financial planning strategies, visit our full guide to assisted living costs in California.
For a broader perspective on pricing across the country, see our guide to the national average cost of assisted living, which outlines typical monthly costs, regional differences, and long-term financial considerations.
How San Diego Compares to Nearby Areas
San Diego is one of the more desirable senior living markets in California, with pricing that can vary based on coastal proximity, amenities, and community type.
Families may also consider assisted living options in:
- La Jolla – premium coastal market with higher-end communities and elevated pricing
- Carlsbad – desirable North County location with newer communities and strong amenities
- Chula Vista – more moderate pricing with a growing number of assisted living options
- Escondido – inland market that often offers more affordable options compared to coastal areas
Exploring multiple cities can help families find the right balance of cost, care, and availability.
Families looking for top-rated providers across the state may also want to review our guide to the best assisted living communities in California, which highlights high-performing communities based on care quality, amenities, and reputation across multiple cities.
Top San Diego Assisted Living Communities
The communities below represent a selection of well-regarded assisted living providers located throughout the San Diego area.
Belmont Village Senior Living La Jolla
📍 Location: La Jolla, CA
💲 Estimated Monthly Cost: $7,300 – $9,000
Highlights
• Assisted living and memory care services
• Licensed nurse support
• Chef-prepared dining
• Wellness and activity programming
Why Families Choose This Community
Belmont Village La Jolla is widely recognized for its strong clinical care support and thoughtfully designed residential environment. Families often value the community’s location near major healthcare providers and its structured programming.
This community is part of the broader San Diego assisted living market, where pricing and care offerings can vary based on location and level of support.
Ivy Park at La Jolla
📍 Location: San Diego, CA
💲 Estimated Monthly Cost: $7,200 – $8,900
Highlights
• Assisted living and memory care services
• Restaurant-style dining
• Wellness and activity programming
• Outdoor courtyards and gathering spaces
Why Families Choose This Community
Ivy Park at La Jolla offers assisted living and memory care in a residential neighborhood near the University of California San Diego medical network. Families often appreciate the community’s supportive care environment, modern amenities, and convenient location within the La Jolla area.
This community is part of the broader San Diego assisted living market, where pricing and care offerings can vary based on location and level of support.
Atria La Jolla
📍 Location: San Diego, CA
💲 Estimated Monthly Cost: $7,100 – $8,500
Highlights
• Independent and assisted living services
• Fitness and wellness programming
• Social activities and resident events
• Community transportation
Why Families Choose This Community
Atria La Jolla is known for its active lifestyle environment and well-established reputation in the San Diego senior living market. Families often appreciate the community’s location and wide range of programming.
This community is part of the broader San Diego assisted living market, where pricing and care offerings can vary based on location and level of support.
Silvergate Rancho Bernardo
📍 Location: San Diego, CA
💲 Estimated Monthly Cost: $7,200 – $8,700
Highlights
• Assisted living and memory care services
• Boutique senior living environment
• Wellness and activity programming
• Outdoor garden spaces
Why Families Choose This Community
Silvergate Rancho Bernardo offers assisted living and memory care services in a residential neighborhood in North San Diego County. Families often value the community’s smaller environment and personalized approach to care.
This community is part of the broader San Diego assisted living market, where pricing and care offerings can vary based on location and level of support.
The Glen at Scripps Ranch
📍 Location: San Diego, CA
💲 Estimated Monthly Cost: $7,200 – $8,700
Highlights
• Continuing care retirement community
• Assisted living services available
• Wellness and fitness programs
• Dining and social programming
Why Families Choose This Community
The Glen at Scripps Ranch offers assisted living services within a larger continuing care campus environment. Families often appreciate the availability of multiple care levels and the community’s scenic setting.
This community is part of the broader San Diego assisted living market, where pricing and care offerings can vary based on location and level of support.
Casa de las Campanas
📍 Location: San Diego, CA
💲 Estimated Monthly Cost: $7,000 – $8,400
Highlights
• Nonprofit senior living community
• Assisted living and memory care services
• Wellness and lifestyle programming
• Resort-style campus environment
Why Families Choose This Community
Casa de las Campanas is a well-known nonprofit senior living community in the San Diego area. Families often appreciate its mission-driven approach, extensive campus amenities, and supportive care services.
This community is part of the broader San Diego assisted living market, where pricing and care offerings can vary based on location and level of support.
Editorial Disclaimer
Communities listed in this guide were selected based on publicly available information and are presented for informational purposes only. Inclusion does not constitute a formal endorsement. Families should visit communities in person, review licensing information, and speak directly with staff when evaluating assisted living options.
How to Choose a San Diego Assisted Living Community
Selecting an assisted living community requires evaluating several important factors.
Care Needs Different communities offer different levels of care. Families should ensure the facility can support both current and future care requirements.
Cost Structure Some communities offer all-inclusive pricing while others charge additional fees for care services.
Location Proximity to family members, hospitals, and familiar neighborhoods can significantly impact quality of life.
Contract Terms Families should carefully review contracts, fee structures, and policies related to care level changes.
Visit Communities in Person Whenever possible, families should tour communities and observe staff interactions, cleanliness and safety practices, dining services, activity programming, and overall resident engagement.
Nearby Cities to Consider
Families searching for assisted living near San Diego may also want to explore communities in nearby areas:
- Assisted living in La Jolla, CA
- Assisted living in Carlsbad, CA
- Assisted living in Chula Vista, CA
- Assisted living in Escondido, CA
Comparing nearby cities can help identify differences in pricing, availability, and community types across the region.
These nearby cities may offer additional assisted living options depending on care needs, availability, and budget.
Families comparing options beyond the San Diego area should also review our guide to the best assisted living communities in California, which highlights top-rated providers across multiple cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of assisted living in San Diego?
Assisted living in the San Diego area costs a median of $6,820 per month, or about $81,840 annually, according to the CareScout 2025 Cost of Care Survey. Pricing varies depending on community type, neighborhood, and level of care required.
How many assisted living communities are in San Diego?
The San Diego metropolitan area has numerous assisted living communities offering different levels of support, including standard assisted living and memory care. Options range from smaller residential care homes to larger senior living campuses across San Diego, La Jolla, Chula Vista, Escondido, and surrounding communities.
How do I compare assisted living communities in San Diego?
Families should evaluate communities based on care services offered, resident and family reviews, staffing levels and ratios, amenities, pricing transparency, and proximity to hospitals and family members. Visiting communities in person and requesting a written breakdown of all fees is strongly recommended before making a final decision.
Are assisted living costs negotiable?
Some communities may offer move-in incentives, reduced community fees, or promotional pricing depending on occupancy levels and availability. Families should ask directly about current promotions and confirm all fee structures in writing before signing any agreements.
Is San Diego more affordable than San Francisco or San Jose for assisted living?
Yes. San Diego’s assisted living median of $6,820 per month is significantly below San Francisco ($8,450/month) and San Jose ($10,495/month), making it a considerably more accessible major California coastal market. San Diego’s costs are also slightly below the California statewide median of $7,000/month, placing it among the more affordable major metro markets in the state.
Does Medicaid cover assisted living in San Diego?
California Medicaid (Medi-Cal) may provide limited assistance through programs such as the Assisted Living Waiver (ALW) in participating counties. Coverage is service-based and does not typically include full room and board costs. Eligibility depends on income, assets, functional care needs, and county participation. Families should confirm current program details directly with the California Department of Health Care Services or consult a qualified elder law advisor.
Last reviewed: June 2026