San Francisco assisted living communities range from smaller residential care homes to large senior living campuses offering multiple levels of care. The San Francisco area costs a median of $8,450/month according to the CareScout 2025 Cost of Care Survey, placing it well above the California statewide median of $7,000/month and among the most expensive assisted living markets in the country.
Pricing, services, and amenities vary depending on location, community size, and level of care required. Communities in the Marin County, Peninsula, and East Bay areas reflect a range of options across the greater San Francisco 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 Francisco area.
San Francisco Assisted Living Costs (2026)
Assisted living in the San Francisco area costs a median of $8,450/month (about $101,400 annually), according to the CareScout 2025 Cost of Care Survey. This reflects the San Francisco Metropolitan Statistical Area median based on data collected July through November 2025 and sits well above both the California statewide median of $7,000/month and the national median of $6,200/month.
| Period | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 Year | $101,400 |
| 3 Years | $304,200 |
| 5 Years | $507,000 |
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 Francisco Compares to Nearby Areas
San Francisco is one of the most expensive senior living markets in California, with limited availability and high demand driving pricing across the city.
Families may also consider assisted living options in:
- Oakland – more moderate pricing with a growing number of assisted living communities across the Bay
- Daly City – smaller market just outside San Francisco with more limited but often more affordable options
- San Mateo – well-established suburban market with a mix of mid-range and higher-end communities
- Berkeley – smaller market with a mix of academic community influence and established senior living options
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 Francisco Assisted Living Communities
The Carlisle
📍 Location: San Francisco, CA
💲 Estimated Monthly Cost: $7,500 – $8,600
Highlights
• Assisted living and independent living services
• Activity programming and social events
• Restaurant-style dining and community spaces
• Located in downtown San Francisco near Union Square
Why Families Choose This Community
The Carlisle is one of the best-known senior living residences located within San Francisco itself. The community offers assisted living support in an urban residential setting, allowing residents to remain close to the city’s cultural attractions, healthcare providers, and transportation options. Families often appreciate the central location and active social environment.
This community is part of the broader San Francisco assisted living market, where pricing and care offerings can vary based on location and level of support.
Heritage on the Marina
📍 Location: San Francisco, CA
💲 Estimated Monthly Cost: $7,400 – $8,400
Highlights
• Assisted living and memory care services
• Boutique residential community
• Wellness and activity programming
• Located in San Francisco’s Marina District
Why Families Choose This Community
Heritage on the Marina is a boutique assisted living community located near the Marina Green and waterfront areas of San Francisco. Families often appreciate the smaller residential environment, personalized care approach, and the community’s scenic location with views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
This community is part of the broader San Francisco assisted living market, where pricing and care offerings can vary based on location and level of support.
San Francisco Towers
📍 Location: San Francisco, CA
💲 Estimated Monthly Cost: $7,600 – $8,700
Highlights
• Assisted living and memory care services
• Large continuing care retirement community
• Wellness programs and resident events
• Located in the Cathedral Hill neighborhood
Why Families Choose This Community
San Francisco Towers is a large senior living campus offering multiple levels of care including assisted living and memory care. Families often appreciate the comprehensive services available on-site, the active resident programming, and the convenient central San Francisco location.
This community is part of the broader San Francisco assisted living market, where pricing and care offerings can vary based on location and level of support.
The Sequoias San Francisco
📍 Location: San Francisco, CA
💲 Estimated Monthly Cost: $7,400 – $8,600
Highlights
• Assisted living support services
• Life plan community with multiple care levels
• Activity programming and social engagement
• Located in San Francisco’s Cathedral Hill neighborhood
Why Families Choose This Community
The Sequoias San Francisco is a life plan senior living community offering independent living with access to assisted living and skilled nursing services. Families often appreciate the comprehensive care continuum, active social programming, and central location within San Francisco.
This community is part of the broader San Francisco assisted living market, where pricing and care offerings can vary based on location and level of support.
Sunrise of San Mateo
📍 Location: San Mateo, CA
💲 Estimated Monthly Cost: $7,300 – $8,400
Highlights
• Assisted living and memory care services
• Wellness programming and social activities
• Dining services and common gathering areas
• Located on the San Francisco Peninsula
Why Families Choose This Community
Sunrise of San Mateo is part of the Sunrise Senior Living network and provides assisted living and memory care services for families in the San Francisco area. Families often appreciate the attentive staff, welcoming residential environment, and activity programming.
This community is part of the broader San Francisco assisted living market, where pricing and care offerings can vary based on location and level of support.
Cadence Millbrae
📍 Location: Millbrae, CA
💲 Estimated Monthly Cost: $7,300 – $8,400
Highlights
• Assisted living and memory care services
• Modern senior living campus
• Wellness programming and resident events
• Located near the San Francisco International Airport corridor
Why Families Choose This Community
Cadence Millbrae serves families in the San Francisco Peninsula and provides assisted living and memory care services within a contemporary residential community. Families often appreciate the modern amenities, social programming, and convenient location.
This community is part of the broader San Francisco assisted living market, where pricing and care offerings can vary based on location and level of support.
Oakmont of Burlingame
📍 Location: Burlingame, CA
💲 Estimated Monthly Cost: $7,400 – $8,600
Highlights
• Assisted living and memory care services
• Luxury senior living community
• Wellness programs and daily activity programming
• Located on the San Francisco Peninsula near downtown Burlingame
Why Families Choose This Community
Oakmont of Burlingame is a luxury senior living community serving families throughout the San Francisco Peninsula. The community offers assisted living and memory care services in a modern residential setting. Families often appreciate the upscale amenities, engaging social programming, and convenient location near healthcare providers and neighborhood amenities.
This community is part of the broader San Francisco assisted living market, where pricing and care offerings can vary based on location and level of support.
The Peninsula Regent
📍 Location: San Mateo, CA
💲 Estimated Monthly Cost: $7,300 – $8,400
Highlights
• Assisted living support services
• Active senior living community
• Social programming and events
• Located on the San Francisco Peninsula
Why Families Choose This Community
The Peninsula Regent is a senior living community serving families in the San Francisco area. Residents often appreciate the welcoming environment, active lifestyle programming, and convenient location near healthcare providers and local amenities.
This community is part of the broader San Francisco 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 Francisco 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 Francisco may also want to explore communities in nearby areas:
- Assisted living in Oakland, CA
- Assisted living in Daly City, CA
- Assisted living in San Mateo, CA
- Assisted living in Berkeley, CA
Comparing nearby cities can help identify differences in pricing, availability, and community types across the region.
Families comparing options beyond the San Francisco 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 Francisco?
Assisted living in the San Francisco area costs a median of $8,450 per month, or about $101,400 annually, according to the CareScout 2025 Cost of Care Survey. This places San Francisco well above both the California statewide median of $7,000/month and the national median of $6,200/month.
How many assisted living communities are in San Francisco?
The San Francisco 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 Francisco, Marin County, the Peninsula, and the East Bay.
How do I compare assisted living communities in San Francisco?
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.
Why is assisted living so expensive in San Francisco?
San Francisco’s assisted living costs reflect the Bay Area’s extreme real estate values, high caregiver wage requirements, and elevated overall cost of living. Limited land availability constrains new community development, while ongoing demand from a large and affluent senior population sustains pricing well above state and national medians. Operating costs including insurance, utilities, and regulatory compliance are also among the highest in the country.
Does Medicaid cover assisted living in San Francisco?
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