Assisted Living Facilities in Marana, AZ

Just northwest of Tucson, Marana is one of Arizona’s fastest-growing communities, home to nearly 52,000 residents. Over 21% of the population is seniors aged 65 and older — no surprise, as it’s one of the best cities for a healthy and affordable retirement. From top health care facilities to abundant recreation and long-term care options, Marana has plenty to offer seniors as they age.

Assisted living is a great choice for aging adults who need a bit of daily assistance but want to maintain a sense of independence. At an assisted living facility, trained caregivers offer help with day-to-day tasks and personal care services, along with housekeeping, meal preparation and social programming. In Marana, the average cost of care at these communities is $4,050 per month, which is $450 less expensive than the average American city.

This guide provides information for seniors considering moving to an assisted living facility in Marana. It outlines the cost of assisted living care, comparing it to other cities across the state, and options for financial assistance. It also features some of the benefits and drawbacks of retiring to Marana and some of the local support services available.

In Marana, the Arizona Department of Health Services’ Bureau of Residential Facilities is responsible for the licensing and regulation of all residential health care facilities, including assisted living centers. The bureau is part of the Division of Public Health Licensing Services. Facilities are inspected prior to licensure and then annually for licensure renewals.

• With average winter temperatures in the mid-40s, seniors in Marana won’t have to brave cold, snowy winters. The city offers warm year-round weather with 282 days of sunshine — perfect for active retirees. Summers can get very hot, so seniors should be mindful of the amount of time they spend outdoors, taking breaks from the hot sun and hydrating.
• Despite Arizona’s low long-term care costs, living costs are slightly higher than the U.S. average. The cost of living in Marana receives an index score of 104 compared to the national average of 100. It’s also higher than the statewide median of 102.2. However, seniors can benefit from low health care costs and access to a variety of financial assistance programs.
• Rates of violent crime are low in Marana, which may offer seniors and their families peace of mind. On a scale of 100, the city scores a 10.8 compared to the U.S. national average of 22.7. While property crime rates are slightly higher, most assisted living facilities are equipped with security features such as 24-hour video surveillance and secured entrances.
• Seniors in Marana have access to world-class health care facilities. Locally, seniors can visit the Marana Healthcare Center (MHC) for primary care services ranging from urgent care to dentistry and behavioral health. Just outside the city, Northwest Medical Center offers a variety of specialized services. University Medical Center Tucson, which offers specialized geriatric care, is also just a short drive away.
• Arizona is considered moderately tax-friendly toward retirees. Social Security retirement benefits are not taxed, which may help seniors maximize their retirement funds. However, the state does tax other forms of retirement income and withdrawals from retirement accounts.
• There’s no shortage of things for seniors to do in Marana. The city is widely known for its outdoor attractions. With nine local parks and extensive trails through the Tortolita mountain range, seniors have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. The city is also home to top-notch shopping and dining, and it’s just 20 minutes from Tucson, where seniors will find museums, theaters and galleries.

As reported in the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey, the average cost of assisted living in the Marana area is $4,050 per month, which is only slightly higher than the statewide median of $4,000. Care in Marana is $450 more affordable than the U.S. national average.

Services in the Phoenix area are similarly priced at an average of $3,975 per month. Yuma is even less expensive at $3,800. Seniors in the Sierra Vista area can expect to pay slightly more for assisted living at rates of $4,150 per month; however, it’s still much less expensive than Flagstaff — the state’s most expensive option at $5,000.

Seniors in Marana have several care options to choose from, depending on their needs and preferences. At $2,058 per month, adult day health care is the most affordable option and ideal for those who don’t need full-time supervision. Seniors who wish to age in place may opt for in-home care or home health care, which cost $5,434 and $5,482, respectively. Nursing homes, which provide the most comprehensive level of care, cost $6,601 per month for a semiprivate room.

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:

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

For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in Arizona page.