The 10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Ontario, CA for 2024

Ontario is a large city with a little over 175,000 residents and a senior community that makes up nearly a tenth of the population. Despite its relatively small senior population, the city is a great retirement option for those seeking a modest cost of living, affordable health care and access to community-based services and supports. It has a comfortable climate with year-round daytime temperatures ranging from 67-93 degrees, and senior-friendly public transportation makes it easy for older adults to enjoy area amenities.

Ontario has several assisted living facilities where older adults have access to on-demand care, daily meals, snacks, housekeeping, laundry services and recreational activities. These facilities are ideal for those who need an extra hand throughout the day but don’t require around-the-clock medical care and monitoring. On average, seniors in Ontario pay $5,000 per month for services, which is high compared to the nation as a whole but consistent with the California average.

This guide provides comprehensive information on the benefits and drawbacks of living in Ontario and how they relate to those in assisted living. It also outlines assisted living costs and resources available to older adults in the community.

In Ontario, assisted living facilities are officially licensed as residential care facilities for the elderly. These communities comply with regulations set by the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division, which promotes a high standard of care through licensing requirements and regular and unannounced inspections. The department also investigates reports of abuse and substandard care.

• While the overall cost of living in Ontario is high compared to the national average, it’s about 20% lower than the state median, indicating that it’s among the more affordable places to live in California. This may result in comparatively affordable assisted living expenses, which may benefit those with limited retirement income.
• The OmniTrans bus system offers transportation services throughout the Ontario region to help older adults complete errands and attend medical appointments without relying on a private vehicle. The service operates the Travel Training Program, which provides group or one-on-one assistance to those aged 62 and over to teach them how to use the bus system.
• While seniors in Ontario pay some of the highest state income taxes in the nation, California doesn’t tax Social Security benefits, which may help those who rely primarily on this form of retirement income. To help seniors make informed financial decisions, many assisted living facilities have all-inclusive pricing.  
• Property crime is more prevalent in Ontario than in the typical U.S. city. Its rating is 40.4 on a 100-point crime index versus the national average of 35.4. However, violent crime is relatively uncommon with a rate that’s five points lower than the national score at 17.4. To help residents stay safe, assisted living facilities are often equipped with security features and provide escorted transportation to local destinations.
• Ontario is among the most comfortable places to live in the nation. It offers pleasant year-round temperatures and relatively low humidity levels. In the summer, high temperatures reach into the low 90s, and in the winter, daytime temperatures are in the upper 60s. Many assisted living facilities have outdoor common areas where seniors can enjoy the weather.
• Health care costs in Ontario are about 20% lower than the national median, promoting access to care for older adults. Over 100 hospitals are located near the city, including San Antonio Regional Hospital in Upland and the Chino Valley Medical Center in Chino.  

In Ontario, older adults pay $5,000 per month on average for assisted living. This is several hundred dollars higher than the national rate of $4,300, but it’s equal to the California median.

Assisted living facilities in Ontario charge $5,000 per month on average for services. In Bakersfield, fees are among the lowest in the state at $3,613. In the Sacramento area, monthly care costs are a few hundred dollars higher than in Ontario at $5,395, and in the Santa Rosa area, fees are $1,000 higher at $6,000 per month. Salinas is among the most expensive cities in California for assisted living with rates exceeding Ontario’s average by 40% at $7,100.

The cheapest senior care option in Ontario is adult day health care, which features daytime personal care in a community setting for $1,647 monthly. Assisted living is a relatively affordable option at $5,000 per month. Older adults who want to remain in their homes can obtain a comparable level of care through home-based services, which cost $5,434 for basic homemaker services and $5,529 for specialized home health aides. Nursing homes are residential facilities that provide the highest level of care outside a hospital. They charge the highest monthly rates of $8,060 for shared rooms and $10,570 for private rooms.

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 California page.