The 10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in El Cajon, CA for 2023

Also serving communities of Jamul.

There are 125 Assisted Living Facilities in the El Cajon area, with 25 in El Cajon and 100 nearby.

The average cost of assisted living in El Cajon is $3,505 per month. This is lower than the national median of $3,735. Cheaper rated regions include Spring Valley with an average starting cost of 2,700.

To help you with your search, browse the 305 reviews below for assisted living facilities in El Cajon. On average, consumers rate assisted living in El Cajon 4.1 out of 5 stars. Better rated regions include Santee with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars.

Caring.com has helped thousands of families find high-quality senior care. To speak with one of our Family Advisors about assisted living options and costs in El Cajon, call (855) 948-3865.

El Cajon,"The Big Box" as it is called, is situated in a valley surrounded by beautiful mountain views , just 17 miles from Downtown San Diego. Over 11 percent of residents are age 65 and over and they have 23 assisted living communities to choose from with 35 more nearby. Assisted living facilities (ALFs) in El Cajon are regulated by the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD) and are offically called Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly.      

• Residents of El Cajon experience some of the worse air quality. The city is ranked 5th in the nation for ozone pollution by the American Lung Association. Residents suffering from respiratory issues may find this problematic.
  
  
• El Cajon has an array of community resources for seniors, including the El Cajon Recreation Department, an organization that assists local seniors with activities, recreations, banquet events and learning more information, as well as having six senior centers.
  
  
• El Cajon is a member of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities, meaning that its elected leadership "has made the commitment to actively work toward making their town, city or country a great place for people of all ages," according to AARP.
  
  
• California is known for not being tax-friendly and does not provide seniors with a tax-exemption on retirement income other than SSI. El Cajon residents have a combined 8.25 percent sales tax compared to the 6 percent national average and 8.54 percent state average.
  
  
• The cost of living in El Cajon is 50 percent higher than the national average. Seniors may enjoy lower expenses versus surrounding areas, including a 7 percent decrease in groceries and 9 percent decrease in utilities. Fewer expenses are helpful for low-income seniors.
  
  
• El Cajon has higher violent and property crime rates per square mile than most cities, making it only 21 percent safer than other cities in the nation. It is 31 percent more reliable than other cities in California and may be a concern for seniors considering an assisted living facility here.

Assisted Living costs in El Cajon start around $3,647 per month on average, while the nationwide average cost of assisted living is $4,000 per month, according to the latest figures from Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey.

It’s important to note that assisted living rates in El Cajon and the surrounding suburbs can vary widely based on factors such as location, the level of care needed, apartment size and the types of amenities offered at each community.

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.