Assisted Living Communities in San Clemente, California

Although San Clemente’s average assisted living cost is only $225 more than the statewide average of $5,250, it’s $975 higher than the national average. Compared to nearby cities, it’s higher than Los Angeles, which mirrors the state average, and significantly higher than Riverside by more than $1,400 per month. However, it’s lower than Oxnard’s average of $5,750 by $275 and $675 less than El Centro to the east.

The average cost of assisted living in Clemente is $5,475, but this can vary based on numerous factors, including the assisted living community’s amenities, housing options, level of care and pricing structure. 

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.

When comparing other senior care options in San Clemente, adult day health care is the lowest cost option at $2,058, about 2.5 times less than assisted living. For seniors wanting to age in place at home, in-home care costs $6,387, over $900 more than assisted living, and home health care is slightly higher at $6,473. Semiprivate rooms in nursing homes are the most expensive option, costing $9,384 — $3,900 more than assisted living.

The Senior Care Licensing Program monitors and licenses assisted living facilities in San Clemente and throughout the state. It has field staff in 13 regional offices who perform regulatory inspections. The Orange County Adult & Senior Care Regional Office in Orange services all cities throughout Orange County, including San Clemente.

• The climate in San Clemente is top-notch for seniors who enjoy spending time outdoors. The city boasts 281 sunny days yearly, more than the 205 days that’s the national average. It also doesn’t get any snow and has very few nights with below-freezing temperatures, which helps prevent slips and falls on icy pavement.
• San Clemente’s violent crime rate is about half the state and national averages, and property crime rates are also significantly lower. Overall, the city has fewer reported criminal activities than many other cities nationwide.
• California exempts Social Security income from state income taxes, so seniors in San Clemente keep more of their retirement. Unfortunately, most other retirement benefits are taxed. Income taxes are hefty for those with significantly higher incomes, but seniors with low to mid-range incomes have much lower tax rates.
• Combined sales taxes in Orange County are 7.75%, which includes 6% state taxes and 1.75% county taxes. Orange County’s sales taxes are less than 68.5% of California’s other cities and counties, saving San Clemente seniors some money. Plus, groceries are tax-exempt, and prescription drugs only incur the 1.75% county rate.
• While the cost of living in San Clemente is high, like much of California, it’s primarily due to high housing costs that shouldn’t impact seniors in assisted living. The city’s overall cost of living is double the national average and about 50% higher than the state average, but health care costs are about 7% less than the nationwide average and 5% less than the state. Lower costs in this area can be highly beneficial for aging adults who frequently seek medical care.
• Although San Clemente doesn’t have a local hospital, the Providence Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo is less than 9 miles away and nationally ranked in orthopedics and rehabilitation. San Clemente also has 249 doctors per 100,000 residents, more than the national average of 210.