The northern California city of San Francisco covers about 47 square miles on a peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay. The city offers numerous long-term care options for seniors who need daily support, including 45 assisted living residences within the city limits and 20 nearby. In 2024, local seniors pay around $7,495 per month for assisted living, which exceeds the state baseline rate by about $1,250.
Based on 343 reviews testimonials from seniors and families, we find an average quality rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars among assisted living communities in the San Francisco region.
1001 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94109
4.9
(12 reviews)
"Upside is that I'm eating healthy and downside is that I'm gaining weight because the food is so fabulous and beautifully served. My favorite dish is a full plate of anything the Chef serves. From their servers to their Director the service is impecc..."
$10,500
CARING STARS WINNER
1601 19th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94122
4.3
(12 reviews)
"We chose The Ivy at Golden Gate for my husband because of the location to our home and I was very pleased with the tour of the facility. I like the staff's attentiveness to the residents and consistency of attention. The chef prepares very good meals..."
$7,895
624 Laguna Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
4.3
(11 reviews)
"I toured The Village at Hayes Valley. I liked it very much, and I liked the man who gave me the tour. One of the rooms was very small and dark, and had a window that looked out at nothing. But all the rooms looked clean and adequate. The living atmos..."
$4,200
1550 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA 94109
4.6
(6 reviews)
"My friend will be moving into Ivy Park at Cathedral Hill. It's amazing. It's beautiful. It's perfect. Everything is lovely. He loves it...."
$6,995
399 Buena Vista Ave E, San Francisco, CA 94117
4.3
(3 reviews)
"My great uncle resides here and I highly recommend it. The Staff is kind and responsive and have made the difficult transition very easy for my uncle. He has been there 7 months now and I visit him at least once a week and he is doing very good. H..."
$7,600
3400 Laguna Street, San Francisco, CA 94123
4.3
(3 reviews)
"I saw Heritage on the Marina for the fourth time now. It’s a three-tiered community with independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing. I like the cleanliness, the friendliness, the knowledgeability, the quality, and the payment structure ..."
$4,525
Caring's Family Advisors are here to help you with questions about senior living and care options.
2750 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94118
4.0
(1 reviews)
"I liked that it had really beautiful gardens that the people and visitors could walk. Their gardens were inside so nobody from the outside could be part of it. It's a very nice size outdoor garden and there's plenty of room for people to walk or just..."
$5,795
1450 Post Street, San Francisco, CA 94109
3.0
(2 reviews)
"My parents are now in the assisted living of The Carlisle, and our experience so far has been very good. We're very satisfied and happy with it. The meal I had there was quite good, and they had a very nice, varied menu, and it's very high quality. I..."
$7,095
1400 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94109
4.6
(12 reviews)
"I have known several people who have lived at The Sequoias San Francisco. My cousins live there now, and in both cases, they've been very happy there. I had lunch with them while I was there, and the setting was good. The only reason I wouldn't go fu..."
Pricing not available
1661 PINE STREET, San Francisco, CA 94109
4.6
(8 reviews)
"I toured the San Francisco Towers. The facility is beautiful and meticulously maintained. Everything about it is lovely, thought about, and polished. It is highly secure, which is very important. The apartments are good size. The small ones are well ..."
Pricing not available
2180 Post Street, San Francisco, CA 94115
4.1
(18 reviews)
"Rhoda Goldman Plaza is very, very good, but too expensive. What negates all of it is that they will not take care of someone who needs 24-hour care. The interior impressed me more than the other facility I saw. It was very good, warm, and welcoming. ..."
Pricing not available
One Thomas More Way, San Francisco, CA 94132
4.2
(11 reviews)
"We toured AlmaVia of San Francisco, which is a much larger community. They have various amenities and activities to offer, because they have independent living, assisted living, memory care, and hospice. They cover all levels of care. We've tried the..."
Pricing not available
1531 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA 94109
5.0
(3 reviews)
"Kimochi Home is a senior living center that caters to the Japanese-American community as well. Most of the staff speaks Japanese and the food served is also Japanese. The people tend to be a bit older and requires more nursing care. They seemed to be..."
Pricing not available
302 Silver Ave, San Francisco, CA 94112
4.0
(7 reviews)
"San Francisco Campus for Jewish Living is so large, and my friend has a tendency to feel completely lost. They showed me a studio. It's quite good, but there was an industrial sense of the whole place that I didn't like. It was too large and more imp..."
Pricing not available
1881 Bush Street, San Francisco, CA 94109
4.2
(5 reviews)
"My friend is in Kokoro Assisted Living in Japantown. Overall, it's very good, but I think the only complaint, and it's a common one, is the food. They're working on improving things though, but right now, the food is not that great. The facility is f..."
Pricing not available
1035 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94109
4.6
(3 reviews)
"The Avenue offers assisted living with medical support and memory care, as well as retirement living. I've visited it and have referred three clients there. It's in a prime location--near the corner of Van Ness and Geary--in a good neighborhood: saf..."
Pricing not available
350 University Street , San Francisco, CA 94134
3.7
(9 reviews)
"ROOMS: The rooms are quiet and clean Residents do not need to bring their own furniture. Furniture, plus bed and bedding are provided. FOOD: I have visited but have not participated in any meals. So I cant say much about the food. STAFF: They h..."
$4,095
2970 25Th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132
4.5
(2 reviews)
"My wife and I were very pleased with the care her father received from the time he entered dementia until his recent passing. They were always very attentive to their guests. Very fortunate find for us! ..."
Pricing not available
1 Avalon Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94112
5.0
(1 reviews)
"My parents moved into the Frank Residences last November. I think it's a very good community. I think it's very well-run, well-managed, clean and very, very good. My parents are very, very happy there. The staff is excellent, very attentive, very goo..."
Pricing not available
1363 5th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122
5.0
(1 reviews)
"My sister has been living in Julie's Care Home for eight years now. They helped her with showering, and taking care of her medications. They feed her and they're careful about her diet, and they get her to medical appointments. The staff is very good..."
Pricing not available
Assisted Living
Ed215
3.0
Review of Aldersly
We were able to visit the Aldersly. We did not like it at all. It had the amenities that the other place had, but the dining room area was very small, and there were just regular standard tables...
Assisted Living
Ralph
4.0
Review of Buena Vista Manor House
I toured Buena Vista Manor House. I like that it's a privately held business, that David, the owner, is part of the hands-on, day-to-day operation of the Manor House, and that he made a very strong...
Assisted Living
Mary Fossourier
5.0
Review of Portola Gardens
ROOMS: The rooms are quiet and clean Residents do not need to bring their own furniture. Furniture, plus bed and bedding are provided. FOOD: I have visited but have not participated in any...
The 2024 Genworth Cost of Care Survey indicates that assisted living fees in San Francisco come in at around $7,495 per month, outpacing the state norm of $6,250 and exceeding rates in most nearby cities. For example, in Vallejo and Stockton, facilities charge about $4,944 and $4,363, respectively. Costs run even lower in Modesto, where seniors pay roughly $4,100.
San Francisco
$7,495
California
$6,250
United States
$5,350
San Jose
$7,150
Modesto
$4,100
Stockton
$4,363
Vallejo
$4,944
When trying to decide how to pay for assisted living, one of the first questions that comes up is "How much does it cost?" With the impact of inflation, it's more important than ever to have up-to-date information when making a financial plan for senior living. To help shed light on real senior living prices, Caring.com has compiled proprietary cost data from its network of more than 75,000 senior living providers to provide insight into the average cost of assisted living in San Francisco and 200 other cities in California.
San Francisco, and California as a whole, is focused on keeping seniors in their own homes for as long as possible. Financial help in paying for assisted living facilities is extremely limited when compared to in-home or nursing home care as a result of this statewide policy. The Assisted Living Waiver (ALW) program is available in San Francisco for people with full-scope Medi-Cal eligibility, although this does not cover all aspects of assisted living.
Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in California page.
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:
For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in California page.
Like many other things, the cost of assisted living care has gone up in San Francisco. Over the period 2022-24, prices for room and care in the city's assisted living communities rose from $7,099 a month to a projected $8,375 in 2024, an 18% increase in three years. During the same period, California in general saw a more modest rise in costs of just 13%. The national average hike was 18%, from $4,070 to $4,802 a month, similar to the cost of care in several California cities. Sacramento, Riverside and Bakersfield all rose by 18%.
| Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $7,099 | $7,777 | $8,375 |
| U.S. Average | $4,070 | $4,459 | $4,802 |
| California | $4,625 | $4,946 | $5,221 |
| Sacramento | $4,995 | $5,472 | $5,893 |
| Riverside | $4,814 | $5,274 | $5,680 |
| Bakersfield | $4,968 | $5,443 | $5,862 |
Assisted living fees in San Francisco land near $7,495 monthly. This rate runs a little lower than in-home care costs of approximately $7,531, and it provides roughly $1,100 in savings over home health care. Nursing homes charge notably higher rates, about $12,471 for semi-private accommodations. Adult day health care fees tend to run substantially lower at around $1,842.
In-Home Care
$7,531
Home Health Care
$8,580
Adult Day Health Care
$1,842
Assisted Living Facility
$7,495
Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room)
$12,471
There are many resources in San Francisco,CA that assist seniors in their retirement. Caring.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs and agencies and categorized them into care types for easy reference.
For information about statewide resources and those in nearby cities, go to Caring's California state page.
Retirees can find support and advice on various senior-related issues from their local Area Agency on Aging. The agency provides advice on topics such as financial assistance programs, in-home care and long-term care planning. It also connects seniors and caregivers with community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco Human Services Agency Disability + Aging Services | 415-355-3555 | California's network of Area Agencies on Aging work under the umbrella of the California Department of Aging. These agencies promote healthy living for older residents through a variety of federal and state-funded programs. Some of these programs include supportive services, senior nutrition programs, care management programs, caregiving services and Medicare and insurance counseling. Low-income seniors can become productive community members through volunteer programs, such as the Senior Companion Program and the Senior Community Service Employment Program. |
San Francisco seniors wishing to remain in their own homes can find financial assistance from several local resources. These programs and organizations help retirees cover the cost of services such as home care, property modifications and utilities.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) - San Francisco | 415-355-6700 | The In-Home Supportive Services Program covers the cost of home-based services that can help eligible participants avoid having to move out of their homes. Covered services include meal preparation, house cleaning, personal care and grocery shopping. |
| IHSS Independent Provider Assistance Center (IPAC) | 415-355-6700 | The In-Home Supportive Services Program covers the cost of home-based services that can help eligible participants avoid having to move out of their homes. Covered services include meal preparation, house cleaning, personal care and grocery shopping. |
Cash assistance programs in San Francisco provide financial support to help low-income retirees remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Seniors and caregivers can apply for tax rebates and reductions, discounts on vital services and help covering the cost of heating and cooling their home.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| County Adult Assistance Programs (CAAP) - San Francisco | 855-355-5757 | San Francisco's County Adult Assistance Programs are designed to assist low-income adults and elderly individuals who may not be eligible for other government assistance programs. CAAP offers financial aid, healthcare coverage and other essential support, ensuring that vulnerable residents can access basic necessities and medical care. Program benefits are issued monthly on an Electronic Benefit Transfer card, which functions like a bank card and can be used to make purchases at retail stores or to withdraw cash at ATMs. |
| General Assistance - San Francisco | 800-223-8383 | Older adults residing in San Mateo County, CA, may qualify for cash assistance to help pay for rent and utilities. Residents must provide documents such as pay stubs and bank statements to demonstrate they meet income and resource limits, as well as proof of residency showing they have lived in the county for at least 15 consecutive days. Applications may be submitted by mail or in person at a County of San Mateo Human Services Agency office. |
Local organizations help ensure elderly citizens have a balanced diet and receive essential vitamins and minerals to remain healthy. Through nutrition programs, congregate meals, home-delivered meals and food pantries, these programs help San Francisco seniors afford the nutritious food they need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Meals on Wheels San Francisco | 415-920-1111 | Meals on Wheels San Francisco delivers fresh and frozen meals daily, along with grocery bundles, to seniors aged 60 and over. To be considered for eligibility, a senior must be housebound, live alone or with a caregiver, have trouble shopping and preparing meals on their own or have had a recent stay in the hospital. No single factor determines eligibility or disqualifies an applicant. Meals and additional social services, such as daily check-ins, are also available at no cost. |
| San Francisco-Marin Food Bank | 415-282-1900 | San Francisco-Marin Food Bank provides groceries to low-income seniors. They offer free weekly grocery delivery to seniors who are homebound and unable to visit food pantry sites. Volunteers deliver a bag filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy and lean proteins. These deliveries promote independence and healthy living for seniors who can still cook for themselves. Seniors who are still mobile can visit pantries operated by the organization to choose a box of groceries with the help of volunteers. |
Due to the high cost of purchasing new medical equipment, several organizations in San Francisco collect lightly used medical devices such as wheelchairs, ramps and walkers and distribute them to local seniors and residents in need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The ReCARES Network - San Francisco | 415-487-5405 | The ReCARES Network in San Francisco provides lightly used health care and safety equipment free of charge to those in need, including seniors. The organization accepts donations of mobility aids, bedroom and bathroom aids, incontinence supplies, adaptive equipment and breathing aids. Seniors can choose between three locations throughout the city, and there is no need for Medicare, health insurance or ID. |
Senior centers in San Francisco bring together residents through recreational activities and events. Many also offer advice and support on senior issues, run wellness and nutrition programs, and connect older adults with other resources in the local area.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Institute on Aging - San Francisco | 415-750-4111 | The Institute on Aging provides and coordinates a continuum of culturally sensitive care for older adults over 65. IOA CONNECT links seniors with programs and community services, including the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), psychology and counseling services and caregiver training. The Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP) provides skilled nurses and social workers to help chronically ill seniors remain in their homes. Clients can also find legal and financial assistance, including representative payee and trustee services. A Friendship Line is open 24/7 for nonemergency emotional support and crisis intervention. |
| Bayview Hunters Point Adult Day Health Care Center | 415-826-4774 | The Bayview Hunters Point Adult Day Health Care Center is a community resource that provides specialized care and support for older adults who would otherwise be homebound or isolated. The center offers a safe and stimulating environment where seniors can receive personal care assistance, nutritious meals and opportunities for social interaction. Some services offered include medication management, physical therapy sessions, counseling and nursing assistance. The center also provides recreational programming, including exercises, dance parties and arts and crafts. |
| Bayview Senior Connections | 415-822-1444 | Located in San Francisco, Bayview Senior Connections promotes the well-being of African American seniors by providing a wide range of essential social services and health care from its friendly, engaging community centers. The organization's Adult Day Health Center offers specialist health care including physical therapy, speech therapy and psychological counseling, alongside fun recreational activities such as fitness sessions, dance parties and special celebrations. Seniors can also enjoy tasty and healthy hot meals, courtesy of Bayview Senior Connections' popular nutrition program. |
| OMI (Oceanview, Merced Heights, and Ingleside) Senior Center | 415-334-5550 | The San Francisco Department of Human Services supports OMI, the Oceanview, Merced Heights and Ingleside senior center. OMI offers congregate meals, senior-oriented social activities and caregiver support and education during operating hours, which run from Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Services are open to seniors aged 60 and over who register as members. Meals are a suggested $2 for seniors, though this can be waived. Visitors must wear masks and provide proof of vaccination. |
| Stepping Stone Senior Centers - San Francisco | 415-359-9210 | SteppingStone provides health care and social support to seniors living with chronic conditions or disabilities. Located in San Francisco, CA, this adult day health care facility develops care plans for each participant based on their needs, promoting their independence and overall well-being. During each 4-hour visit, seniors may receive physical therapy, wellness checks, medication management, nutritious meals and social support. SteppingStone provides services in a variety of languages, including English, Cantonese, Mandarin, Spanish, Korean and Vietnamese. |
| Golden State Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) | 415-387-2750 | Golden State Adult Day Health Care provides a safe and caring environment to help seniors stay healthy and active. Older adults needing treatment and support for physical or mental conditions may access physical, speech and massage therapies, nutrition and psychological counseling, medication management and nursing services. Nutritious meals and organized activities are also provided. Residents of San Francisco, San Mateo, Pacifica, Daly City and parts of Oakland may register for the program. |
| Mission Neighborhood Centers | 415-206-7752 | Seniors living in the San Francisco area can take part in an array of engaging group activities and wellness initiatives organized by Mission Neighborhood Centers. Available at locations throughout the city, these activities include music lessons, arts and crafts workshops, karaoke, exercise classes, computer literacy classes, social outings, health screenings and nutrition counseling. Older adults and adults with disabilities can also socialize and enjoy healthy congregate meals together on weekdays from 12 to 1 p.m. |
| San Francisco Senior Centers | 415-202-7805 | There are two San Francisco senior centers catering to adults with disabilities and seniors aged 60 or older. One in Aquatic Park is open on weekdays, and the other in the downtown area is open daily. Buses are available to access both locations. Seniors can participate in exercise classes, share a meal with friends, meditate, learn ceramics or engage in many other activities. Assistance with sometimes challenging tasks, such as filling out applications or getting referrals, is also available. |
| Self Help for the Elderly - Geen Mun Senior Center | 415-677-7600 | Self-Help for the Elderly assists seniors aged 60 and above in the Chinatown community of San Francisco through the Geen Mun Senior Center on Stockton Street. They're open Monday through Saturday, serving fresh, nutritious meals each day. Activities such as tai chi, yoga and educational workshops keep seniors engaged and interacting with other senior center members. Blood pressure monitoring is also provided as part of the effort to promote continued independence and ensure wellness. |
| Toolworks' ADRC | 415-733-0990 | Toolworks' Aging and Disability Resource Center is a senior center in San Francisco that acts as a single point of focus for seniors and low-income San Franciscans seeking social services and community support. Seniors aged 55 and over, or adults of any age with a disability, can visit the center for help signing up for affordable housing, SNAP, vouchers for public transportation and other assistance programs. Expert case management is also available, as are ASL services for the deaf. |
Senior engagement resources and programs in San Francisco help older adults remain active and ensure they contribute to the community. Resources include wellness programs, volunteer opportunities, support groups and organizations that help residents connect with the community to live fulfilling lives.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Memory Cafe Ruth's Table | 415-642-1000 | Dementia-friendly programs offered by this charity include the Crossroads Cafe. It provides a safe place for seniors affected by memory loss to enjoy a meal, socialize and take part in leisure activities. Cafe offerings include guided tours of different museums and friendly bocce ball games in a supervised environment that's safe for people experiencing cognitive challenges. |
| UCSF Memory and Aging Center | 415-353-2057 | The UCSF Memory and Aging Center is a leading research hospital that can help Emeryville families from the diagnosis of dementia through treatment and long-term care. In addition, the center empowers family caregivers by providing information, training and resources, including a 10-step planning process. UCSF operates a Community Outreach program to improve access to clinical services in Emeryville and throughout the Bay Area. |
| Openhouse - San Francisco | 415-347-8509 | Openhouse - San Francisco is a senior engagement center with an emphasis on LGBTQ+ seniors and adults with disabilities. The center organizes community programs to help keep seniors engaged with their community through daily social gatherings, intergenerational lunch discussions, senior-led groups, film screenings, movement classes, cultural events and community advocacy groups. This is a project of the San Francisco Department of Human Services Department of Aging and Disability Services, so participation is free. Seniors can sign up for events online. |
Social Security offices in San Francisco help seniors and disabled people access the benefits they're entitled to. Older adults can contact their local office for information about receiving retirement benefits, disability allowance and Supplemental Security Income.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco Social Security Offices | 800-772-1213 | Social Security is a source of income available to retirees and people who can no longer work because of a disability. The money for Social Security comes from a payroll tax levied on employers, employees and self-employed individuals. When you retire, you'll receive monthly payments based on how much you earned when you were working. |
Low-income seniors who are struggling to meet the costs of maintaining their homes can find support from organizations that offer assistance with utility and energy bills. San Francisco retirees could also qualify for emergency funding programs if they're in danger of losing utility services due to unpaid invoices.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program - San Franscisco | 866-675-6623 | The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps eligible households balance their utility bills, while the LIHEAP Energy Crisis Prevention Program provides financial assistance to low-income households facing energy-related crises. For example, the ECPP may offer assistance to a homeowner who's in danger of having their power shut off. |
San Francisco retirees who have served in the U.S. military can find support from local veteran services. These offices and organizations help vets access the benefits they're eligible for and provide advice and information on a variety of issues.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco Vet Center | 415-441-5051 | At the San Francisco Vet Center, veterans and their loved ones can receive confidential counseling and support services without cost. Telehealth appointments make care accessible to all, with counseling sessions available for individuals, groups, families and couples. The center supports those suffering from PTSD, depression, anxiety and trauma, and it offers grief counseling for those who have lost a loved one or who are undergoing a major change. It also partners with Project Homeless Connect to support homeless veterans. |
San Francisco Assisted Living Communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all Assisted Living facilities in CA are required to follow. Assisted Living in California page for more information about these laws.
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