Surrounded by forested areas and prairies, Columbia sits in central Missouri close to the Missouri River Valley. For those seeking assisted living in this region, 2024 cost data suggests that the average monthly cost comes to around $4,411, tracking nearly $1,000 below the nationwide median. There are 33 facilities within the area to choose from, along with options in neighboring cities.
Our guide includes 135 reviews reviews and finds an average satisfaction rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars stars, giving you a closer look at the quality of assisted living in Columbia.
5000 E Richland Rd, Columbia, MO 65201
Our Difference: High staffing ratio- 1 caregiver for every 5 residents Delicious home cooked meals Transparent pricing, no add on charges- rate doesn't change with increasing care needs Pet friendly To learn more about this provider's license and review other available state reports, please visit: Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Licensing and Certification
$2,750
550 Stone Valley Parkway, Columbia, MO 65201
4.6
(6 reviews)
"We toured The Westbury. The young woman who gave us the tour was bright, very caring, and answered all of our questions to our satisfaction. We were not able to try the food, but the menu looked great. The facility was fresh and clean. The layout seemed to be well thought out with most of these amenities and services being centrally located to both independent living and assisted care."
$2,845
9415 N Brown Station Rd, Columbia, MO 65202
3.9
(11 reviews)
"I went to Hillcrest Assisted Living. It's affordable, and I liked that it was kind of tucked outside of town a little bit. It had sort of more of a country, outside-of-the-city feel to it. I thought the place was good. I saw them making meals and they were making bacon and all kinds of good stuff in the kitchen. So it seems like a house environment. It doesn't feel like a hospital. It looks a little dated like things are a little older. It's around five to ten minutes max of pretty much Columbia has to offer."
$2,800
1406 Business Loop 70 West, Columbia, MO 65202
3.8
(8 reviews)
"Candlelight Lodge Retirement Center is perfect, and we love them. They have all kinds of activities and they also have dog shows that go in there. We like everything about the place. The staff is awesome, very understanding and very professional. They have all kinds of things for the ladies, everything from sewing or knitting. And the place itself is very clean and the food is really good too. The people there are very friendly."
$3,750
1510 Chapel Hill Road, Columbia, MO 65203
4.5
(6 reviews)
"Colony Pointe was very well-kept. It's a fairly new facility and it has a very new feel to it. It looked great. The room was spacious. It's actually bigger than our living room at home. It had a very nice-sized bathroom. I was very impressed by the quality of the room. The director's name is Dan, and he spent over an hour with us. He interviewed us, and he took copious notes. He assured us that everything that I do for my wife at home, they could do there, including her diabetes care and her insulin monitoring. We can bring our portable oxygen machine there. So it would just be really a nice home away from home. They have games and puzzles. We saw about seven or eight of the residents, and I think they were playing cards. They're all very lucid and seemed to be enjoying themselves. They've got a spa day. One thing that my wife just loves is to get a back rub and a massage. And I told them if she can get a massage every day, she won't want to come home. When I had the talk with her about this plan of her going into a place while I'm on my recharging vacation, I wasn't sure how she would take it, but she said she was willing to try. Overall, I was very, very pleased when I left the place. The staff who assisted us was great. He was very attentive. He asked all the right questions. He spent time with us. He's the head of the facility and I really, really liked him. The community was squeaky clean. "
Pricing not available
2333 Chapel Hill Road, Columbia, MO 65203
4.5
(15 reviews)
"Cedarhurst of Columbia is a very nice place. They have activities. They have a very caring staff. The people that are there seem to be engaged and I have a friend who has been there since that place opened and she enjoys it. It's very appropriate for her. So, for someone who is somewhat sociable and somewhat independent, I would highly recommend that place. The facilities were all very clean and very well kept. It was a very nice atmosphere. There was plenty of room. The dining hall was very nice. They have activity rooms and a theater where they show movies. They have a physical therapy and an exercise room which has lots of equipment and lots of room. They offer other things like music and arts and those are planned. They have a daily schedule and there is an activities director who seems to be actively involved with the residents. It was all very nice. There are two Megans there that I know and they're both very good. There are a lot of options for the food. If you don't particularly like what is being served that day, they have an a la carte menu that you can choose from. They showed me the menu and if what is being served that day is not something you want, as long as you order it in time from the kitchen, there are options. So, that seemed to be a nice feature there as far as food. I know food is a big deal. They also have community activities and my friend has kept me in touch with them because I ask about them, although I haven't gone, they have a wine and cheese party where they invite people who are interested in placing their loved ones there. They can come and join in their monthly activities, which are open pretty much to the public."
Pricing not available
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3105 Bluff Creek Drive, Columbia, MO 65201
3.2
(12 reviews)
"My friend was at The Bluffs and then she passed away there. She was just in this place because she couldn't live on her own anymore, and so she lived there. It was very attractive. It was really very beautiful on the outside, and really attractive on the inside. In the main area, it was very homey. The private rooms were more hospital-like, so people could bring their own things to make the room personal. I didn't have a lot of interaction with the staff, except when I checked in they were very friendly, and helpful, and when looking for her room, I got lost, and they were very helpful. The condition of the place was very nice. It's newer so it was in very good shape. Cleanliness was very good. They had a recreation room with some fish tanks. They had a piano in the lobby area."
Pricing not available
3104 Bluff Creek Drive, Columbia, MO 65201
4.3
(6 reviews)
"I visited The Arbors at Bluff Creek, but I didn't choose it because I don't think that the person I need care for is at the level of dementia where most of their patients are. The rooms that I saw and their amenities were adequate, we also toured the outside of the facility. There was music playing on the TV and that's really all we saw going on. The staff was very nice. The apartments were small and clean for a double room. There was a salon, but I didn't see a library, and I think that they do take some of them out of the community."
$5,270
3710 S. Lenoir Street, Columbia, MO 65201
3.9
(16 reviews)
"We went over Lenoir Woods, and it was pretty good. They're excellent. Everything we looked at was very nice. They've been in the business for a long time, and they seem to know what they're doing. The people seemed to be happy with it. Everything is spotless. It looks like it's brand new. They did complete the renovation in 2017, and it looked beautiful. It's close to the doctors. My daughter lives in Columbia, and my sons when they come to visit me have a place to stay. They provide provisions for visitors and everything."
Pricing not available
1990 W Southampton Drive, Columbia, MO 65203
4.4
(5 reviews)
"I take my sister, who has pretty bad dementia, to a daycare program in Mill Creek Village. It's in their long-term memory facility (The Arbors), but they have daycare patients. It's been marvelous. The first thing you always notice is how clean it is. For each holiday, they decorate beautifully. The staff is just really, really nice. I know they go for walks, but I'm not real sure of the other activities. The staff is incredibly friendly, incredibly competent, and very, very good. The people seemed satisfied. It's hard for me because she always wants to leave with me, but they'll easily divert her for me. There's a beauty shop. It's difficult for me to wash her hair and stuff like that, but they take care of that. It's always decorated. Right now, there's a beautiful tree up and Christmas decorations. It's very nice. It smells good, and they had tablecloths and flowers on the table, and nice chairs."
Pricing not available
301 S. Henry Clay Blvd, Ashland, MO 65010
4.0
(4 reviews)
"We placed my husband in Ashland Villa Senior Living. My cousin is there, and I've known other people there. It's always friendly, the people know each other, and I know that he knew some of the people before he went in, and that makes it easier. They have treated him very nicely, he has been having difficulty adjusting, but they have been patient throughout that adjustment period. It hasn't always been easy for them, but they have been very good about it, and I appreciate that. He calls me after every meal and tells me what he had to eat, he always describes wonderful food, and he's eating absolutely everything. He's quite happy there, he enjoys playing bingo, they had an outside concert one day, and I saw residents walking outside and getting their exercise. I think it's worth the price."
Pricing not available
102 Redtail Drive, Ashland, MO 65010
5.0
(1 reviews)
"I've been to Bluegrass Terrace several times, but there were only women there. It's very clean, very homey, and very attractive. I know the workers, and the residents. The people were dedicated during COVID, and some of them moved in and self-isolated with the residents. They just take wonderful care of them. The residents can go for bible lessons if they choose."
Pricing not available
2631 Fairway Dr, Fulton, MO 65251
3.3
(3 reviews)
"We moved my dad into Valley Park Retirement. They said they could care for my dad, and we really like the place. We wanted to be in Fulton (if at all possible), so it fits all those criteria. They're taking good care of him, and we're pleased with it. They watch out for him. They included him in their activities, and they're very caring. Well looking at the menus and from what I've heard, the food is really good. They have bingo. They have exercises. They have church. They do have movies. They have a variety of things. We wanted the place to be Fulton, and so it is. The location was a big thing for our decision. It's a small place, there's only 18 to 19 people that are there. They have a lot of attention."
Pricing not available
315 East Stone Street, Sturgeon, MO 65284
4.0
(1 reviews)
"My husband was at Sturgeon Rest Home, but we moved him out. He fell out of bed a couple of times, and they didn't tell me, so I was not happy with his care. The staff was knowledgeable and pleasant to work with. The grounds were nice, and it was convenient. He was in a shared room, but they had their own beds and TVs."
Pricing not available
120 Hospital Drive, Fulton, MO 65251
4.0
(1 reviews)
"My experience regarding this facility has been very positive. The staff are very caring and have the best interests of the individiuals living there at heart. I would like to see an increase in the staff to individual ratio on the three shifts, but like many facilties this is not always possible. "
Pricing not available
828 JEFFERSON STREET, Fulton, MO 65251
2.5
(2 reviews)
"My 20 year old son can take care of himself but he is in a condition wherein he needs supervision. Jefferson Lodge provides a better and quick help for him. The staff there is very excellent in helping him out. His room may not be that big but it should be more than enough for him. "
Pricing not available
610 North Jefferson Street, Centralia, MO 65240
3.0
(2 reviews)
"This is a great facility. Bristol Manor treated my mom wonderfully. I would highly recommend this facility. "
Pricing not available
811 Center Street, Fulton, MO 65251
4.0
(3 reviews)
"I have nothing but positive things to say about this place. Staff are kind and knowledgeable. The food is amazing. My mother was here for rehab services after a recent fall at home and enjoyed her 3 month stay. 10/10 would recommend Kingdom Care Senior Living for your loved ones. "
Pricing not available
615 Rankin Mill Lane, Boonville, MO 65233
4.5
(2 reviews)
"My mother is in early stage of Alzheimers, she lives in an independent senior housing in Hartman Village. She's been there for quite sometime now. Everything is okay. They were all very nice people and the facility is very neat & clean. The food is great she eats her food always. It has a quiet and peaceful environment. Her room is spacious and they make sure that her room is clean it all times. They are very caring. I will recommend this facility to others. "
Pricing not available
1290 W Ashley Rd, Boonville, MO 65233
To learn more about this provider’s license and review other available state reports, please visit: Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Licensing and Certification
Pricing not available
Assisted Living
Krista
4.0
Review of Hillcrest Assisted Living
We visited Hillcrest Assisted Living. The staff was really friendly, especially the cook. He was nice. He gave me the tour for the first time and he was very friendly. As far as why we chose that...
Assisted Living
Linda
5.0
Review of Cedarhurst of Columbia
Cedarhurst of Columbia is a very nice place. They have activities. They have a very caring staff. The people that are there seem to be engaged and I have a friend who has been there since that...
Assisted Living
Robert
5.0
Review of Hillcrest Assisted Living
I went to Hillcrest Assisted Living. It's affordable, and I liked that it was kind of tucked outside of town a little bit. It had sort of more of a country, outside-of-the-city feel to it. I...
Seniors in Columbia pay around $4,411 per month for assisted living, according to the 2024 Genworth Cost of Care Survey. This cost offers savings of about $440 below Missouri’s median and tracks well below rates in nearby cities. For example, in St. Louis, monthly fees run about $700 higher, and seniors in Kansas City pay over $1,000 more. Similarly, in Jefferson City, rates are near $5,779.
Columbia
$4,411
Missouri
$4,851
United States
$5,350
Jefferson City
$5,779
St. Louis
$5,100
Cape Girardeau
$4,420
Kansas City
$5,475
Eligible seniors seeking financial aid for assisted living costs have access to Missouri’s Medicaid plan. Seniors can also take advantage of non-Medicaid programs for financial aid. Missouri’s Pharmacy Assistance program, MORx and the Older Americans Act offer assistance to seniors.
Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in Missouri 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 Missouri page.
Assisted living communities in the Columbia region charge around $4,411 per month. This option costs notably less than nursing home care, which comes in near $5,369, highlighting it as a budget-friendly option for those with limited medical needs. It also offers savings compared to in-home care and home health care, which have higher respective monthly rates of $6,483 and $6,673.
In-Home Care
$6,483
Home Health Care
$6,673
Assisted Living Facility
$4,411
Nursing Home Facility (semi-private room)
$5,369
Seniors in Columbia have access to many resources, including support if something is wrong in an assisted living community. These examples also show some of what’s available to help make assisted living an affordable choice for seniors and their families.
| Resource | Contact | Service |
|---|---|---|
| VA Aid and Attendance Benefits | (816) 246-1411 | U.S. military veterans currently residing in senior living facilities are entitled to apply for the VA Aid and Attendance benefit to help them cover a portion of their care costs. The spouses of vets can also apply for the monthly payment, which can be up to $1,881 for an individual veteran, $1,209 for a surviving spouse or $2,230 for a couple. There’s no requirement to repay the benefit. Vets who are unsure if they qualify can check by using the free tool on the VeteranAid.org website. |
| Medicaid – Supplemental Nursing Care Program | (855) 373-4636 | The Supplemental Nursing Care Program can help low-income seniors in assisted living communities meet some of their costs. As it’s a Medicaid program, it can’t cover room and board costs. However, if the senior can satisfy the income, citizenship and health restrictions, the program can provide some financial assistance. As of 2021, the program makes monthly payments of $50 to the senior for their personal needs and $292 to the assisted living facility to cover personal care services. |
| CLAIM – Medicare Counseling | (800) 390-3330 | CLAIM is a nonprofit organization that has taken on the role of the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for Missouri. It serves Medicare beneficiaries and seniors who need help with enrolling in a plan. The organization’s services are free and unbiased, including times when the counselors may suggest private health care insurance. Counselors do not sell health insurance, their role is to help seniors make informed decisions that ensure they have the right coverage for their needs. |
| Long-Term Care Ombudsman | (573) 443-5823 | Seniors residing in residential care communities, their families and third parties can register complaints about facilities to the Long-Term Care Ombudsman. The ombudsman will investigate the complaints and seek resolutions with the owners and managers of the facilities. Also, families can request access to the data held about assisted living communities in Columbia. The ombudsman does not charge for this service. |
Columbia-area assisted living communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all assisted living communities in Missouri are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in Missouri page for more information about these laws.
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