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Assisted Living Communities in San Francisco, CA
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 assisted living residences within the city limits and 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 2320 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.
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Reviews of Communities Nearby
Assisted Living
Adreas
5.0
Review of Aldersly
My mother is with Aldersly. They offer many activities for residents and provide services. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. It's a totally different living environment than what I'm...
Assisted Living
Patricia
5.0
Review of Sagebrook Senior Living
Sagebrook Senior Living is beautiful. I love it. It's just a bit too steep. They want $6,800 without the care, and that's kind of a bit too much for our income. The community is great. The view was...
Provider response
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback about your recent visit to Sagebrook Senior Living. We were delighted to read your kind words about our beautiful community, fantastic views...
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...
Provider response
Thank you for sharing your impressions following your visit to Aldersly. We truly appreciate the time you took to explore the community and provide such detailed feedback. Thank you again for your...
What you can do with Caring
Key Highlights
- Assisted Living Costs: San Francisco has assisted living facility, with a median cost of $8,500/month.
- Nationally Ranked Medical Facilities: San Francisco has numerous medical facilities, including the nationally ranked UCSF Health Medical Center and the high-performing John Muir Health Concord Medical Center.
- Facility Amenities: San Francisco’s assisted living facilities typically offer a diverse activity schedule to nourish social, physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being. Other common features include indoor and outdoor leisure areas, pet-friendly accommodations, and nutritious meals.
- Nearby Excursions: In addition to strolls around Fisherman’s Wharf, boat trips, and excursions to Alcatraz, San Francisco offers beaches, wineries, and museums such as the Asian Art Museum and de Young Museum. The Japanese Tea Garden and San Francisco Botanical Garden offer more opportunities for relaxation.
Here's how Caring can support your research and decision-making process:
- Our expert Family Advisor services are free and personalized. They can assist you with booking tours and finding assisted living within your budget. Reach them for free assistance at (800) 558-0653.
- We'll connect you with assisted living communities and in-home care providers in San Francisco that match your unique care needs and budget.
You can explore 2320 reviews from seniors and their families about their experiences with local providers to help inform your decision.
What Is the Cost of Assisted Living in San Francisco?
San Francisco's assisted living facilities charge a median fee of $8,500/month, according to CareScout. The monthly baseline drops to $6,390 in Santa Cruz. Rates in San Francisco run over $100 higher than California's norm of $7,350 and $2,600 more than the typical national cost of $5,900.
Assisted Living Costs in San Francisco
- San Francisco: $8,500
- Santa Cruz: $6,390
- California: $7,350
- U.S.: $5,900
Assisted living v. In-home care in San Francisco
At $8,500/month, assisted living costs about $500 more each month in San Francisco than full-time in-home care and home health care, which share a median rate of $8,008. Assisted living supports seniors in a residential environment, where they also have access to varied leisure activities and amenities. In comparison, home care provides assistance from visiting aides, allowing older adults to age in their homes.
| Assisted Living | In-Home Care | Home Health Care | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | $8,500 | $8,008 ($42/hour) | $8,008 ($42/hour) |
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How Do People Pay for Assisted Living in San Francisco?
Several payment options exist for assisted living residents in San Francisco, including private resources such as savings and financial assistance. Understanding eligibility for public funding plays a crucial role, and seniors often use several payment methods to cover their care fees.
| Payment Option | ✅ Coverage | 🚫 No Coverage |
|---|---|---|
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Low-income and financial assistance programs are also available in San Francisco.
What Are Reviews of Assisted Living in San Fransico?
Reviews of assisted living communities in San Francisco offer personal insights from seniors and their families about the quality of care, amenities, and overall experience.
Seniors and their families have shared their experiences with communities across San Francisco:
- Average rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Total reviews: 2320 reviews
- Providers reviewed: providers
Each review is carefully vetted to ensure authenticity and integrity, helping families make confident, informed decisions.
For questions or more information about Caring reviews, reach out to reviews@caring.com.
Which San Francisco Communities Are Caring Stars?
Each year, we award Caring Stars to top-rated communities that have high average ratings, great reviews, and demonstrate review responsiveness. In the past 3 years, California has had 113 Caring Stars winners.
What Assisted Living Amenities Are Available in San Francisco?
Assisted living facilities offer diverse amenities to promote engagement, enhance comfort, and encourage independence. Blending practical support with personal freedom and balancing diverse interests, a community's amenities help cultivate a sense of well-being and appeal to varying lifestyles.
Living accommodations
San Francisco's assisted living residences provide various accommodation options, including private en-suite studios and one- or two-bedroom apartments.
- Studio apartments: Present in 143 communities
- One-bedroom apartments: Available in 133 communities
- Two-bedroom apartments: Offered by 72 communities
- Three-bedroom apartments: Found in 3 communities
- Respite/short-term stays: Available at 66 communities
Popular amenities and lifestyle features
Older adults benefit from wide-ranging amenities and diverse activity schedules, geared toward enhancing life enjoyment. Keeping preferred features in mind can help narrow down the search for the ideal assisted living residence.
- Special interest clubs, such as reading and walking, connect residents who share similar interests.
- On-site fitness centers and instructor-led exercise classes support physical wellness.
- Multi-faith prayer rooms and chapels support diverse spiritual beliefs.
- Communal dining lets residents bond over meals, and diverse menus cater to wide-ranging tastes and dietary needs.
- Salon services allow seniors to enjoy a little pampering.
- Wi-Fi and public-use computers allow residents to keep in touch with loved ones, manage their affairs, and access online resources.
- Nurse oversight monitors residents’ overall health and well-being.
- Gardens provide outdoor recreation, with shaded seating areas, walking pathways, and areas for yard games.
Additionally, some facilities in San Francisco feature:
- Pet friendly: In 156 communities
- Active lifestyle: In 77 communities
- Swimming pool: In 17 communities
- Entertainment venues: In 62 communities
- Laundry/Linen services: In 108 communities
- Bilingual Spanish support: In 90 communities
Seniors can connect with an expert Family Advisor for free information and assistance in finding the best assisted living facility for their preferences and requirements. They can conveniently compare local residences and focus on the services and features that matter most to them.
What Are Senior-Friendly Amenities and Attractions in San Francisco?
With expansive outdoor areas and a rich cultural scene combined with top-class medical facilities and senior-friendly services, San Francisco offers enjoyment and convenience for its older residents. Favorable features for retirees include:
- Extensive Public Transport: San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency operates the county’s first publicly-owned transit system, Muni, which includes buses, trains, streetcars, and cable cars. Wide coverage connects most neighborhoods, and low-income seniors 65 and older can ride for free.
- High-Performing Medical Facilities: UCSF Health Medical Center ranks nationally for overall services and comes in second nationwide for geriatric care. Among San Francisco’s other top-quality facilities, John Muir Health’s Concord Medical Center and Walnut Creek Medical Center provide high-performing geriatric services.
- Comfortable Climate: The coastal city experiences moderate temperature changes throughout the year, with mild winters and warm summers.
- Specialized Senior Activities: San Francisco Human Services Agency operates several senior centers where older adults can mingle with their peers and join a variety of activities such as fitness classes, games, and computer workshops. Centers also offer excursions and lifelong learning classes, and some provide low-cost meals.
- Creative and Cultural Appeal: The vibrant creative scene in San Francisco ranges from citywide public art and contemporary displays at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art to organized fine art collections at the de Young Museum and Legion of Honor. Performing arts fans can visit the San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center, as well as the San Francisco Opera, Ballet, and Symphony.
- Outdoor Leisure: San Francisco has over 200 outdoor spaces managed by San Francisco Recreation and Parks. The largest, Golden Gate Park, boasts gardens, lakes, meadows, and memorials, and offers a huge selection of activities. Baker Beach and Ocean Beach offer scenic vistas and oceanside strolls, and active seniors can take guided tours to explore historic attractions and nature at the nearby Angel Island State Park.
What Are the Laws & Regulations for Assisted Living in San Francisco?
Strict statewide laws apply to California’s licensed assisted living facilities, promoting resident safety and care while ensuring appropriate staff training and facility standards. Visit our Assisted Living in California page for more information.
FAQ and Answers on Assisted Living in San Francisco
Sources
- Calculate the cost of long-term care near you. (2025). CareScout.
- Medi-Cal resources. (2025). HCS.
- HCBS provider minimum wage increase. (2025). HCS.
- Muni routes and stops. (2025). San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency.
- Free Muni for seniors (ages 65+). (2025). San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency.
- UCSF Health. (2025). University of California San Francisco.
- Concord Medical Center. (2025). John Muir Health.
- Walnut Creek Medical Center. (2025). John Muir Health.
- Climate and average weather year round in San Francisco. (n.d.). Weather Spark.
- Adult learning and activities. (2025). San Francisco Human Services Agency.
- Higher learning classes for older adults. (2025). San Francisco Human Services Agency.
- SFMOMA. (2025). San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
- Visit de Young. (2025). Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco.
- Visit the Legion of Honor. (2025). Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco.
- San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center. (2024.). San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center.
- San Francisco Opera. (n.d.). San Francisco Opera.
- San Francisco Ballet. (n.d.). San Francisco Ballet.
- San Francisco Symphony. (n.d.). San Francisco Symphony.
- Explore our parks. (n.d.). San Francisco Recreation and Parks.
- Discover Golden Gate Park. (n.d.). San Francisco Recreation and Parks.
- Angel Island State Park. (2025). California State Parks.
