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Coastal San Francisco is the cultural and financial hub of the northern half of the state and has a variety of attractions for seniors to enjoy year-round in the mild weather. The historical city is home to the famed Fisherman’s Wharf, a sprawling waterfront attraction that offers sightseeing tours, ferry rides, eateries and shopping markets. Seniors can also visit Golden Gate Park, which houses an aquarium, a Japanese tea garden and several lakes. The city is also home to several professional sports teams, including the MLB’s Giants, the NFL’s 49ers, and the NBA’s Golden State Warriors. The city, which has the second densest population in the country, has a higher senior population than the state and national averages, likely due to its ease of accessibility and range of attractions.
The cost of assisted living in San Francisco is $4,750 per month, which is a little more expensive than the state average, although costs can vary depending on the location and range of services offered.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
Assisted living in San Francisco costs an average of $4,750 per month, which is slightly higher than the state average of $4,500 and the national average of $4,051. Assisted living costs in the area can vary widely by state, with nearby Nevada coming in at $3,400 per month and sunny Arizona averaging $3,750. Along the coast, Oregon comes in at $4,499 and further North, Washington averages $5,500 per month.
San Francisco’s average cost of assisted living is on par with that of San Diego, which also comes in at $4,750 per month. Los Angeles and capital city Sacramento are slightly more affordable, each coming in at $4,500 per month, while nearby Santa Cruz averages $5,250. Wine country destinations Napa and Santa Rosa are some of the most costly in the state, with average monthly costs of $5,250 and $5,640, respectively. Some of the state’s most affordable retirement destinations include Bakersfield, which averages $3,650 and Merced, which comes in at $3,175.
The California government offers a variety of Home and Community-Based Services Waivers to seniors with fixed incomes. These vouchers, provided through Medi-Cal, the state Medicaid program, help defray the costs of health care, transportation and assisted living.
To learn more about financial assistance programs and their eligibility requirements, visit our Assisted Living in California page.
| Contact | Description | |
| San Francisco Office of Aging | (415) 355-3555 | This government entity runs a resource center where seniors can access nutrition programs, financial assistance, in-home care programs, transportation services and social outreach. This organization is responsible for investigating and preventing elder abuse in long-term care facilities. |
| Golden Gate Senior Services | (415) 221-2780 | This nonprofit operates senior centers throughout the city with day programs that offer computer classes, art workshops, exercise instruction and social activities. A lunch program offers a rotating menu of vibrant and nutritious meals five days a week. Through a partnership with the University of San Francisco School of Nursing, seniors can access free health assessments at the Castro Senior Center. |
| County Veterans Service Office | (415) 934-4200 | At the VA office, veterans and their families can find help with determining eligibility, filing applications and submitting appeals for VA benefits. Educational assistance and career placement resources are also available, as are health care enrollment services. |
| San Francisco Senior Center | (415)775-1866 | In addition to operating a resource center for elder immigrants, this center operates a low-cost hot lunch program and day programs for seniors. Educational resources, including financial literacy, language classes, scam awareness and tax preparation courses, are available. Members can also access social services, including mental health counseling and referrals. |
| Meals on Wheels San Francisco | (415) 920-1111 | This volunteer-run organization delivers fresh and nutritious meals seven days a week to isolated or mobility-impaired seniors. These volunteers also provide wellness checks, transportation services and assistance with chores or small home repairs. Home-delivered grocery programs and social service referrals are also offered. |
| Bayview Senior Services | (415) 822-1444 | This nonprofit offers a variety of resources to seniors, including housing assistance, case management and social service referrals. A nutrition program provides hot meals at senior centers throughout the city. Day health programs offer access to nurses, psychologists, social workers and physical, speech and occupational therapists, as well as recreational activities, such as games and entertainment. |
| Swords to Plowshares | (415) 561-2610 | A veteran-helping-veteran initiative, this organization offers employment training and placement services, as well as pro bono legal assistance. A health and wellness program offers support groups, counseling, case management and mental health care. Veterans and their families can also access financial assistance for housing. |
Assisted living communities in San Francisco must adhere to the senior protections laid out by the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division. To learn more about these regulations, visit our Assisted Living in California page.