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Santa Monica is a well-known coastal city that’s famous for its sunny climate and busy beaches. An average of 310 days of sun per year allows residents to enjoy outdoor attractions such as Venice Beach and the historical Santa Monica Pier, which is home to an amusement park, an aquarium and several fishing areas. The area is also home to a lively arts and entertainment scene, which includes the Santa Monica Film Festival and the New West Symphony.
Assisted living costs in the area are on par with the state average, and the city is home to a higher population of seniors than the national median. Several retirement incentives are available here, including tax breaks for seniors and a voucher program that provides financial assistance to seniors with restricted incomes.
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 >
As part of the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area, Santa Monica shares the city’s average cost of living of $4,500 per month. This is on par with the state average of $4,500 per month but slightly more costly than the national average of $4,051. Assisted living costs in California are about equal with northern neighbor Oregon, which comes at $4,499 per month, but more costly than eastern neighbor Arizona, which comes in at $3,750 per month. Assisted living in Nevada is more affordable at $3,400 per month, and Hawaii, which comes in at $4,375.
With an assisted living cost that’s on par with the state average, Santa Monica provides a good balance between affordability and convenience. Nearby, San Diego comes in at $4,750 per month and just up the coast, the Oxnard area averages $5,000. The San Jose area has a median assisted living cost of $5,853 monthly, and Wine Country destinations like Napa and Santa Rosa come in at $5,250 and $5,640 respectively. Some of the most affordable assisted living costs in the state can be found in Merced, which averages $3,175 monthly and Riverside, at $3,525.
The state’s Medi-Cal program offers several waivers to help low-income seniors cover the costs of assisted living, home-based services and mental health care. The state also provides property tax breaks for seniors over the age of 62 and doesn’t tax Social Security income.
To learn more about financial assistance for seniors in Santa Monica, visit our Assisted Living in California page.
| Contact | Description | |
| California Department of Aging | (916) 419-7500 | This state-operated organization provides employment training, legal services, caregiver support and a food and nutrition program. A variety of home-based services are available, as is a fall prevention program and Medicaid counseling. This organization is responsible for regulating care homes and ensuring their residents are treated with dignity. |
| Veterans’ Affairs Los Angeles Regional Office | 1(800)827-1000 | Veterans and their spouses can apply for government benefits here. A health center provides prescription refills, lab tests and mental health treatments. Housing assistance, educational resources and job placement are also available here. |
| Felicia Mahood Multipurpose Center | (310) 479-4119 | Operated by the city of Los Angeles, this senior center offers a variety of educational programs, including language, driving and financial literacy classes. A nutrition program provides daily community lunches and home-delivered meals. Transportation and social services are available, as is a home visit program for isolated seniors. |
Santa Monica Public Library | (310) 434-2608 | The Senior Services division of the Santa Monica Public Library provides a variety of educational workshops, social events, entertainment and classes. A volunteer service delivers books to seniors who are disabled or otherwise unable to visit the library. |
| New Directions for Veterans | (310) 914-4045 | This charitable organization provides resources and assistance to veterans in need. Housing assistance, job placement and career training are offered here. Mental health care is also available, as is a women’s health center. |
| Catholic Charities of Los Angeles | (213) 251-3400 | Here, seniors can access financial assistance and a variety of in-home services such as social visits and meal delivery. Community-based services are also available, including a food pantry. |
| Seniors Helping Seniors | (310) 878-2045 | This program matches active seniors with those who need social visits or minor assistance around the home. Elders can also access transportation, wellness checks, meal preparation and help witch chores and yard work. |
All assisted living facilities in Santa Monica are bound to the regulations laid out by the California Department of Aging. To learn more about senior protections in the state, visit our Assisted Living in California page.