Senior Care Costs in California (2026)
Complete guide to nursing home, assisted living, and home care costs in California. Costs are 20.9% above the national average.
Nursing Home (Private)
$11,502/mo
National avg: $9,514
Nursing Home (Semi-Private)
$10,220/mo
National avg: $8,582
Assisted Living
$5,750/mo
National avg: $4,612
Home Health Aide
$32.00/hr
$5,632/mo (8hr/day)
Adult Day Care
$2,017/mo
National avg: $1,692
Homemaker Services
$30.00/hr
$5,280/mo (8hr/day)
Senior Care Costs by City in California
| City | Nursing Home | Assisted Living | Home Health Aide | Adult Day Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anaheim | $12,910/mo | $6,454/mo | $35.92/hr | $2,264/mo |
| Bakersfield | $13,789/mo | $6,893/mo | $38.36/hr | $2,418/mo |
| Chula Vista | $9,823/mo | $4,910/mo | $27.33/hr | $1,723/mo |
| Fontana | $12,579/mo | $6,288/mo | $35.00/hr | $2,206/mo |
| Fresno | $12,096/mo | $6,047/mo | $33.65/hr | $2,121/mo |
| Irvine | $13,513/mo | $6,755/mo | $37.59/hr | $2,370/mo |
| Long Beach | $12,698/mo | $6,348/mo | $35.33/hr | $2,227/mo |
| Los Angeles | $9,340/mo | $4,669/mo | $25.98/hr | $1,638/mo |
| Modesto | $12,013/mo | $6,005/mo | $33.42/hr | $2,107/mo |
| Moreno Valley | $10,421/mo | $5,210/mo | $28.99/hr | $1,827/mo |
| Oakland | $12,303/mo | $6,150/mo | $34.23/hr | $2,157/mo |
| Riverside | $9,261/mo | $4,630/mo | $25.77/hr | $1,624/mo |
| Sacramento | $10,619/mo | $5,308/mo | $29.54/hr | $1,862/mo |
| San Bernardino | $11,079/mo | $5,538/mo | $30.82/hr | $1,943/mo |
| San Diego | $11,980/mo | $5,989/mo | $33.33/hr | $2,101/mo |
| San Francisco | $11,359/mo | $5,679/mo | $31.60/hr | $1,992/mo |
| San Jose | $13,430/mo | $6,714/mo | $37.36/hr | $2,355/mo |
| Santa Ana | $9,662/mo | $4,830/mo | $26.88/hr | $1,694/mo |
| Santa Clarita | $9,744/mo | $4,871/mo | $27.11/hr | $1,709/mo |
| Stockton | $11,019/mo | $5,508/mo | $30.66/hr | $1,932/mo |
Medicaid & Medicare Coverage in California
Medi-Cal covers nursing facility care. Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP) and other waivers for community care.
Medicare Coverage (Federal)
- Up to 100 days skilled nursing after hospital stay
- Home health services if homebound
- Does NOT cover custodial/long-term care
How to Pay for Care in California
- Long-term care insurance
- Medicaid (income/asset eligible)
- VA benefits for veterans
- Personal savings and investments
- Reverse mortgage proceeds
California Senior Demographics
15.2%
Population 65+
$84,097
Median Household Income
$138,024
Annual Nursing Home Cost
Elder Care Cost Calculator
Estimate senior care costs based on your state, care type, and duration needs.
Nursing Home (Private Room) in California
Monthly Cost
$11,502
Annual Cost
$138,024
5-Year Projection
$690,120
Total (12mo)
$138,024
vs. National Average
$1,961/mo higher than national average (+20.6%)
Medicare & Medicaid Coverage
- Medicare: Covers up to 100 days of skilled nursing facility care after a qualifying hospital stay (first 20 days fully covered, days 21-100 with copay).
- Medicaid: May cover nursing home and some home care costs for eligible individuals. Income and asset limits apply and vary by state.
- Long-Term Care Insurance: Can cover costs not paid by Medicare or Medicaid. Premiums depend on age and coverage level.
- VA Benefits: Veterans may qualify for Aid and Attendance benefits to help cover care costs.
* Estimates based on Genworth Cost of Care Survey data. Actual costs may vary by facility, location, and level of care needed. Consult a certified elder care advisor or financial planner specializing in senior care for personalized guidance.
More About California
Frequently Asked Questions
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: Genworth Cost of Care Survey