AssistedLiving.fyi

Assisted Living in San Diego

165 facilities with pricing in the middle of the pack for LA County. Safety scores are about average for the area.

Where we'd start looking

What to know about assisted living in San Diego

Mostly smaller, home-like settings. San Diego has 165 licensed assisted living facilities. The majority (133) are residential care homes with 6 beds or fewer, so if you're looking for something intimate where your parent isn't one of dozens of residents, you'll have options. There are also 27 larger communities with 50+ beds if you prefer structured activities, on-site dining, and more staff on hand.

Expect to pay around $5,609/mo. That's right around the county average of $5,290/mo. Prices range from $2,695 up to $10,707 depending on the facility, room type, and level of care. 145 of 165 facilities publish pricing, which is better transparency than most areas.

Look at the safety scores before you visit. The average score in San Diego is 8.1 out of 10. That's about average for LA County. Some facilities here have excellent records and others don't, so check individual scores before you visit. Our scores come from real California state inspection data, not self-reported reviews.

A few things that might narrow your search. Only 13% of facilities here accept Medi-Cal through the Assisted Living Waiver program, so your options will be limited. 59 facilities offer specialized memory care if that's what you need.

Common questions

How do I find assisted living placement in San Diego?

Start by comparing facilities on what actually matters: safety record, pricing, care types, and size. We list all 165 licensed assisted living facilities in San Diego with their FYI Safety Scores, drawn from California state inspection data, plus any verified pricing, so you can narrow the list before you ever pick up the phone. Many placement services are paid referral agents who only show you facilities that pay them. Here you can compare every licensed option directly.

How much does assisted living cost in San Diego?

It's about average for California. Expect to pay around $5,609/mo, though prices vary widely depending on facility size, room type, and how much care is needed.

Are assisted living facilities in San Diego safe?

Safety varies a lot by facility. Of the 164 facilities in San Diego with a FYI Safety Score, 100 land in the Good or Excellent range and 17 fall into the Poor or Severe range. Across the 165 facilities with an inspection record, 63% have zero substantiated complaints. These scores come from California state inspection data, not online reviews, so they reflect what regulators actually documented.

Which facilities in San Diego have the best safety records?

The Glen at Scripps Ranch currently has the highest safety score in San Diego at 9.6 out of 10. These scores are based on real state inspection data, not online reviews. We'd recommend checking individual scores for any facility you're considering, since they can vary a lot even within the same city.

What's the most affordable option in San Diego?

Among our top-rated facilities, Bayshire Torrey Pines starts at $4,795/mo, and it has a safety score of 7.4. Across all 165 facilities in the area, published prices range from $2,695 to $10,707/mo. Keep in mind that the actual cost depends on the level of care needed.

Can Medi-Cal help pay for assisted living in San Diego?

13% of facilities in San Diego participate in the Assisted Living Waiver (ALW) program, which is California's way of covering assisted living costs through Medi-Cal. Eligibility requirements can be strict, so it's worth calling ahead to ask about availability and waitlists.

Are there memory care options in San Diego?

Yes, 59 facilities in San Diego offer specialized memory care for residents with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia. Among the top-rated: The Glen at Scripps Ranch and Activcare at 4s Ranch and Activcare at Mission Bay and La Mesa Elder Care and Westmont of Carmel Valley. Memory care units typically have additional security measures and staff trained in dementia care, so expect higher pricing than standard assisted living.