AssistedLiving.fyi

Assisted Living in San Francisco

48 facilities, but not cheap. San Francisco is one of the pricier markets in LA County. Safety scores are about average for the area.

Where we'd start looking

What to know about assisted living in San Francisco

A mix of large communities and smaller homes. San Francisco has 48 licensed facilities. 15 are larger communities with 50+ beds, which typically offer more structured programming, dining options, and round-the-clock staffing. There are also 13 smaller residential homes if you prefer a quieter, more personal setting. The remaining 20 fall in between.

Expect to pay around $6,401/mo. That's about 21% more than the county average of $5,290/mo, so this isn't the cheapest market. Prices range from $3,050 up to $10,370 depending on the facility, room type, and level of care. 39 of 48 facilities publish pricing, which is better transparency than most areas.

Look at the safety scores before you visit. The average score in San Francisco is 7.5 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 6% of facilities here accept Medi-Cal through the Assisted Living Waiver program, so your options will be limited. 25 facilities offer specialized memory care if that's what you need.

Common questions

How do I find assisted living placement in San Francisco?

Start by comparing facilities on what actually matters: safety record, pricing, care types, and size. We list all 48 licensed assisted living facilities in San Francisco 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 Francisco?

It's on the pricier side. The average in San Francisco is $6,401/mo, about 21% more than the typical California city we track. If budget is a concern, it's worth looking at neighboring cities too.

Are assisted living facilities in San Francisco safe?

Safety varies a lot by facility. Of the 48 facilities in San Francisco with a FYI Safety Score, 22 land in the Good or Excellent range and 8 fall into the Poor or Severe range. Across the 48 facilities with an inspection record, 60% 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 Francisco have the best safety records?

The Carlisle-Ivy Signature Living currently has the highest safety score in San Francisco at 9.7 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 Francisco?

Among our top-rated facilities, Merced Girard Residential Care Facility starts at $4,500/mo, and it has a safety score of 7.8. Across all 48 facilities in the area, published prices range from $3,050 to $10,370/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 Francisco?

6% of facilities in San Francisco participate in the Assisted Living Waiver (ALW) program, which is California's way of covering assisted living costs through Medi-Cal. Among the top-rated facilities, Merced Three Residential Care Facility accepts it. Eligibility requirements can be strict, so it's worth calling ahead to ask about availability and waitlists.

Are there memory care options in San Francisco?

Yes, 25 facilities in San Francisco offer specialized memory care for residents with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia. Among the top-rated: Rhoda Goldman Plaza and San Francisco Rcfe and Sequoias San Francisco (the) and Merced Girard Residential Care Facility and The Ivy at Golden Gate and Merced Three Residential Care Facility. Memory care units typically have additional security measures and staff trained in dementia care, so expect higher pricing than standard assisted living.