California, known for its diverse landscapes and vibrant cities, also presents a complex picture when it comes to assisted living costs. Our recent analysis of assisted living facilities across the Golden State reveals stark contrasts in affordability and highlights the financial challenges many seniors face in their retirement years.
Key Summary
- The average monthly cost of assisted living in California in 2024 is $5,327, which equates to $63,927 per year.
- Costs vary widely throughout the state, from an average of $6,553 a month in Marin County, to $3,764 per month in San Joaquin County.
- The most expensive location for assisted living costs is Pacific Palisades at $9,079 per month, while the cheapest is Lynwood at $2,158.
- The average annual retirement income in the Golden State is just $38,243, which means most Californians will not have enough retirement income to cover their assisted living costs later in life.
- To make up this shortfall, many residents will be required to cash in equity on their homes.
- Californians whose retirement incomes won't cover assisted living costs and who don't own their own homes will most likely be reliant on Medicaid to cover these costs.
The High End: Where Luxury Comes at a Premium
Topping our list of the most expensive assisted living locations is Pacific Palisades, nestled in the Los Angeles metro area. With a monthly average cost of $9,079, residents here are looking at an annual expense of $108,951.
This figure becomes even more striking when compared to the average annual retirement income in Los Angeles County, which stands at $37,517. Clearly, seniors choosing Pacific Palisades will need to be earning significantly above the average retirement income or have other assets they’re willing to cash in to fund this price tag.
Other high-cost areas follow a similar pattern:
- Foster City in the San Francisco Bay Area comes in second, with monthly costs of $8,836.
- Calabasas and Beverly Hills, both in Los Angeles County, rank third and fourth with monthly costs of $8,620 and $8,450, respectively.
- Berkeley rounds out the top five, with residents paying an average of $8,377 per month.
Interestingly, the San Francisco Bay Area dominates the top 10, claiming six spots, while the Los Angeles metro area takes the other four. This concentration of high costs in these two major urban centers underscores the premium placed on assisted living in California's most desirable and economically vibrant regions.
The Lower End: Seeking Affordability
On the other end of the spectrum, we find locations that offer much more affordable options for seniors:
- Lynwood, also in Los Angeles County, stands out as the most affordable location with an average monthly cost of just $2,158.
- Lathrop in San Joaquin County follows with a monthly average of $3,360.
- Pacifica in the San Francisco Bay Area ranks as the third most affordable at $3,514 per month.
- South Pasadena and Los Banos round out the top five most affordable options with monthly costs of $3,548 and $3,570, respectively.
It's worth noting that even among these more affordable options, costs can still outpace the average retirement income in their respective counties, leading to potential financial strain for many seniors.
The Income Shortfall Challenge
One of the most striking findings from our analysis is the prevalent income shortfall faced by seniors opting for assisted living. In Pacific Palisades, for instance, the average 22-month stay would cost $199,744, requiring $130,963 in home equity to cover the shortfall between average retirement income and assisted living costs.
Even in more affordable areas, the shortfall can be significant. In Lathrop, despite its relatively low monthly cost, seniors still face an annual shortfall of $5,088, based on average retirement incomes, requiring $9,328 in home equity to cover a typical 22-month stay.
Geographic Patterns
Our data reveals interesting geographic patterns:
- The San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles metro dominate the high-cost list, reflecting their status as economic powerhouses and desirable living destinations.
- More affordable options are often found in the Central Valley (e.g., Stockton, Visalia, Fresno) and inland areas.
- Some coastal areas, surprisingly, offer more moderate costs, such as Pacifica in the Bay Area.
Home Values and Equity Requirements
The relationship between assisted living costs and home values presents another layer of complexity:
- In high-cost areas like Pacific Palisades, Beverly Hills, and Palo Alto, average home values exceed $3 million, potentially providing a financial cushion for some seniors.
- However, in more affordable areas, lower home values (often under $500,000) may limit the equity available to cover assisted living costs.
- The equity required to cover average income shortfalls varies widely, from none in Lynwood to over $130,000 in Pacific Palisades.
Implications for Seniors and Families
This data paints a complex picture for California seniors and their families:
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Financial Planning is Crucial: The wide range of costs and potential income shortfalls underscores the importance of early and thorough financial planning for retirement and potential assisted living needs.
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Geographic Flexibility Matters: Seniors open to relocating may find more affordable options, potentially easing the financial burden of assisted living.
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Home Equity as a Resource: For many, home equity may play a crucial role in financing assisted living, especially in high-value markets.
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Policy Implications: The widespread income shortfalls suggest a need for policy discussions on how to make assisted living more affordable and accessible for California's growing senior population.
Conclusion
California's assisted living landscape is as diverse as its geography, offering options that range from high-end luxury to more modest accommodations. However, the prevalent gap between costs and average retirement incomes highlights the financial challenges many seniors face. As the population ages, addressing these challenges will become increasingly important for families, communities, and policymakers alike.
Whether choosing the coastal allure of Pacific Palisades or the more affordable options in the Central Valley, careful financial planning and consideration of all available resources will be key for seniors navigating this complex landscape.
Data
Most expensive cities in California for assisted living
| Rank | Location | Metro Area | County | Monthly Ave. Assisted Living Cost | Annual Ave. Assisted Living Cost | Annual Ave. Retirement Income in County | Annual Income Shortfall for Assisted Living Costs | Total Assisted Living Cost (Ave. 22 month stay) | Average Home Value | Home Equity Required to Cover Income Shortfall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pacific Palisades | Los Angeles | Los Angeles County | $9,079 | $108,951 | $37,517 | -$71,434 | $199,744 | $3,398,370 | $130,963 |
| 2 | Foster City | San Francisco Bay Area | San Mateo County | $8,836 | $106,031 | $43,240 | -$62,791 | $194,390 | $1,869,616 | $115,116 |
| 3 | Calabasas | Los Angeles | Los Angeles County | $8,620 | $103,442 | $37,517 | -$65,925 | $189,644 | $1,706,467 | $120,863 |
| 4 | Beverly Hills | Los Angeles | Los Angeles County | $8,450 | $101,400 | $37,517 | -$63,883 | $185,900 | $3,491,047 | $117,119 |
| 5 | Berkeley | San Francisco Bay Area | Alameda County | $8,377 | $100,520 | $40,116 | -$60,404 | $184,287 | $1,394,566 | $110,741 |
| 6 | Belmont | San Francisco Bay Area | San Mateo County | $7,917 | $95,006 | $43,240 | -$51,766 | $174,177 | $2,200,486 | $94,904 |
| 7 | Palo Alto | San Francisco Bay Area | Santa Clara County | $7,598 | $91,177 | $41,273 | -$49,904 | $167,157 | $3,327,790 | $91,490 |
| 8 | Playa Vista | Los Angeles | Los Angeles County | $7,503 | $90,030 | $37,517 | -$52,513 | $165,055 | $1,341,315 | $96,274 |
| 9 | Corte Madera | San Francisco Bay Area | Marin County | $7,288 | $87,450 | $52,568 | -$34,882 | $160,325 | $1,758,694 | $63,950 |
| 10 | Albany | San Francisco Bay Area | Alameda County | $7,109 | $85,303 | $40,116 | -$45,187 | $156,389 | $1,210,168 | $82,843 |
| 11 | Windsor | San Francisco Bay Area | Sonoma County | $6,895 | $82,734 | $41,453 | -$41,281 | $151,680 | $804,937 | $75,683 |
| 12 | Aliso Viejo | Los Angeles | Orange County | $6,853 | $82,240 | $42,080 | -$40,160 | $150,773 | $989,559 | $73,627 |
| 13 | Rohnert Park | San Francisco Bay Area | Sonoma County | $6,835 | $82,019 | $41,453 | -$40,566 | $150,368 | $709,263 | $74,370 |
| 14 | Rosemead | Los Angeles | Los Angeles County | $6,807 | $81,678 | $37,517 | -$44,161 | $149,743 | $877,337 | $80,962 |
| 15 | Santa Rosa | San Francisco Bay Area | Sonoma County | $6,715 | $80,582 | $41,453 | -$39,129 | $147,733 | $723,906 | $71,736 |
| 16 | Redwood City | San Francisco Bay Area | San Mateo County | $6,706 | $80,471 | $43,240 | -$37,231 | $147,530 | $1,782,957 | $68,257 |
| 17 | Burlingame | San Francisco Bay Area | San Mateo County | $6,644 | $79,731 | $43,240 | -$36,491 | $146,174 | $2,580,707 | $66,901 |
| 18 | Dublin | San Francisco Bay Area | Alameda County | $6,559 | $78,704 | $40,116 | -$38,588 | $144,291 | $1,374,888 | $70,745 |
| 19 | Menlo Park | San Francisco Bay Area | San Mateo County | $6,545 | $78,543 | $43,240 | -$35,303 | $143,996 | $2,597,974 | $64,722 |
| 20 | San Carlos | San Francisco Bay Area | San Mateo County | $6,543 | $78,511 | $43,240 | -$35,271 | $143,937 | $2,293,374 | $64,664 |
| 21 | Carpinteria | Santa Barbara | Santa Barbara County | $6,427 | $77,121 | $43,109 | -$34,012 | $141,388 | $1,359,959 | $62,355 |
| 22 | Novato | San Francisco Bay Area | Marin County | $6,415 | $76,986 | $52,568 | -$24,418 | $141,140 | $1,089,438 | $44,765 |
| 23 | San Lorenzo | San Francisco Bay Area | Alameda County | $6,401 | $76,807 | $40,116 | -$36,691 | $140,812 | $849,071 | $67,266 |
| 24 | Alamo | San Francisco Bay Area | Contra Costa County | $6,393 | $76,715 | $44,999 | -$31,716 | $140,644 | $2,461,057 | $58,146 |
| 25 | Newport Beach | Los Angeles | Orange County | $6,392 | $76,709 | $42,080 | -$34,629 | $140,633 | $3,289,875 | $63,486 |
| 26 | Richmond | San Francisco Bay Area | Contra Costa County | $6,350 | $76,197 | $44,999 | -$31,198 | $139,694 | $633,441 | $57,196 |
| 27 | San Ramon | San Francisco Bay Area | Contra Costa County | $6,336 | $76,034 | $44,999 | -$31,035 | $139,396 | $1,630,758 | $56,897 |
| 28 | Alta Loma | Los Angeles | San Bernardino County | $6,327 | $75,929 | $34,417 | -$41,512 | $139,203 | $781,513 | $76,105 |
| 29 | Pleasanton | San Francisco Bay Area | Alameda County | $6,319 | $75,832 | $40,116 | -$35,716 | $139,025 | $1,672,014 | $65,479 |
| 30 | San Juan Capistrano | Los Angeles | Orange County | $6,313 | $75,752 | $42,080 | -$33,672 | $138,878 | $1,253,390 | $61,731 |
| 31 | Petaluma | San Francisco Bay Area | Sonoma County | $6,307 | $75,689 | $41,453 | -$34,236 | $138,763 | $913,469 | $62,766 |
| 32 | Orinda | San Francisco Bay Area | Contra Costa County | $6,260 | $75,123 | $44,999 | -$30,124 | $137,726 | $2,001,852 | $55,227 |
| 33 | San Francisco | San Francisco Bay Area | San Francisco County | $6,245 | $74,941 | $38,220 | -$36,721 | $137,391 | $1,258,701 | $67,321 |
| 34 | South San Francisco | San Francisco Bay Area | San Mateo County | $6,240 | $74,878 | $43,240 | -$31,638 | $137,276 | $1,227,768 | $58,003 |
| 35 | El Cerrito | San Francisco Bay Area | Contra Costa County | $6,231 | $74,768 | $44,999 | -$29,769 | $137,075 | $1,144,141 | $54,577 |
| 36 | Los Altos | San Francisco Bay Area | Santa Clara County | $6,210 | $74,525 | $41,273 | -$33,252 | $136,629 | $4,209,758 | $60,962 |
| 37 | Daly City | San Francisco Bay Area | San Mateo County | $6,209 | $74,504 | $43,240 | -$31,264 | $136,590 | $1,139,242 | $57,316 |
| 38 | Azusa | Los Angeles | Los Angeles County | $6,188 | $74,253 | $37,517 | -$36,736 | $136,131 | $696,182 | $67,350 |
| 39 | San Mateo | San Francisco Bay Area | San Mateo County | $6,184 | $74,209 | $43,240 | -$30,969 | $136,050 | $1,610,517 | $56,777 |
| 40 | El Centro | El Centro | Imperial County | $6,179 | $74,151 | $27,469 | -$46,682 | $135,944 | $358,547 | $85,584 |
| 41 | Sunnyvale | San Francisco Bay Area | Santa Clara County | $6,145 | $73,743 | $41,273 | -$32,470 | $135,196 | $2,014,550 | $59,529 |
| 42 | Irvine | Los Angeles | Orange County | $6,140 | $73,685 | $42,080 | -$31,605 | $135,090 | $1,536,644 | $57,943 |
| 43 | Oakland | San Francisco Bay Area | Alameda County | $6,137 | $73,649 | $40,116 | -$33,533 | $135,023 | $762,157 | $61,477 |
| 44 | Alameda | San Francisco Bay Area | Alameda County | $6,106 | $73,272 | $40,116 | -$33,156 | $134,332 | $1,196,730 | $60,786 |
| 45 | Brea | Los Angeles | Orange County | $6,097 | $73,158 | $42,080 | -$31,078 | $134,123 | $1,085,510 | $56,977 |
| 46 | Sierra Madre | Los Angeles | Los Angeles County | $6,090 | $73,085 | $37,517 | -$35,568 | $133,990 | $1,414,804 | $65,209 |
| 47 | Nipomo | San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles | San Luis Obispo County | $6,083 | $72,994 | $46,390 | -$26,604 | $133,822 | $906,216 | $48,773 |
| 48 | San Gabriel | Los Angeles | Los Angeles County | $6,051 | $72,610 | $37,517 | -$35,093 | $133,118 | $1,067,448 | $64,337 |
| 49 | Napa | San Francisco Bay Area | Napa County | $6,021 | $72,252 | $43,918 | -$28,334 | $132,462 | $900,491 | $51,946 |
| 50 | Grand Terrace | Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | San Bernardino County | $5,994 | $71,928 | $34,417 | -$37,511 | $131,868 | $576,039 | $68,770 |
Most expensive counties in California for assisted living
| County | Ave. Monthly Cost | Ave. Annual Cost | Ave. Annual Retirement Income | Income Shortfall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alameda County | $6,045 | $72,536 | $40,116 | -$32,420 |
| Butte County | $5,225 | $62,695 | $37,169 | -$25,526 |
| Contra Costa County | $5,589 | $67,073 | $44,999 | -$22,074 |
| El Dorado County | $4,842 | $58,106 | $43,673 | -$14,433 |
| Fresno County | $4,742 | $56,907 | $32,413 | -$24,494 |
| Humboldt County | $4,967 | $59,608 | $34,702 | -$24,906 |
| Imperial County | $6,179 | $74,151 | $27,469 | -$46,682 |
| Kern County | $4,590 | $55,075 | $33,040 | -$22,035 |
| Kings County | $4,450 | $53,401 | $29,969 | -$23,432 |
| Lake County | $5,246 | $62,955 | $30,077 | -$32,878 |
| Los Angeles County | $5,317 | $63,801 | $37,517 | -$26,284 |
| Madera County | $4,495 | $53,937 | $34,917 | -$19,020 |
| Marin County | $6,553 | $78,632 | $52,568 | -$26,064 |
| Mendocino County | $5,360 | $64,320 | $31,773 | -$32,547 |
| Merced County | $3,822 | $45,868 | $31,878 | -$13,990 |
| Monterey County | $5,418 | $65,019 | $43,867 | -$21,152 |
| Napa County | $5,704 | $68,453 | $43,918 | -$24,535 |
| Nevada County | $5,096 | $61,147 | $44,175 | -$16,972 |
| Orange County | $5,433 | $65,196 | $42,080 | -$23,116 |
| Placer County | $5,262 | $63,141 | $44,100 | -$19,041 |
| Riverside County | $5,177 | $62,125 | $36,392 | -$25,733 |
| Sacramento County | $5,119 | $61,430 | $40,396 | -$21,034 |
| San Benito County | $4,075 | $48,895 | $39,625 | -$9,270 |
| San Bernardino County | $5,330 | $63,962 | $34,417 | -$29,545 |
| San Diego County | $5,397 | $64,763 | $39,550 | -$25,213 |
| San Francisco County | $6,245 | $74,941 | $38,220 | -$36,721 |
| San Joaquin County | $3,764 | $45,170 | $35,236 | -$9,934 |
| San Luis Obispo County | $5,547 | $66,570 | $46,390 | -$20,180 |
| San Mateo County | $6,414 | $76,967 | $43,240 | -$33,727 |
| Santa Barbara County | $5,684 | $68,211 | $43,109 | -$25,102 |
| Santa Clara County | $5,574 | $66,890 | $41,273 | -$25,617 |
| Santa Cruz County | $5,241 | $62,893 | $37,695 | -$25,198 |
| Shasta County | $4,904 | $58,854 | $34,150 | -$24,704 |
| Solano County | $5,017 | $60,203 | $39,787 | -$20,416 |
| Sonoma County | $6,425 | $77,104 | $41,453 | -$35,651 |
| Stanislaus County | $4,201 | $50,412 | $29,010 | -$21,402 |
| Sutter County | $5,623 | $67,478 | $37,917 | -$29,561 |
| Tehama County | $5,154 | $61,851 | $33,128 | -$28,723 |
| Tulare County | $4,410 | $52,915 | $29,548 | -$23,367 |
| Ventura County | $5,460 | $65,516 | $40,647 | -$24,869 |
| Yolo County | $5,319 | $63,830 | $45,306 | -$18,524 |
| Yuba County | $4,739 | $56,869 | $30,116 | -$26,753 |
Most affordable cities in California for assisted living
| Rank | Location | Metro Area | County | Monthly Ave. Assisted Living Cost | Annual Ave. Assisted Living Cost | Annual Ave. Retirement Income in County | Annual Income Shortfall for Assisted Living Costs | Total Assisted Living Cost (Ave. 22 month stay) | Average Home Value | Home Equity Required to Cover Income Shortfall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lynwood | Los Angeles | Los Angeles County | $2,158 | $25,896 | $37,517 | No Shortfall | $47,476 | $654,264 | None required |
| 2 | Lathrop | Stockton | San Joaquin County | $3,360 | $40,324 | $35,236 | -$5,088 | $73,927 | $657,413 | $9,328 |
| 3 | Pacifica | San Francisco Bay Area | San Mateo County | $3,514 | $42,171 | $43,240 | No Shortfall | $77,314 | $1,273,298 | None required |
| 4 | South Pasadena | Los Angeles | Los Angeles County | $3,548 | $42,576 | $37,517 | -$5,059 | $78,056 | $1,714,496 | $9,275 |
| 5 | Los Banos | Merced | Merced County | $3,570 | $42,836 | $31,878 | -$10,958 | $78,533 | $466,110 | $20,090 |
| 6 | San Fernando | Los Angeles | Los Angeles County | $3,705 | $44,463 | $37,517 | -$6,946 | $81,516 | $715,995 | $12,734 |
| 7 | Stockton | Stockton | San Joaquin County | $3,725 | $44,700 | $35,236 | -$9,464 | $81,951 | $441,009 | $17,351 |
| 8 | Tehachapi | Bakersfield | Kern County | $3,747 | $44,964 | $33,040 | -$11,924 | $82,434 | $418,901 | $21,861 |
| 9 | Salida | Modesto | Stanislaus County | $3,788 | $45,451 | $29,010 | -$16,441 | $83,326 | $491,814 | $30,141 |
| 10 | Tracy | Stockton | San Joaquin County | $3,807 | $45,686 | $35,236 | -$10,450 | $83,757 | $782,661 | $19,158 |
| 11 | Visalia | Visalia | Tulare County | $3,811 | $45,729 | $29,548 | -$16,181 | $83,837 | $385,163 | $29,665 |
| 12 | Lodi | Stockton | San Joaquin County | $3,817 | $45,799 | $35,236 | -$10,563 | $83,964 | $514,500 | $19,365 |
| 13 | Bakersfield | Bakersfield | Kern County | $3,817 | $45,809 | $33,040 | -$12,769 | $83,983 | $388,567 | $23,410 |
| 14 | Patterson | Modesto | Stanislaus County | $3,859 | $46,302 | $29,010 | -$17,292 | $84,887 | $519,749 | $31,702 |
| 15 | Ripon | Stockton | San Joaquin County | $3,922 | $47,061 | $35,236 | -$11,825 | $86,278 | $677,295 | $21,679 |
| 16 | Manteca | Stockton | San Joaquin County | $3,954 | $47,448 | $35,236 | -$12,212 | $86,988 | $599,021 | $22,389 |
| 17 | Fresno | Fresno | Fresno County | $3,992 | $47,905 | $32,413 | -$15,492 | $87,826 | $382,370 | $28,402 |
| 18 | Modesto | Modesto | Stanislaus County | $4,014 | $48,165 | $29,010 | -$19,155 | $88,302 | $445,500 | $35,117 |
| 19 | Porterville | Visalia | Tulare County | $4,031 | $48,375 | $29,548 | -$18,827 | $88,688 | $317,272 | $34,516 |
| 20 | Ontario | Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | San Bernardino County | $4,037 | $48,439 | $34,417 | -$14,022 | $88,804 | $668,110 | $25,706 |
| 21 | Hollister | San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | San Benito County | $4,075 | $48,895 | $39,625 | -$9,270 | $89,641 | $763,815 | $16,995 |
| 22 | Merced | Merced | Merced County | $4,075 | $48,899 | $31,878 | -$17,021 | $89,648 | $395,670 | $31,205 |
| 23 | Riverside | Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | Riverside County | $4,112 | $49,348 | $36,392 | -$12,956 | $90,470 | $640,448 | $23,752 |
| 24 | San Bernardino | Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | San Bernardino County | $4,231 | $50,772 | $34,417 | -$16,355 | $93,082 | $488,102 | $29,984 |
| 25 | Oakdale | Modesto | Stanislaus County | $4,351 | $52,207 | $29,010 | -$23,197 | $95,713 | $550,139 | $42,528 |
| 26 | Turlock | Modesto | Stanislaus County | $4,360 | $52,323 | $29,010 | -$23,313 | $95,926 | $481,156 | $42,741 |
| 27 | Fortuna | Eureka-Arcata-Fortuna | Humboldt County | $4,381 | $52,569 | $34,702 | -$17,867 | $96,376 | $419,833 | $32,755 |
| 28 | Hanford | Hanford-Corcoran | Kings County | $4,450 | $53,401 | $29,969 | -$23,432 | $97,902 | $366,243 | $42,959 |
| 29 | Lake Balboa | Los Angeles | Los Angeles County | $4,469 | $53,630 | $37,517 | -$16,113 | $98,322 | $851,183 | $29,541 |
| 30 | Redding | Redding | Shasta County | $4,491 | $53,897 | $34,150 | -$19,747 | $98,812 | $390,749 | $36,204 |
| 31 | Madera | Madera | Madera County | $4,495 | $53,937 | $34,917 | -$19,020 | $98,884 | $403,669 | $34,869 |
| 32 | Marysville | Yuba City | Yuba County | $4,517 | $54,209 | $30,116 | -$24,093 | $99,383 | $386,421 | $44,170 |
| 33 | Santa Clara | San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Cruz | Santa Clara County | $4,543 | $54,511 | $41,273 | -$13,238 | $99,936 | $1,666,143 | $24,269 |
| 34 | Marina | Salinas | Monterey County | $4,553 | $54,639 | $43,867 | -$10,772 | $100,172 | $867,975 | $19,749 |
| 35 | Montrose | Los Angeles | Los Angeles County | $4,583 | $54,990 | $37,517 | -$17,473 | $100,815 | $1,289,595 | $32,034 |
| 36 | Covina | Los Angeles | Los Angeles County | $4,592 | $55,109 | $37,517 | -$17,592 | $101,033 | $782,690 | $32,252 |
| 37 | Lawndale | Los Angeles | Los Angeles County | $4,609 | $55,310 | $37,517 | -$17,793 | $101,402 | $765,303 | $32,621 |
| 38 | Suisun | San Francisco Bay Area | Solano County | $4,627 | $55,521 | $39,787 | -$15,734 | $101,789 | $547,159 | $28,846 |
| 39 | Seal Beach | Los Angeles | Orange County | $4,665 | $55,975 | $42,080 | -$13,895 | $102,621 | $879,884 | $25,474 |
| 40 | Cupertino | San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Cruz | Santa Clara County | $4,689 | $56,262 | $41,273 | -$14,989 | $103,147 | $2,874,109 | $27,480 |
| 41 | Placerville | Sacramento | El Dorado County | $4,700 | $56,400 | $43,673 | -$12,727 | $103,400 | $530,156 | $23,333 |
| 42 | Walnut | Los Angeles | Los Angeles County | $4,746 | $56,950 | $37,517 | -$19,433 | $104,409 | $1,161,160 | $35,628 |
| 43 | El Dorado Hills | Sacramento | El Dorado County | $4,753 | $57,031 | $43,673 | -$13,358 | $104,558 | $926,227 | $24,490 |
| 44 | West Sacramento | Sacramento | Yolo County | $4,768 | $57,221 | $45,306 | -$11,915 | $104,906 | $525,719 | $21,845 |
| 45 | Fremont | San Francisco Bay Area | Alameda County | $4,795 | $57,536 | $40,116 | -$17,420 | $105,483 | $1,552,321 | $31,937 |
| 46 | Moorpark | Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura | Ventura County | $4,821 | $57,849 | $40,647 | -$17,202 | $106,057 | $937,466 | $31,537 |
| 47 | Oakley | San Francisco Bay Area | Contra Costa County | $4,833 | $57,990 | $44,999 | -$12,991 | $106,315 | $678,103 | $23,817 |
| 48 | Riverbank | Modesto | Stanislaus County | $4,835 | $58,025 | $29,010 | -$29,015 | $106,379 | $479,014 | $53,194 |
| 49 | Inglewood | Los Angeles | Los Angeles County | $4,836 | $58,030 | $37,517 | -$20,513 | $106,388 | $743,072 | $37,607 |
| 50 | Whittier | Los Angeles | Los Angeles County | $4,853 | $58,232 | $37,517 | -$20,715 | $106,759 | $799,561 | $37,978 |
Report Methodology
Assisted living facility prices were collected from the Mirador database and are correct as of September 2024. Locations with 3 or less facilities were removed from the analysis to avoid low sample sizes from skewing averages, while locations with populations of less than 10,000 were also removed, in order for the study to focus on more populated areas.
Average retirement incomes data was collected from the data.census.gov website and are correct as of September 2024. Average home values were collected from Zillow.com and are correct as of September 2024.
