Assisted Living Cost in Philadelphia
The average cost of assisted living in Philadelphia is $4,500/month in 2026. This guide covers room-type pricing, how Philadelphia compares to the national average, Medicaid coverage through PA Community HealthChoices (CHC), and the most affordable alternatives in the area.
Philadelphia Assisted Living Costs at a Glance
Average (all types)
$4,500
per month
Memory Care
$6,000
per month
Skilled Nursing
$10,200
per month
Cost by Room Type in Philadelphia (2026)
| Room Type | Monthly Cost | Daily Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / Shared | $3,600 | $120 |
| 1-Bedroom | $4,800 | $160 |
| 2-Bedroom / Deluxe | $6,000 | $200 |
| Memory Care | $6,000 | $200 |
| Skilled Nursing (semi-priv.) | $10,200 | $340 |
* Costs are 2026 market averages. Actual fees vary by facility, level of care, and unit size.
How Philadelphia Compares
Philadelphia
$4,500/mo
Pennsylvania Avg
$4,300/mo
Near avgNational Avg
$4,500/mo
Near avgWhy Does Assisted Living Cost $4,500/Month in Philadelphia?
- Philadelphia is above the Pennsylvania state average at $4,500 vs. $4,300
- Center City, Society Hill, and Chestnut Hill facilities command significant premiums
- PA's high property taxes and healthcare labor costs drive facility overhead
- Strong LIFE/PACE program in Philadelphia creates an alternative to assisted living
Medicaid Coverage for Assisted Living in Philadelphia
PA Community HealthChoices (CHC) covers assisted living
Pennsylvania's Community HealthChoices (CHC) program is PA's Medicaid managed care for long-term services. CHC covers home-based personal care and can fund assisted living-related services but typically NOT room and board. LIFE (PA's PACE program) covers all costs for dual-eligible seniors in Philadelphia. Contact Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) at 215-765-9040.
Pennsylvania Medicaid Guide →How to Afford Assisted Living in Philadelphia
- Northeast Philadelphia, Southwest Philadelphia, and Germantown average 15–20% below Center City
- Pennsylvania LIFE (PACE) program through LIFE of Philadelphia — free for dual-eligible seniors
- Community HealthChoices covers in-home services — can delay or avoid facility placement
- Delaware County and Montgomery County suburbs average $3,800–$4,200/month vs. Philadelphia's $4,500
- PCA (Philadelphia Corporation for Aging) provides free referrals at 215-765-9040
Find Assisted Living Communities in Philadelphia
Our advisors can match you with communities in Philadelphia that fit your budget and care needs — no phone call required to get started.
More Affordable Alternatives Near Philadelphia
If Philadelphia costs are too high, these nearby cities offer lower averages and similar access to family, healthcare, and amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions — Assisted Living in Philadelphia
What is the average cost of assisted living in Philadelphia?▾
The average cost of assisted living in Philadelphia is approximately $4,500 per month in 2026, which is about 5% above the Pennsylvania state average of $4,300/month. Costs range from $3,000/month for a basic studio in Northeast Philadelphia to $6,500+/month in premium Center City or Chestnut Hill communities.
Does Pennsylvania Medicaid cover assisted living in Philadelphia?▾
Pennsylvania's Community HealthChoices (CHC) program covers home and community-based personal care services but typically does NOT cover assisted living room and board. However, PA's LIFE program (Local Independent Fondu Enterprises) — Pennsylvania's PACE program — covers all costs (medical, home care, day programs) for dual Medicare/Medicaid eligible seniors in Philadelphia. Contact LIFE of Philadelphia at 215-765-2000.
What is the LIFE program in Philadelphia and how does it work?▾
LIFE (Local Independent Fondu Enterprises) is Pennsylvania's version of the PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly) program. In Philadelphia, LIFE of Philadelphia operates 6 centers across the city. For dual-eligible (Medicare + Medicaid) seniors aged 55+, LIFE covers all medical care, day programs, home care, prescriptions, and transportation at no out-of-pocket cost. It's a comprehensive alternative to assisted living.
How much does memory care cost in Philadelphia?▾
Memory care in Philadelphia averages $6,000 per month in 2026, ranging from $4,500 in more affordable neighborhoods to $8,000+ in premium communities. PA's Community HealthChoices can supplement memory care costs with in-home or community-based services.
What are the most affordable areas for assisted living in the Philadelphia metro?▾
Within Philadelphia: Northeast Philadelphia and Germantown are the most affordable areas ($3,500–$4,000/month). In the suburbs: Delaware County communities ($3,800–$4,200/month), Bucks County (Levittown, Bristol area, $3,700–$4,100/month), and Southern New Jersey (Cherry Hill, Voorhees, $3,800–$4,500/month).
How do I verify an assisted living facility license in Pennsylvania?▾
Pennsylvania personal care homes and assisted living residences are licensed by the PA Department of Human Services (DHS). Look up any facility's license at the PA DHS provider search at dhs.pa.gov. For inspection reports and complaints, contact the DHS Division of Home Health at 717-705-3930.
Looking for statewide data?
See the full Pennsylvania assisted living cost guide, Medicaid eligibility, and facility directory.
Find assisted living communities in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Browse our directory of 2,000+ assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing facilities — each with AllyKin Safety Scores, CMS inspection data, and state licensing records.
Browse all communities →