Assisted Living Cost in Sacramento
The average cost of assisted living in Sacramento is $4,800/month in 2026. This guide covers room-type pricing, how Sacramento compares to the national average, Medicaid coverage through Medi-Cal Assisted Living Waiver (ALW), and the most affordable alternatives in the area.
Sacramento Assisted Living Costs at a Glance
Average (all types)
$4,800
per month
Memory Care
$6,400
per month
Skilled Nursing
$10,200
per month
Cost by Room Type in Sacramento (2026)
| Room Type | Monthly Cost | Daily Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / Shared | $3,800 | $127 |
| 1-Bedroom | $5,200 | $173 |
| 2-Bedroom / Deluxe | $6,500 | $217 |
| Memory Care | $6,400 | $213 |
| Skilled Nursing (semi-priv.) | $10,200 | $340 |
* Costs are 2026 market averages. Actual fees vary by facility, level of care, and unit size.
How Sacramento Compares
Sacramento
$4,800/mo
California Avg
$5,250/mo
9% below avgNational Avg
$4,500/mo
7% above avgWhy Does Assisted Living Cost $4,800/Month in Sacramento?
- Sacramento is significantly below Bay Area and LA costs while still part of California's regulatory environment
- California's RCFE licensing requirements and minimum wage laws raise costs statewide
- Growing Sacramento metro population increases demand, putting upward pressure on prices
- Elk Grove and Roseville communities are expanding, adding new supply that moderates prices
Medicaid Coverage for Assisted Living in Sacramento
Medi-Cal Assisted Living Waiver (ALW) covers assisted living
Sacramento County participates in the Medi-Cal ALW (Assisted Living Waiver). IHSS (In-Home Supportive Services) also provides extensive in-home care hours for Medi-Cal recipients. Contact Sacramento County DHHS at 916-875-5200. PACE program: UCDMC Senior Care operates in Sacramento.
California Medicaid Guide →How to Afford Assisted Living in Sacramento
- Elk Grove, Rancho Cordova, and Citrus Heights communities average 10–15% below midtown Sacramento
- Medi-Cal ALW covers assisted living in Sacramento — apply through Sacramento County DHHS
- IHSS can fund in-home care as an alternative to facility placement
- UC Davis PACE program provides all-inclusive care for dual-eligible Sacramento seniors
- Check Stockton (35 mi south) and Yuba City (40 mi north) for 20–25% lower costs
Find Assisted Living Communities in Sacramento
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More Affordable Alternatives Near Sacramento
If Sacramento costs are too high, these nearby cities offer lower averages and similar access to family, healthcare, and amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions — Assisted Living in Sacramento
What is the average cost of assisted living in Sacramento, California?▾
The average cost of assisted living in Sacramento is approximately $4,800 per month in 2026, which is about 8.5% below the California state average of $5,250/month. Costs range from $3,200/month for a studio in a smaller RCFE to $7,200+/month for a premium one-bedroom in a larger community. Sacramento offers significantly better value than the Bay Area or LA.
Does Medi-Cal cover assisted living in Sacramento?▾
Yes. Sacramento County participates in the Medi-Cal Assisted Living Waiver (ALW), which covers room, board, and personal care in licensed RCFEs. Income limit: $2,742/month (300% of SSI). Asset limit: $2,000. Additionally, IHSS (In-Home Supportive Services) can fund extensive in-home care as an alternative. Contact Sacramento County DHHS at 916-875-5200.
How much does memory care cost in Sacramento?▾
Memory care in Sacramento averages $6,400 per month in 2026, ranging from $5,000 to $8,500/month. Sacramento memory care is 20–25% less expensive than comparable Bay Area or Los Angeles options. Medi-Cal ALW can cover memory care costs for eligible seniors.
What is the difference in cost between Sacramento and the Bay Area for assisted living?▾
Sacramento ($4,800/month average) is 26% less expensive than San Francisco ($6,500/month) and 13% less than Los Angeles ($5,500/month). For families with Bay Area seniors, relocating to Sacramento for care can save $1,500–$2,000/month while remaining in California under the same Medi-Cal system.
How do I look up an RCFE license in Sacramento?▾
California RCFEs (Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly) are licensed by the California Department of Social Services. Visit ccld.ca.gov to search for any facility by name or address. For Sacramento County complaints and inspections, contact the CDSS Community Care Licensing Division at 916-263-4700.
Are there affordable assisted living options in Sacramento for seniors on Social Security?▾
Social Security alone ($1,900/month average) does not cover Sacramento assisted living costs. However: Medi-Cal ALW can cover most or all costs for qualifying seniors; IHSS can fund in-home care; and smaller RCFEs (6-bed homes) in Sacramento often run $3,200–$3,800/month. Contact the Sacramento County Division of Adult Programs at 916-874-9471 for a free referral.
Looking for statewide data?
See the full California assisted living cost guide, Medicaid eligibility, and facility directory.
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