How much does assisted living cost in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?

Philadelphia assisted living averages $4,500–$5,500/month. Main Line communities in Ardmore, Wayne, and Malvern typically cost 20–35% more. South Jersey options across the river in Cherry Hill are often 10–15% less. Memory care averages $5,800–$7,500/month.

Does Pennsylvania Medicaid cover assisted living in Philadelphia?

Pennsylvania HCBS waivers may cover personal care services in participating assisted-living settings for eligible low-income residents. Room and board is always private pay. Contact your county assistance office or use our Pennsylvania Medicaid screener to check eligibility.

What is the difference between a personal care home and assisted living in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania licenses personal care homes (PCH) and assisted living residences (ALR) separately. ALRs can provide a broader range of services including medication administration and higher-acuity personal care. Confirm which license type a Philadelphia-area community holds — it affects what care they can legally provide.

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Assisted Living in Philadelphia, PA: Costs & Medicaid (2026)

Philadelphia assisted living costs, Pennsylvania waiver basics, and facility verification.

6 min readUpdated 2026-07-06

Greater Philadelphia spans Center City, Main Line suburbs (Ardmore, Wayne, Malvern), South Jersey cross-border options in Cherry Hill and Voorhees, and Delaware County communities. Cost variation is significant — Main Line and Center City communities often exceed $5,500/month while northeast Philadelphia and Bucks County options are more affordable.

Philadelphia's world-class medical infrastructure — Penn Medicine, Jefferson Health, and the Rothman Institute — makes it a strong market for medically complex residents needing proximity to specialists and hospital discharge coordination.

Philadelphia Metro Assisted Living Costs (2026)

Studio with basic ADL help: $4,200–$5,200/month
One-bedroom with Level 2 care: $5,000–$6,200/month
Memory care unit: $5,800–$7,500/month
Main Line premium: add 20–35% above city average
South Jersey (Cherry Hill/Voorhees): typically 10–15% less than PA side

Verifying Pennsylvania ALF Licenses

Pennsylvania licenses personal care homes (PCH) and assisted living residences (ALR) separately through the Department of Human Services. ALRs can provide a broader range of care including medication administration. Before touring, search the PA eCare facility database for license type, inspection history, and any enforcement actions.

Pennsylvania HCBS Waivers

Pennsylvania's HCBS waiver programs may cover personal care and support services for eligible residents in participating assisted-living settings. Room and board is always private pay. Contact the Philadelphia County Assistance Office or use our Pennsylvania Medicaid screener to check eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does assisted living cost in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?: Philadelphia assisted living averages $4,500–$5,500/month. Main Line communities in Ardmore, Wayne, and Malvern typically cost 20–35% more. South Jersey options across the river in Cherry Hill are often 10–15% less. Memory care averages $5,800–$7,500/month.
Does Pennsylvania Medicaid cover assisted living in Philadelphia?: Pennsylvania HCBS waivers may cover personal care services in participating assisted-living settings for eligible low-income residents. Room and board is always private pay. Contact your county assistance office or use our Pennsylvania Medicaid screener to check eligibility.
What is the difference between a personal care home and assisted living in Pennsylvania?: Pennsylvania licenses personal care homes (PCH) and assisted living residences (ALR) separately. ALRs can provide a broader range of services including medication administration and higher-acuity personal care. Confirm which license type a Philadelphia-area community holds — it affects what care they can legally provide.

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