How much does a board and care cost in California?

Oct 19, 2025 2 min read •

elder care Cost of Care California Senior Living

According to a May 2025 report, the median monthly cost for a residential care home in California is approximately $5,500 for a private room and $4,200 for a semi-private room, with significant variations based on location, services, and room type. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of how much does a board and care cost in California, exploring the factors that influence pricing and outlining potential financial assistance options for families.

Quick Summary

Residential board and care costs in California vary widely based on location, care level, and room type. Expect to pay between $4,200 and $5,500 monthly for median costs, with major regional differences. Several factors drive costs, and financial assistance programs can help offset expenses.

Key Points

Median Costs in 2025: The median monthly cost for a board and care home in California is approximately $5,500 for a private room and $4,200 for a semi-private room.
Regional Variations: Costs vary significantly by location, with expensive coastal and urban areas often charging over $6,000/month, while more rural and inland regions like the Central Valley offer more affordable options starting around $2,700/month.
Key Cost Drivers: The price is primarily influenced by the resident's required level of care, room type (private vs. shared), the facility's location, and its amenities.
RCFE Services Included: Monthly fees typically cover room and board, three meals a day plus snacks, housekeeping, laundry, transportation, and assistance with daily activities.
Financial Aid Options: Several programs can help cover costs, including the Medi-Cal Assisted Living Waiver, Supplemental Security Income (SSI)/SSP, Long-Term Care Insurance, and Veterans Aid and Attendance benefits.
Board and Care vs. Assisted Living: Board and care homes are smaller (fewer than 15 residents) and offer a more intimate, residential setting, compared to larger, often apartment-style assisted living communities.

Understanding Board and Care Homes in California

In California, board and care homes, also known as Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs), are licensed homes providing 24-hour non-medical care and supervision for seniors. These facilities are typically smaller, residential-style homes offering a more intimate setting than larger assisted living communities. Services generally include meals, housekeeping, laundry, and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs).

Key Factors That Influence the Cost

Several factors significantly influence the final cost of a board and care home in California, including the level of care required, room type, facility location, and amenities.

Regional Cost Variations Across California

Costs vary greatly across California. Expensive areas include Santa Cruz, San Luis Obispo, and the San Francisco Bay Area. Moderately priced regions include Riverside and Sacramento. More affordable options are often found in the Central Valley, such as Merced and Modesto.

Comparison Table: Board and Care vs. Other Senior Living Options


Feature	Board and Care Home (RCFE)	Larger Assisted Living Facility	Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)
Environment	Intimate, residential home setting (typically 6-15 residents)	Larger community setting, often apartment-style living for residents	Clinical, hospital-like environment
Level of Care	Non-medical, 24/7 supervision and assistance with ADLs	Non-medical, 24/7 supervision and assistance with ADLs	Higher level of medical care, including skilled nursing services
Cost (CA Estimate)	$3,500 - $7,000+ per month, highly dependent on location	$4,500 - $12,000+ per month	$12,046 (semi-private) - $15,633 (private) per month in 2025
Medication Mgmt.	Yes, often included	Yes, often available, sometimes for an extra fee	Yes, administered by licensed medical staff
Dementia Care	Possible, depending on the facility's license and staff training	Often available, with specialized memory care wings	Yes, for severe cases requiring more medical attention

Financial Assistance for Board and Care

Several programs can help manage the cost. Options include Supplemental Security Income (SSI) / State Supplementary Payment (SSP), the Medi-Cal Assisted Living Waiver, Long-Term Care Insurance, Veterans Aid and Attendance benefits, and using personal funds.

Conclusion

Determining how much does a board and care cost in California involves considering several factors, including location, level of care, and room type. While the state's cost of living results in higher average prices, regional variations offer a range of options. Families should explore financial assistance programs like the Medi-Cal Assisted Living Waiver and Veterans Aid and Attendance benefits. Thorough research and understanding these factors are crucial for finding a suitable and affordable care option.

For further information on senior care options and costs in California, consult the {Link: California Department of Aging https://aging.ca.gov/Care_Options/}.

Frequently Asked Questions

While costs vary widely, a May 2025 report indicates that the median monthly cost for a California residential care home is around $5,500 for a private room and $4,200 for a semi-private room, with regional variations significantly impacting the final price.

Medi-Cal generally does not pay for room and board in Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs). However, the Medi-Cal Assisted Living Waiver program may help cover the cost of care services for eligible individuals in participating facilities.

In California, board and care homes are typically smaller, residential-style facilities licensed to house up to 15 residents, offering a more intimate setting. Assisted living facilities are larger, accommodating more residents, often in apartment-style units.

For specialized dementia care, often called Memory Care, the cost is typically 20% to 30% higher than standard board and care or assisted living rates. This additional expense can range from approximately $700 to over $2,300 per month.

While rates are often set, some negotiation may be possible, especially if the facility has open beds or if you are willing to accept a shared room. It is always worth discussing pricing and potential discounts with the facility's administrator.

Yes, qualifying wartime veterans and their spouses may be eligible for the Veterans Aid and Attendance benefit, which can provide financial assistance to help cover the costs of long-term care, including board and care services.

Typically, the monthly fee for a board and care home covers room and board, three meals a day plus snacks, housekeeping, laundry service, recreational activities, and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs).

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.