Located on the edge of the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland’s largest city of Baltimore is home to approximately 585,700 people. People aged 65 or above make up 14% of the local population. When it comes to health, the city has a higher number of physicians per capita than the national average and is home to The John Hopkins Hospital, which ranks nationally for several medical specialties and is among the top five hospitals in the country. With its low cost of living, sunny climate, two local chapters of AARP and diverse activities and attractions, Baltimore is a great retirement destination.
Assisted living communities support seniors who require assistance with everyday activities, such as personal care or domestic chores. Assisted living can be a good choice for older adults who can’t live independently but don’t need the around-the-clock supervision and clinical care of nursing homes. In Baltimore, assisted living costs an average of $4,750 per month, which is a little more affordable than the statewide average of $4,900.
This guide provides an overview of assisted living in Baltimore, with a comparison of statewide costs and a list of resources to help older adults enjoy a good quality of life.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
COVID-19 restrictions and rules for Assisted Living Facilities are typically set by the state – to see the rules in your state, you can read our guide to Assisted Living in Maryland. Keep in mind that there may be other policies that communities put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
The median monthly cost of assisted living in Baltimore is $4,750, according to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey.
Assisted living is cheaper in Baltimore than the Maryland state average of $4,900. However, seniors in Baltimore can typically expect to pay around $250 more per month than the national average of $4,500.
Costs of assisted living care vary among Maryland’s cities. Salisbury’s average monthly cost of $4,980 is almost on par with the state average of $4,900. West of Baltimore in Hagerstown, average monthly rates drop by $120 to $4,630, representing the state’s cheapest prices for assisted living. Continuing approximately 70 miles west, Cumberland has the state’s highest fees of $5,248. To the east and crossing the border to Dover, Delaware, there’s a further price jump to $6,073.
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in Maryland.
Resource |
Contact |
Service |
(410) 396-1322 |
Baltimore Senior Legal Services provides free legal advocacy, services and assistance to people aged 60 and above. You can contact the organization for help related to consumer affairs, debts, wills, powers of attorney, financial exploitation, abuse and other civil law matters. | |
(410) 455-2537 |
Academic adults aged 60 and older may qualify for tuition fee waivers at the University of Maryland Baltimore County via the Golden ID Program. Individuals can study graduate programs at little cost for personal pleasure and enrichment. There’s a broad choice of subjects, including sciences, mathematics, technology, humanities and arts. | |
(410) 396-1337 |
Baltimore is home to 13 active senior centers that offer a range of programs and activities geared toward older adult well-being. Services include diverse social events, fitness classes, health education and screening, nutrition and lifelong learning. | |
(410) 887-3101 |
Active seniors who want to keep busy, share skills, develop new talents and give back to the local community may enjoy the diverse volunteering opportunities provided by Baltimore’s Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). Volunteers are connected with meaningful projects in various government agencies and nonprofit organizations, and roles may include administrative duties, companionship, mentoring and fundraising. | |
(410) 243-3828 |
If you served in the U.S. Armed Forces, you may consider joining MD Post 0002, a local Baltimore post of the American Legion. The organization provides support and assistance for veterans and arranges events for veterans, their families and the wider community. | |
(410) 396-2273 |
The Division of Aging Services Baltimore City Health Department provides an array of information and supportive services to help seniors maintain a good quality of life. Trained advisors can signpost seniors to a wide range of relevant resources. The department advocates for elders and facilitates social and educational events. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Baltimore area are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined at the state level. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.