Talk to a local advisor for free
Columbia is the capital of South Carolina, located in the state’s center and at the confluence of two rivers that form the Congaree River. The city is South Carolina’s largest one by population; it is home to over 130,000 people of which 9.7% are seniors 65 years of age and older. Columbia has a subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and relatively cool, mild winters. Those that favor warmer temperatures will find Columbia’s climate particularly appealing as the city regularly records the highest temperatures in the state. The city has recently undergone a number of revitalization projects including the redevelopment of the historic Congaree Vista that now houses art galleries, restaurants and boutiques. Columbia is home to the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, an animal sanctuary set in a natural habitat that is recognized as one of America’s best zoos and the top travel destination in the Southeast. It also features a number of parks including the Congaree National Park that is home to the largest old-growth hardwood forest in the country.
Assisted living offers nonmedical care in a residential setting for seniors who can live independently but require some assistance with personal care activities, including eating, dressing and medication management. According to the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey, older adults in Columbia pay an average monthly rate of $3,270, which is a bit less than South Carolina’s monthly cost and significantly more affordable than the national median.
This guide provides insight into how assisted living costs in Columbia compare to other areas in the state and what financial assistance can be used to cover those costs.
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 South Carolina. 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.
Seniors in Columbia pay an average rate of $3,270 per month for assisted living.
Assisted living in Columbia costs about $3,270 per month, which is about $342 less than South Carolina’s average monthly rate of $3,612 and $1,230 less than the national median of $4,500.
Assisted living prices vary significantly throughout South Carolina. Along the coast, Myrtle Beach offers care at a higher price than Columbia at $4,070 per month. The cities of Charleston and Greenville also have higher monthly rates at $3,945 and $3,743, respectively. Aiken provides assisted living care at a slightly higher price than Columbia at $3,606, as does Florence, at $3,456. Sumter offers care at one of the lowest prices in the state at $2,663 per month.
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 South Carolina.
| Contact | Description | |
| Central Midlands Council of Governments | (803) 376-5390 | The Central Midlands Council of Governments is designated as Columbia’s local Area on Aging. The agency plans programs and services for seniors in the area and subcontracts with local providers to deliver services. It also has a Long Term Care Ombudsman program that investigates reports of abuse and neglect occurring in senior care facilities. |
| Columbia Senior Activity Center | (573) 874-2050 | Columbia Senior Activity Center is a not-for-profit organization that provides facilities and activities for seniors who wish to interact socially with others who share the same interests. It also promotes an independent lifestyle and personal growth for older adults as well as offering a lunch program for the senior population. |
| U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs | (844) 698-2311 | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides support for veterans through financial assistance for services required at an assisted living facility. These services may include help with the activities of daily living, medication supervision, meals and nursing assistance. |
| Senior Resources | (866) 818-6499 | Senior Resources offers services to seniors who wish to maintain independence and remain living at home. The organization provides home-delivered meals five days a week, home care services and medical devices to those who cannot afford private services. It also assists clients in accessing other community resources that provide housing, meals, discount medication and transportation for medical trips. |
| The South Carolina Department on Aging | (803) 734-9900 | The South Carolina Department on Aging manages services along with a network of local organizations that helps seniors to remain independent in their communities. Its programs include management of chronic conditions and encouragement of healthy lifestyles, coordination of seniors’ Medicaid health coverage, advocating for residents in care facilities and meal delivery programs. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Columbia 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.
