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Florida is one of the most popular retirement spots in the nation, and Gainesville is no exception. Located in northern Florida just 70 miles from Jacksonville and St. Augustine, this midsize city represents the Sunshine State at its best with its competitive tax rates, below-average cost of living and subtropical climate.
Assisted living communities provide a safe environment for seniors to live an independent lifestyle while meeting specific, nonmedical needs. This assistance may include help with bathing, dressing, eating and maintaining personal hygiene. The average cost for room and board and care in an assisted living community in Gainesville is $2,350 per month.
This guide compares the cost of assisted living in Gainesville with the state and national averages. It also lists the costs in other cities around the state and includes information on how to pay for care. There’s also a list of resources of interest to seniors.
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 Florida. 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 Gainesville pay $2,350 per month for assisted living services.
According to Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey, seniors in Gainesville pay an average of $2,350 per month for assisted living care. This is significantly lower than the state average of $4,000 and the national average of $4,500.
The cost of assisted living care differs throughout the state, with Gainesville having one of the lowest costs. In the panhandles of Panama City and Pensacola, the costs are $5,081 and $4,323, respectively. In the northeast, particularly Jacksonville, assisted living is at $4,660 per month. Orlando seniors pay an estimated $4,000, which is the same as the state average, and Miami residents pay around $4,385. The average assisted living cost in Tampa is approximately $1,000 less than costs in Gainesville at $3,350.
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 Florida.
| Contact | Description | |
| Elder Options | (800) 262-2243 | Elder Options is the state-designed Aging and Disability Resource Center and Area Agency on Aging for Gainesville and Alachua County. It functions as a single point of contact for state and local programs that serve senior citizens, disabled adults and caregivers. It offers options counseling, long-term care planning and transitional support. |
| Florida Department of Elder Affairs | (800) 963-5337 | This state agency oversees all age-related services and connects Gainesville residents with resources in their local community, including senior centers, Area Agencies on Aging, transportation and insurance counseling. Information about Medicaid, financial assistance and long-term care licensing is available online and through the statewide Elder Helpline. |
| Senior Recreation Center | (352) 265-9040 | Gainesville’s 17,000-square-foot senior center is jointly operated by the city and ElderCare of Alachua County. The facility offers wellness events, fitness classes, AARP tax workshops and social activities, such as woodworking, songwriting, quilting and sewing. |
| Three Rivers Legal Services | (352) 372-0519 | This pro bono law office assists low-income residents with critical legal issues related to housing, employment and government benefits. Its elder law team focuses on Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid, estate planning and living wills with an emphasis on cases involving abuse or exploitation. |
| CARES | (352) 955-6560 | Comprehensive Assessment and Review for Long-Term Care Services is a federally mandated prescreening service that determines residents’ eligibility for nursing home care and Medicaid waivers, including the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care Program, which can be used for assisted living. |
| ElderCare of Alachua County | (352) 265-9040 | Affiliated with the University of Florida Academic Health Center, ElderCare of Alachua County is a 100% grant-funded agency offering elder advocacy, social activities and supportive home- and community based services. Programs include transportation, homemaker services, low-cost meals and daytime Alzheimer’s care at Al’z Place. |
| Alachua County Veteran Services Office | (352) 264-6740 | This county-level VSO helps veterans, active-duty service members and military families access local, state and federal benefits, including pension supplements that can help with the cost of assisted living. The center offers informational services, application assistance and unbiased advice. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Gainesville 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.
