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San Mateo is in the northern region of California, just 20 miles south of San Francisco. It’s home to over 100,000 people, about 15% of whom are seniors, and is known for its comfortable Mediterranean climate and its dynamic art scene. In the summer, highs are typically in the mid-70s, and in the winter, lows are in the low 40s and snow is virtually unheard of, making it an attractive option for seniors who enjoy spending time outdoors. Among San Mateo’s most popular attractions is CuriOdyssey, a science museum and zoo with nearly 100 rescued animals, where seniors aged 62 and over are eligible for discounted admission.
San Mateo has several assisted living facilities, providing long-term care solutions for seniors who are largely independent but need help with daily activities such as meal preparation, bathing and dressing. Residents’ units may be furnished or unfurnished, depending on the facility, and communities have indoor and outdoor common areas for social activities. On average, local assisted living facilities charge $6,319 per month for housing and services.
Keep reading to learn how local care costs compare to the state and nation, an overview of nonprofit agencies that can help you find care and a list of state-mandated rules facilities follow.
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 California. 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.
In San Mateo, assisted living residents pay $6,319 monthly for services, according to Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey.
Assisted living facilities in San Mateo charge $6,319 per month for services. This is about $1,800 higher than the nationwide average of $4,500. It also exceeds California’s average monthly rate of $5,250 by over $1,000.
In San Mateo, assisted living communities charge $6,319 for care, which is among the highest recorded costs in the state. Local fees are about $2,700 higher than care costs in Stockton, which average $3,649, and about $2,500 higher than rates in Madera, where seniors pay $3,828 for this level of care. In Redding, rates are about $1,900 lower than San Mateo’s fees at $4,450, and seniors in Oxnard pay $5,750 for care, nearly $570 less than care costs in San Mateo.
Note: Data for San Mateo was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, San Francisco, was used instead.
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 California.
| Contact | Description | |
| Area Agency on Aging | (650) 573-3527 | The local Area Agency on Aging operates through the San Mateo County Health System’s Aging and Adult Service department. The AAA supports the independence of older adults and addresses their needs by providing a broad array of services, including congregate nutrition, legal assistance, advocacy, transportation and information and referrals for local and state services. |
| San Mateo County Veterans Service Office | (650) 802-6598 | Staff at the San Mateo County Veterans Service Office, located about 5 miles away in San Carlos, helps eligible veterans and their spouses obtain state and federal benefits. These may include the VA pension, disability compensation, non-service connected pensions and the Aid and Attendance benefit, which can help fund assisted living. Information and referral services for clinical, medical and community nonprofit services and emergency assistance are also available. |
| Mills-Peninsula Retired and Senior Volunteer Program | (650) 696-7660 | The RSVP program, sponsored by Mills-Peninsula Senior Focus, provides volunteer services to more than 80 local agencies. The program offers seniors volunteer opportunities that fit their interests and experience. These may include tutoring children after school at the library, providing GED tutoring, senior peer counseling and income tax preparation counseling for AARP and serving in various capacities at homeless shelters. In exchange for their service, volunteers receive supplemental insurance coverage and transportation cost reimbursement. |
| San Mateo Senior Center | (650) 522-7490 | San Mateo’s local senior center is operated by the city’s Parks and Recreation Department and hosts a wide range of activities, including yoga classes, history seminars, book discussion groups and billiards. Members can also enjoy daily lunch at the center for a modest fee. The center is open to adults aged 50 and over and operates every day except Sunday. |
| Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program | (800) 434-0222 | The city offers free H.I.C.A.P. counseling on a weekly basis. Through this program, participants can receive options counseling and information on Medicare, long-term care and seniors’ rights. Volunteer counselors discuss a variety of health insurance-related topics and help participants understand the different types of plans available to them, along with their varying costs and coverage. |
| San Mateo County Aging and Adult Services | (800) 675-8437 | San Mateo County’s Aging and Adult Services department provides a wide range of services to help local seniors maintain their independence and quality of life. These include nutritious meals at group dining sites, the Multipurpose Senior Services Program, for adults aged 65 and older who qualify for Medi-Cal, and information and assistance regarding community resources for at-risk seniors. It also provides wellness services, such as Wise and Well, a health promotion program offering screening and one-on-one counseling, and a falls prevention program. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the San Mateo 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.
