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One of the three major cities in Santa Barbara County, historic Santa Maria is home to approximately 107,000 residents. The area is considered more rural than the county seat, but it’s also known for its abundant natural beauty and pleasant weather, in addition to a lower cost of living than larger California cities such as Los Angeles. A number of Pacific-facing beaches, including Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve, are within a 30-minute drive. Seniors can visit the region’s many wineries, explore its downtown shopping and dining options, and catch stage performances at the critically acclaimed Pacific Conservatory Theater. Residents can also participate in the variety of activities and events hosted by the Elwin E. Mussell Senior Citizens Center, open to those 50 and older.
Seniors who want help with daily tasks, such as health care coordination, housekeeping and meal preparation, may want to consider moving into an assisted living community. These facilities offer various services, including personal care, dining and social programming. According to the Genworth Cost of Living Survey, the average monthly cost for assisted living services in Santa Maria, CA, is $5,300.
Published annually, this guide provides cost of living data for hundreds of cities across America along with resources to help seniors plan for potential changes in their monthly living expenses.
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.
The average monthly cost for assisted living communities in Santa Maria is $5,300.
Seniors living in Santa Maria’s assisted living facilities can expect to pay about $5,300 a month, which is slightly higher than the California average of $5,250 and $800 more than the national average.
While Santa Maria’s average assisted living costs are on par with California’s average, several neighboring cities have lower average costs. Visalia and Bakersfield, for example, are on the lower end of the range, with average costs of $3,450 and $3,750, respectively. Modesto and Hanford are also more affordable than Santa Maria, with prices averaging $4,000 and $4,350. Los Angeles is on par with the state average at $5,250, and San Luis Obispo is just a little more at $5,300. On the more expensive side, Oxnard and Salinas have average costs of $5,750 and $6,000.
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.
| Resource | Contact | Description |
| Central Coast Commission for Senior Citizens | (805) 925-9554 | The Central Coast Commission for Senior Citizens provides a wide range of services, programs and support for seniors and their loved ones living in the Santa Maria area. The online directory includes information regarding local assisted living communities, caregiver resources and more. There are volunteer opportunities to help assist as information and referral specialists or serve on the Advisory Council. Seniors can also access the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program, which offers information regarding Medicare, long-term care insurance, savings for prescription drug costs and appeal assistance. |
| Santa Maria Valley Senior Citizens Club | (805) 925-0951 ext. 2207 | Promoting happiness and fulfillment for those 50 and older, the Santa Maria Valley Senior Citizens Club offers activities ranging from dancing and senior proms to dining and group trips. Residents can visit local landmarks or cross state lines to visit places of historical and cultural interest. The Santa Maria Valley Senior Citizens Club also provides its members with up-to-date information regarding health care policies and monitors scams targeting the elderly. |
| Veterans Services | (805) 346-7160 | Senior veterans and their loved ones can receive individualized counseling to help them apply for benefits or file for claims through the Santa Barbara County Veterans Services office. In addition to assistance with financial aid, Veterans Services provides referrals for various services, case management and outreach. |
| Family Service Agency | (805) 965-1001 | The Senior Services branch of nearby Santa Barbara’s Family Service Agency provides free counseling for those 60 and older. Seniors and their family members can access long-term care ombudsman services; case management is available as well. The FSA also hosts an annual Senior Expo of Santa Barbara that connects individuals with relevant health services. |
| SMOOTH Transportation | (805) 922-8476 | SMOOTH works with various local agencies to provide door-to-door transportation services to seniors living in Santa Maria. Transportation is available for any purpose, including medical visits, social events, and shopping trips. Rides are free with a suggested donation of $4 per round trip. Rides must be scheduled in advance, with up to a week’s notice recommended. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Santa Maria 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.
