Cost is usually the first question families ask — and the hardest to get a straight answer on. Here's an honest look at what assisted living and board and care homes typically cost in Contra Costa County, what drives the price, and how families pay for it.
The Short Answer
As of 2026, most families in Contra Costa County — including Concord, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, and Martinez — should expect assisted living to cost somewhere between $4,500 and $9,000+ per month, depending on the type of residence, the room, and how much care your loved one needs. Memory care in a large community often runs higher still.
That range is wide because "assisted living" covers two very different kinds of residence:
- Large assisted living communities — apartment-style buildings with dozens to hundreds of residents, priced as base rent plus tiered care fees.
- Small board and care homes (RCFEs) — licensed residential homes, typically caring for six residents, usually priced as one all-inclusive monthly rate.
Every home prices differently, and advertised rates rarely tell the whole story — treat all figures in this guide as typical ranges, not quotes, and always confirm in writing exactly what a rate includes.
Large Community vs. Board and Care Home Pricing
Large communities typically advertise a base rent that covers the apartment, meals, and activities. Personal care — help with bathing, dressing, medications — is added on top in "care levels" or points, often $500 to $2,500+ per month extra. Many also charge a one-time move-in or community fee that can run several thousand dollars. As care needs grow, the monthly bill grows with them.
Small board and care homes like Agape usually quote one flat monthly rate that already includes the room, three home-cooked meals a day, 24-hour personal care, medication management, housekeeping, and laundry. The rate is set by the level of care your loved one needs and the room type (private or shared) — and because a six-resident home has far lower overhead than a large campus, comparable care often costs meaningfully less.
When comparing quotes, always ask each facility for the all-in monthly number at your loved one's actual care level — not the starting rate.
What Drives the Monthly Cost
- Level of care — Help with a few daily tasks costs less than full assistance with bathing, dressing, mobility, and incontinence care. Most homes, including Agape, assess each resident and assign a care level.
- Memory care — Dementia and Alzheimer's care requires more supervision and trained staff. In large communities it is often a separate, more expensive wing; in a small home it is usually reflected in the care level.
- Room type — A private room costs more than a shared room. Private bathrooms add more still in larger communities.
- Location — Bay Area senior care costs more than the California average, and California more than the national average. Within the county, prices vary city to city.
- Extra services — Ask what is not included: transportation, incontinence supplies, cable, salon services, and one-time fees can add up in larger communities.
How Families Pay for Assisted Living
- Private pay — savings, retirement income, family contributions, or proceeds from selling or renting a home. This is how most families pay.
- Long-term care insurance — most policies cover licensed RCFE care. Check the daily benefit amount, elimination period, and whether the policy requires a licensed facility (Agape qualifies).
- VA Aid & Attendance — wartime veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for a monthly benefit that can be put toward assisted living costs.
- Medi-Cal Assisted Living Waiver (ALW) — California's ALW program can help eligible low-income seniors pay for care in participating facilities, and Contra Costa is a participating county. Enrollment is limited and waitlists are common, so apply early.
- What Medicare does not cover — Medicare does not pay for assisted living room, board, or day-to-day personal care. It continues to cover regular medical care (doctors, hospital stays, and some short-term home health) while your loved one lives in assisted living.
Questions to Ask About Pricing on Any Tour
- What is the all-in monthly rate at my loved one's care level — and what exactly does it include?
- Are there move-in, community, or assessment fees?
- How and when can the rate increase? How much notice do we get?
- What happens to the rate if care needs increase — and at what point would a resident need to move out?
- Is there a different rate for shared vs. private rooms?
- Do you accept long-term care insurance, VA benefits, or the Medi-Cal Assisted Living Waiver?
Frequently Asked Questions — Assisted Living Costs
How much does assisted living cost in Contra Costa County?
As of 2026, most families in Contra Costa County should expect assisted living to cost roughly $4,500 to $9,000+ per month, depending on the type of residence, room, and level of care needed. Large communities charge base rent plus tiered care fees, while small board and care homes like Agape usually quote one all-inclusive monthly rate. Always confirm in writing exactly what a quoted rate includes.
Does Medicare pay for assisted living?
No. Medicare does not pay for assisted living room, board, or day-to-day personal care. It continues to cover regular medical care — doctor visits, hospital stays, and some short-term home health services — while your loved one lives in an assisted living or board and care home.
Does Medi-Cal help pay for assisted living in Contra Costa County?
California's Medi-Cal Assisted Living Waiver (ALW) can help eligible low-income seniors pay for care in participating facilities, and Contra Costa is a participating county. Enrollment is limited and waitlists are common, so families should apply as early as possible. Not every facility participates — ask each home directly.
Why do board and care homes often cost less than large assisted living communities?
Small board and care homes typically quote one flat monthly rate that already includes the room, meals, 24-hour personal care, medication management, housekeeping, and laundry. Large communities usually charge base rent plus separate tiered care fees and one-time move-in or community fees. A six-resident home also has far lower overhead than a large campus, so comparable care often costs meaningfully less.
What is included in Agape's monthly rate?
Agape charges one all-inclusive monthly rate based on care level and room type. It includes 24-hour care, three home-cooked meals daily plus snacks, medication management, housekeeping, laundry, social activities, and scheduled medical transportation — with no move-in fees or surprise add-ons. Call (925) 788-2530 for a personalized quote.
What Does Agape Cost?
Agape Assisted Living is a family-run, licensed board and care home (RCFE #75601346) in Concord with only 6 residents. Our rate is one all-inclusive monthly amount based on care level and room type — it includes 24-hour care, home-cooked meals, medication management, housekeeping, laundry, activities, and scheduled medical transportation. No move-in fees, no surprise add-ons.
Because every resident's needs are different, we quote after a short conversation about your loved one's situation — call us and we'll give you a clear, honest number.
Call for a Personal Quote: (925) 788-2530