Phoenix Metro Guide
Assisted Living in Phoenix, Arizona
The Phoenix metro area has 253+ licensed assisted living facilities across 7 major cities, with costs ranging from $2,500 to $8,000 per month. Whether you're looking for affordable care in Glendale or resort-style living in Scottsdale, our local advisor will help you find the right match — completely free.
What Is Assisted Living?
Assisted living is a residential care option for seniors who need help with daily activities — bathing, dressing, medication management, meals — but don't require the 24/7 skilled nursing care of a nursing home. Residents live in their own apartment or suite within a community and receive personalized support based on their needs.
In Arizona, assisted living facilities are licensed by the Arizona Department of Health Services. Communities range from small group homes (2-10 residents) to large campuses with 200+ residents offering resort-style amenities.
What's Typically Included
Assisted Living Costs by City
Costs vary significantly across the Phoenix metro. Glendale and Mesa are the most affordable, while Scottsdale and Gilbert command premium rates.
Glendale
Mesa
Tempe
Phoenix
Chandler
Gilbert
Scottsdale
Signs Your Loved One May Need Assisted Living
Difficulty with daily tasks
Struggling to bathe, dress, cook meals, or manage medications without help.
Frequent falls or safety concerns
Falls are the leading cause of injury in seniors. If your parent has fallen multiple times, the home may no longer be safe.
Social isolation or depression
Withdrawal from activities, not leaving the house, loss of interest in hobbies or socializing.
Weight loss or poor nutrition
Not eating regularly, expired food in the fridge, difficulty cooking or grocery shopping.
Missed medications
Forgetting doses, taking wrong amounts, or mixing up prescriptions — a serious safety risk.
Caregiver burnout
If you or a family member are providing daily care and feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or resentful — it's time to explore options.
Wandering or confusion
Getting lost in familiar places, leaving the stove on, or difficulty recognizing family members may indicate memory care needs.
How to Pay for Assisted Living in Arizona
Most families use a combination of funding sources. Here are the most common options in Arizona.
Private Pay
Personal savings, retirement funds, Social Security, or family contributions. The most common payment method.
ALTCS (Arizona Medicaid)
Arizona's long-term care Medicaid program covers assisted living for qualifying residents. Income and asset limits apply.
Read full guide →VA Benefits
The Aid & Attendance pension provides up to $2,431/month for wartime veterans who need assisted living.
Read full guide →Long-Term Care Insurance
Private policies purchased before needing care. Covers partial or full assisted living costs depending on the policy.
Life Insurance Conversion
Convert an existing life insurance policy into immediate funds for care. Can unlock 50-75% of face value.
Home Equity
Reverse mortgages or home sales can fund assisted living. Must be 62+ for a reverse mortgage.
Assisted Living vs Other Care Types
Not sure if assisted living is the right fit? Compare it to other options.
Assisted Living vs Nursing Home
Nursing homes provide 24/7 medical care. Assisted living is for daily activity support.
Assisted Living vs Memory Care
Memory care adds secured environments and dementia-specific programs.
Assisted Living vs In-Home Care
In-home care comes to you. But it gets expensive fast for full-time needs.
Assisted Living vs Independent Living
Independent living is for active seniors who don't need personal care.
Assisted Living vs Board & Care
Group homes offer smaller, more personal care at a lower price point.
Assisted Living vs CCRC
CCRCs offer all care levels on one campus — for a large entrance fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does assisted living cost in Phoenix?
The average cost of assisted living in the Phoenix metro area is $4,195 per month in 2026. Costs range from about $2,500/month in Glendale to $5,100/month in Scottsdale. Room type, care level, and community amenities all affect the final price.
Does Arizona Medicaid (ALTCS) cover assisted living?
Yes. Arizona's ALTCS (Arizona Long Term Care System) program covers assisted living for residents who meet income and medical eligibility requirements. Many facilities in the Phoenix metro accept ALTCS, especially in Mesa, Glendale, and Phoenix.
What is the difference between assisted living and a nursing home?
Assisted living provides help with daily activities (bathing, dressing, meals, medications) in a home-like setting. Nursing homes provide 24/7 skilled medical care for complex conditions. Assisted living averages $4,195/month in Arizona vs $7,908/month for nursing homes.
How do I choose the right assisted living facility?
Start with your budget and location preferences, then consider: care level needed, community size (small group home vs large campus), amenities, staff-to-resident ratio, ALTCS acceptance, and proximity to family. We recommend touring at least 3 communities. Our free matching service can help you narrow the list.
Can couples live together in assisted living?
Yes. Many Arizona assisted living communities offer companion suites or two-bedroom apartments for couples. If one partner needs more care than the other, some communities can accommodate different care levels within the same building.
Find the Right Assisted Living in Phoenix
Our local advisor knows every facility in the metro. Tell us your needs and budget — we'll match you with the best options, completely free.