We're still building out our memory care directory for Santa Cruz, CA. The median estimated cost is $8,633/mo. That's roughly in line with the California state median. Browse nearby cities or the California page while we finish adding local providers.
Not sure which type of care fits? Take our 3-question care quiz →
Median monthly price, Santa Cruz
$8,633/mo
Estimated range $8,287 – $8,978
● Santa Cruz $8,633 ○ National median $7,788
Source: Based on 2025 assisted living costs plus a memory care premium
2025 figures
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Home care in Santa Cruz runs about $39 an hour. Here is what common schedules cost a month:
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Medicare generally does not cover long-term custodial care. Families usually combine private pay, long-term care insurance, VA Aid and Attendance, or a Medicaid waiver where they qualify. See paying for care and the state Medicaid guides.
Here is what different monthly budgets cover in Santa Cruz.
California's public data download doesn't say which communities offer dementia care. These licensed assisted living communities in Santa Cruz are worth calling to ask.
Santa Cruz, in Santa Cruz County, has about 61,607 residents. About 9,295 of them (15%) are 65 or older. The median household income is $115,475.
Source: US Census BureauArea Agency on Aging serving this city.
State Long-Term Care Ombudsman program.
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).
Statewide help for older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers.
San Benito, Santa Cruz
VA Medical Center in Palo Alto.
Can help pay for care if your parent qualifies.
National helplines, including the Eldercare Locator and 211, are listed on paying for care.
Veterans & surviving spouses: VA Aid & Attendance can help wartime veterans who qualify. How Aid & Attendance works →
Santa Cruz's median memory care cost is about 1% lower than the California state median.
Tell us what you need and your budget, and we will email you licensed options right away.
Reading up first? Memory Care across California → · Memory Care cost across California → · Memory Care vs Assisted Living →
Touring this week? Print our checklist: what to ask on a tour, what to notice, and the license paperwork to request. Or email it to yourself to have it on your phone.