Miami, Florida, has been a popular destination for seniors in need of assisted living for many years. Famous for its constant flow of cruise ships, relaxing beaches, and lively nightlife, Miami lives up to its legendary charm. While the Magic City no longer boasts a low cost of living, it still offers a variety of exceptional assisted living options for seniors and their families.
Assisted living facilities in Miami give seniors the chance to live comfortably and independently while receiving the care or help they need. Seniors can receive personal care services, mobility assistance, housekeeping and home maintenance, medication management, and more in Miami’s assisted living facilities. The goal is to provide peace of mind for you and your loved one by offering security features, a variety of dietary options, and round-the-clock staff.
A Place for Mom partners with 20 assisted living facilities within a 10-mile radius of downtown Miami. This guide provides the information you and your family need to make an educated decision about assisted living. Read on to learn about the cost of assisted living in Miami, including local cost of living facts, how to pay for care, and information about veterans benefits, Medicaid, Medicare, and what living in Miami’s assisted living facilities may be like each day.
Miami, Florida, has been a popular destination for seniors in need of assisted living for many years. Famous for its constant flow of cruise ships, relaxing beaches, and lively nightlife, Miami lives up to its legendary charm. While the Magic City no longer boasts a low cost of living, it still offers a variety of exceptional assisted living options for seniors and their families.Read more
Assisted living facilities in Miami give seniors the chance to live comfortably and independently while receiving the care or help they need. Seniors can receive personal care services, mobility assistance, housekeeping and home maintenance, medication management, and more in Miami’s assisted living facilities. The goal is to provide peace of mind for you and your loved one by offering security features, a variety of dietary options, and round-the-clock staff.
A Place for Mom partners with 20 assisted living facilities within a 10-mile radius of downtown Miami. This guide provides the information you and your family need to make an educated decision about assisted living. Read on to learn about the cost of assisted living in Miami, including local cost of living facts, how to pay for care, and information about veterans benefits, Medicaid, Medicare, and what living in Miami’s assisted living facilities may be like each day.
I felt that Hazel Cypen Tower was the most secure of all of the facilities that I visited. The security at the gate was a key reason why I placed my dad there.
Mirabelle is a nice facility with friendly people and excellent staff. Only downside is the food is not geared to a vegetarian, which is what my wife is.
Overall, the staff are respectful. The administration is very responsive and update me on my loved one's status, if necessary. The common areas are overall clean. From what my loved one tells me, the food is...
When my father was hospitalized someone sat with my mother overnight. There is 24 hour nursing care and they change the menu every 3 months. The Watermark is by far superior to[community name removed], and...
The staff is very caring and friendly to my aunt. She loves the food. It's great for a Latin resident, as the food and environment is very Latin. The place is always clean, and there is plenty of parking...
My Mom has been there for a month and it’s been a blessing to have found them. The owner, management & staff are always available when needed. Overall, it’s a great team at Cutler Bay Village. They provide a...
Our loved one is perfectly happy at Bay Oaks, everyone there is so friendly. She is really enjoying the meals and dining and we know she is being well taken care of.
The Palace in Coral Gables is an excellent place to live. My mother has been there for five years. She just celebrated her 100th birthday and the Palace gave her a party that was the “best night of her...
My New Oasis is a small community with very few women it gives it that family atmosphere. My mother likes the meals that the community offers, they have good taste to them. I would highly recommend this...
We are so thankful to God first for finding A Place For Mom. First and foremost the website is just amazing. I had just entered our inquisition and immediately received a call. Shortly after they emailed us...
I can't think of a better place to have my mother. Place very clean the staff is so caring, The administrator [name removed] is very professional and always there for any questions. Highly recommend Colonial...
[Name removed], we checked out like 10 different places before we chose to put my mother in the Palace. I can't thank them enough for the care they provided to my mother. Everyone there knew her name and...
Let me start by saying that I was very pleased to have found Golden Girls. [Name removed] and her staff are truly amazing and really care about each and every one of their residents. The house is very...
Everything is going well for my husband here at East Ridge we are very pleased with all the help they have been giving us. He in the memory care unit of the community and the staff here is just great and...
They have a good amount of activities there, there is always something going on. We were looking around a lot and we did not find anything bad at this place. This place has everything, they take care of a...
After searching in other ALF's for a nice place for my mother I decided this is one of the best assisted living facilities in the area. Place is very clean, rooms are big with good lighting, food...
They have a very welcoming atmosphere and we could feel their dedication. I would tell a friend, that you can be sure your loved one will be well taken care of.
My Mother has been in this facility for the past month and me and my sisters couldn’t be any happier the place is Clean the Staff is on point treatment of the patient’s is Extremely professional no Hypocrite...
Assisted living in Miami costs an average of $5,631 a month, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data of what families actually paid at our partner communities.[01] This monthly fee includes more than just rent. In general, you can expect your monthly assisted living fee to cover:
The average cost of assisted living facilities in Miami belie a wide range of cost. For instance, 60% of Miami’s assisted living facilities are residential care homes, which are considerably more affordable than other traditional assisted living facilities.[01] These tend to be about $3,000 a month.[01] On the other hand, traditional assisted living facilities in Miami are often luxurious and include a wide range of amenities and activity options. These tend to cost up to $9,000 a month.[01]
Miami is considered a high cost of living area. According to a comprehensive look at prices across the United States, the cost of living in Miami is 21% higher than the national average.[02] The cost of Miami’s assisted living facilities reflect the city’s higher-than-average cost of living.
Some seniors still save money because of Florida’s tax-friendly laws. Seniors in Florida don’t pay income tax or tax on their retirement savings. Additionally, Florida doesn’t have an inheritance or estate tax.
The following figures reflect the baseline cost of assisted living in Miami before adding additional fees. It’s best read as a comparison between the cost of assisted living in Miami and nearby communities.
Average monthly costs
Miami, FL
Most families use public funds to cover as much of their loved one’s assisted living care as they can. The most common public financial resources are veterans benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare. However, these programs can vary based on individual circumstances, eligibility criteria, and available benefits. Most families need to supplement the cost of assisted living by using their own income, savings, or investments, such as stocks or properties.
The key to keeping your ideal assisted living facility within budget is planning ahead. We outline both private and public payment methods so you can make the best use of your money.
Retirement accounts are one of the most widely used methods to cover assisted living care costs. However, there are other ways to leverage your income and investments for retirement expenses. Explore these articles and learn how to use your or your loved one’s assets to get the best possible care:
Number of veterans who live in Miami
About 53% of Miami’s veterans are seniors over the age of 55.
Florida has the third-highest veteran population in the United States, and many choose to live in Miami. Local veterans will find a connected and involved support system through the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), among other local groups.
There are numerous veterans benefits that can help veterans and their families. Eligibility is determined by multiple factors. For instance, if a veteran has a disability and intends to cover their care with veterans benefits, their disability should be connected to their active service, according to the Past Act.
The VA pension is one benefit that can be used to pay for an assisted living facility. Another is the Aid and Attendance benefit. This is one of the most generous benefits available through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Eligible veterans can use this benefit to pay for anything that improves their quality of life, including monthly fees at an assisted living facility. Contact a veterans benefits counselor before applying to help you determine your eligibility.
A veterans benefits counselor can help veterans and their families determine which benefits to apply for. They can also guide you through the application process, and in some cases, help you appeal denied benefits. Contact the following experts in Miami for personalized assistance:
Resources for Miami veterans
Florida Department of Veterans Affairs
9500 Bay Pines Blvd., #214
Bay Pines, FL 33744
Phone: 727-319-7440
Email: VSO@fdva.state.fl.us
Medicaid is a federal health insurance program for low-income individuals and people with disabilities, and each state administers their own Medicaid program. The Sunshine State’s Medicaid program is called Florida Medicaid, and it may cover some costs associated with assisted living facilities. Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration offers two different health insurance plans through Florida Medicaid:
The SMMC LTC plan through Florida Medicaid covers all of the same services as the MMA plan, as well as the type of care offered in assisted living facilities. More specifically, the SMMC LTC plan covers the following services:
Florida Medicaid’s SMMC LTC plan covers rent and meals for eligible seniors who already reside in a Medicaid-approved nursing home in Florida. While the terms “nursing homes” and “assisted living” are not interchangeable, the Florida state government says any facility that provides skilled nursing care is considered a nursing home. Some assisted living facilities in and around Miami provide skilled nursing care, which can be considered a Medicaid-approved nursing home.
If you’re unsure whether you or your loved one qualifies for coverage under Florida Medicaid’s SMMC LTC plan, consider speaking with the advisor at your current community or an elder care attorney.
A senior in Florida is eligible for the SMMC LTC plan if they meet the requirements for Florida Medicaid and need a nursing facility level of care. In Florida, seniors should meet the following criteria to be eligible for Medicaid:
Seniors generally go through the Comprehensive Assessment and Review for Long-Term Care Services (CARES) program to meet the nursing home requirement. Seniors in need of personal care — or individuals who already reside in an assisted living facility — are generally eligible for the SMMC LTC plan. Schedule your free needs assessment by contacting your local Medicaid office.
Seniors living in Florida may be eligible for a home and community based services waiver, also known as a HCBS waiver. These waivers cover the costs of in-home care, and can be provided even if the senior resides in an assisted living facility. Here’s what you need to know about Florida’s HCBS waivers:
Most people need help applying for Medicaid benefits. Thankfully, seniors in Miami can find Medicaid benefits counseling from multiple organizations, including the following:
Miami Medicaid resources
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for seniors over the age of 65 or people with disabilities. Medicare won’t cover the cost of rent or meals in an assisted living facility in Miami, but it may cover some health care procedures, medications, and medical equipment. Unlike Medicaid, Medicare is not state-run, and all eligible seniors receive the same Medicare benefits regardless of where they live.
Medicare covers short-term and medically necessary health care costs. For a procedure, test, or item to be covered by Medicare, a physician and a Medicare representative must first establish if it’s medically necessary. Keep in mind that what’s medically necessary for one person may not be for another. Some commonly covered procedures or items are an emergency appendectomy or a wheelchair for someone who is no longer mobile. Learn more about what Medicare covers by visiting Medicare’s coverage portal.
No, Medicare doesn’t cover assisted living because this type of care is typically long-term. However, Medicare may cover short-term stays in rehabilitation facilities after a procedure or short-term hospital stays. It could also cover the costs of some medically necessary health care services.
All Americans who paid their Medicare taxes are eligible for Medicare coverage, regardless of their income. Some seniors are also eligible for Medicare Savings Programs. In general, a senior must be below a certain income threshold to qualify for a Medicare Savings Program. These income limits are updated annually and depend on local cost of living. You can find information about how to apply on the Medicare website.
Often, seniors apply for Medicare coverage in the midst of a difficult health situation. If you or your loved one is struggling to receive or understand coverage, you can speak with a Medicare benefits counselor. The Florida Department of Health and The Department of Elder Affairs both offer Medicare benefits counseling. Contact a Medicare benefits counselor by visiting The Florida Department of Health website or the Department of Elder Affairs website.
Miami Medicare resources
A Place for Mom partners with professional and compassionate assisted living facilities in Miami. All assisted living facilities in the state of Florida are licensed and regulated by the Bureau of Health Facilities Regulation. The bureau offers a few different types of assisted living licenses to account for the varieties of assisted living facilities in the state. For example, small residential care homes receive an Adult Foster Care license, and assisted living communities that offer skilled nursing care receive an Extended Congregate Care license. Traditional assisted living communities apply for the Assisted Living Facility license.
The Bureau of Health Facilities Regulation outlines the safety and ethics standards for all licensed assisted living facilities in Florida. Facilities must maintain the following standards to continue their licensure:
All employees of Floridian assisted living facilities must meet the following criteria before working with residents:
At least every two years, the Bureau of Health Facilities Regulation inspects all assisted living facilities. You can find inspection results on the Florida Health Finder. Search by community type, location, or proximity to your address.
Florida Department of Health contact information
Florida Agency for Health Care Administration
2727 Mahan Dr.
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: 888-419-3456
Bureau of Health Facility Regulation
The Florida state government doesn’t enforce any masking, quarantine, or vaccination policies for assisted living residents and staff. However, individual communities are able to ask their own staff members, visitors, and residents to mask. Visitors are actively encouraged in Miami’s assisted living facilities and are allowed at any time, regardless of vaccination status.
Miami-Dade County offers free COVID-19 testing and vaccinations for all residents. You can receive these through at-home testing kits or in pharmacies or health care centers. Miami-Dade County publishes updated case and vaccine information on the county’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) website.
Vaccinations. Miami-Dade County provides free vaccinations to any county resident.
Facility cleanliness. Assisted living facilities in Miami follow the state’s cleanliness requirements to maintain licensure.
CDC guidelines. Local assisted living facilities follow all local and federal COVID-19 guidelines.
Number of people we referred to assisted living facilities in Miami
Average age of residents we referred to assisted living facilities in Miami
Miami has enough blue skies and swanky villas to make anyone suspect that it’s a lovely place to retire. And, they’re right. While it no longer boasts a low cost of living, Miami boasts some of the most luxurious senior living facilities in the United States. Miami can truly feel like heaven on earth for those willing to pay the price. For those looking for more affordable assisted living options, Miami also offers a range of options.
Assisted living facilities provide housing, nutritious meals, and tailored care to seniors who typically need more help each day. This usually means help with personal care, such as mobility, medication management, meal preparation, and hygiene. For many seniors in assisted living, one of the most significant advantages is the daily social interaction they enjoy with fellow residents and staff members. All of A Place for Mom’s partnering assisted living facilities offer an interactive calendar filled with activities and events to keep seniors sharp and engaged.
Assisted living facilities are often pricier than other senior care options due to the increased demands for staff training and supplies. In Miami, assisted living costs on average $5,631 a month.[01] However, this number reflects a wide range of assisted living costs in Miami. Unlike many other markets, Miami stands out with an above-average number of luxury assisted living facilities, where residents should expect monthly expenses of more like $9,000.[01]
On the other hand, the majority of Miami’s assisted living facilities are smaller residential care homes, which generally cost between $3,000 and $4,000 a month.[01] In fact, about 60% of partner Miami assisted living facilities are these affordable residential care homes.[01]
Both larger assisted living facilities and residential care homes follow the same licensing process and must maintain the same standards. While cost may be an important determining factor, seniors’ preferences also play a significant role in their choice. Some seniors favor the intimate, homelike environment of residential care homes, while others seek more amenities and social engagement. Additionally, both residential care homes and larger, traditional assisted living facilities can provide a spectrum of services, encompassing assisted living, skilled nursing care, and memory care. Regardless of your preference, Miami has options.
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Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Miami
Median annual income for seniors 65 and older in Miami[05]
Miami is home to some of the best health care providers in the world. The Cleveland Clinic Weston and the University of Miami Hospital and Clinic are two exceptional options for seniors needing medical care.
One of the best in the nation, the Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital offers an expansive range of specialties, including geriatrics, ophthalmology, and oncology. Physicians at the Cleveland Clinic Weston are developing cutting-edge medical advancements in blood and marrow transplants, and the hospital accepts most health insurance policies.
1950 Cleveland Clinic Blvd.
Weston, FL 33331
Phone: 954-659-5000
The University of Miami Hospital and Clinics is the area’s foremost teaching hospital. Considered one of the best training hospitals in the United States, patients have access to leading technology in fields such as internal medicine, geriatrics, and ophthalmology.
1400 NW 12th Ave.
Miami, FL 33136
Phone: 305-325-5511
The Mount Sinai Medical Center is also a teaching hospital serving both Miami and Fort Lauderdale residents. This medical center offers the only Ivy-League-backed cancer center in South Florida through a partnership with Columbia University. The hospital offers care within most specialties and has an emergency department. It also accepts most health insurance policies.
4300 Alton Road
Miami Beach, FL 33140
Phone: 305-674-2121
Most seniors in assisted living won’t need to travel on their own. About 50% of assisted living facilities in Miami offer transportation at an additional cost to their residents. Many active seniors and their families travel throughout Miami using their personal vehicles. However, seniors can get almost anywhere in Miami without a car thanks to safe and low-cost public transportation. The Metrorail, Metromover, and Metrobus are the primary public transportation options provided by Miami-Dade County. Additionally, seniors in downtown Miami can use the trolleys. Ride sharing services and taxis are also available in the city.
Miami residents age 65 and older can ride all public transportation for free by using a Golden Passport EASY Card. Apply for your Golden Passport in-person at the Miami-Dade Transit Golden Passport Office or by calling 311. Regardless of your preferred travel method, keep in mind that Miami is known for having heavy traffic. If you’re visiting from out of town, consider leaving more time for travel as you make plans.
Walk Score rates cities on their walk, bike, and transit-friendliness. Walk Score gave Miami the following scores, each out of 100:[06]
Miami is one of the most multicultural, exciting, and accessible cities for seniors to explore. While seniors in assisted living facilities tend to enjoy most of their recreation within their community, visiting family members and friends are encouraged to take their loved ones on day trips to Miami’s beaches, concerts, and museums. Due to local government initiatives such as the Golden Ticket, seniors age 62 and over have access to a wealth of artistic, outdoor, and social opportunities in and around Miami. Additionally, almost all of the senior-friendly recommendations below are wheelchair accessible.
Seaside at Hallandale Beach Senior Living, Arbor Terrace Cooper City and The Peninsula Assisted Living and Memory Care are the top-rated Assisted Living facilities near Miami, FL. These Assisted Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Assisted Living in Miami is 2915.15 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
Rentcafe.com. (2022). Miami, FL rental market trends.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Miami city [Data set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and sex (S0101): Miami city [Data set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2023). Mean income in the past 12 months (S1902): Miami city [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Walk Score. (2023). Miami, Florida.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
Rentcafe.com. (2022). Miami, FL rental market trends.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Miami city [Data set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and sex (S0101): Miami city [Data set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2023). Mean income in the past 12 months (S1902): Miami city [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Walk Score. (2023). Miami, Florida.