What does assisted living & memory care cost in the East Valley?
An honest look at what families in Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe and Apache Junction pay for care: at home, in assisted living, in memory care and in a nursing home.
Updated October 2026
In short: In the East Valley (Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe and Apache Junction), assisted living typically costs about $3,500–$6,500 a month and memory care about $4,500–$8,000 or more, depending on the size of the community, the room and how much care is needed. Round-the-clock care at home often costs over $20,000 a month, and a nursing home about $8,400–$11,500. ALTCS, Arizona's Medicaid long-term care program, can pay for care for those who qualify.
Typical monthly costs in the East Valley
| Type of care | Typical monthly cost | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Small residential assisted living home | $3,500–$5,000 | 5–30 residents; care often included in one rate |
| Large assisted-living community | $4,500–$6,500+ | Apartment-style; care usually billed as add-on levels |
| Memory care | $4,500–$8,000+ | Small homes at the low end; secured wings of large communities at the high end |
| In-home caregiver, about 44 hrs/week | $7,000–$7,500 | Daytime help; nights, meals and the house still on the family |
| In-home care, 24 hours a day | $20,000+ | Around-the-clock caregivers at home, before housing and food |
| Nursing home | $8,400–$11,500 | Semi-private to private room; 24-hour licensed nursing |
Ranges reflect 2024–2025 Phoenix-metro cost-of-care surveys (Genworth/CareScout) and current listings on senior-living directories, rounded. Individual providers vary; always ask for the all-in monthly price.
Does it cost more in Gilbert than in Mesa?
Not much. Senior-living directories report similar average assisted-living costs across the East Valley, roughly $3,500–$4,000 a month for smaller homes in Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe and Apache Junction alike. What changes the price far more than the city is the type of community (a small residential home vs. a large resort-style campus), the room (shared or private) and the level of care.
- Assisted living & memory care for Gilbert families
- Assisted living & memory care for Tempe families
- Assisted living & memory care for Chandler families
- Assisted living & memory care for Queen Creek families
- Assisted living & memory care for Apache Junction families
What actually drives the cost
- Care needs. Help with bathing, dressing, toileting, transfers and medications. Most communities charge more as care increases.
- Memory care. Secured buildings and dementia-trained staff cost more. Make sure the community is licensed for directed care.
- Room type. Shared rooms cost less than private apartments.
- What's bundled. A low "starting at" price can grow quickly once care levels, medication management and incontinence supplies are added. Ask: "What will the total bill be for my mom?"
- Overnight staffing. Awake overnight caregivers cost more than staff asleep on call, and they matter most for dementia.
Is assisted living cheaper than care at home?
For a parent who needs help day and night, usually yes. In-home caregivers in the Phoenix area typically charge by the hour, so around-the-clock care at home commonly runs over $20,000 a month, and that's before the mortgage, utilities, groceries and home repairs. Assisted living bundles care, meals, housing and company into one monthly cost.
How ALTCS changes the math
For residents who qualify for ALTCS, the plan pays for care services. The resident contributes from their own income and keeps a personal allowance. For many families, that means paying little or nothing out of pocket. See ALTCS assisted living in Mesa and share of cost, explained.
What would care cost for your parent?
Fountain's all-inclusive rates sit at the lower end of the East Valley range, especially for memory care, and we accept ALTCS.
Please give us a call to let us know the unique circumstances of your loved one so that we can provide an accurate price for them based on the level of care and their individualized needs.
Call (480) 299-3310 Schedule a tourIncluded in one rate at Fountain
- 24-hour awake caregivers, every night
- Help with bathing, dressing, grooming and toileting
- Medication administration, including insulin
- Three home-cooked meals plus snacks every day
- Special diets: diabetic-friendly, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free
- Housekeeping and personal laundry
- Daily activities: music, art, crafts, bingo, exercise, Bible study, holidays
- Individual care plan, reviewed as needs change
See what good care looks like
Caregivers who are awake all night and know your mom by name. Fully renovated rooms. A thoughtfully designed garden with walking paths, a lit gazebo and a fountain.
East Valley care costs: FAQ
How much does assisted living cost in Mesa, AZ?
Assisted living in Mesa typically costs about $3,500 to $6,500 a month in 2026. Smaller residential homes tend to be at the lower end, large communities at the higher end, and costs rise with care needs.
How much does memory care cost in the East Valley?
Memory care in Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe and Apache Junction typically costs about $4,500 to $8,000 or more a month. Small directed-care homes are usually at the lower end; secured wings of large communities at the higher end.
Is assisted living cheaper in Apache Junction or Mesa than in Gilbert or Chandler?
Differences between East Valley cities are small. The type of community, room and care level affect the price much more than the city.
Is assisted living cheaper than in-home care?
For someone who needs help around the clock, usually yes. 24-hour in-home care in the Phoenix area often exceeds $20,000 a month, before housing and food.
How much does a nursing home cost in the Phoenix area?
Roughly $8,400 a month for a semi-private room to about $11,500 for a private room, based on recent Phoenix-area cost surveys.
Does ALTCS pay for assisted living?
Yes, for residents who qualify medically and financially. ALTCS pays for care services; the resident pays room and board and any share of cost from their income.
How much does Fountain Assisted Living cost?
Our all-inclusive rates are at the lower end of the East Valley range, especially for memory care, and ALTCS is accepted. Please give us a call at (480) 299-3310 to let us know the unique circumstances of your loved one so that we can provide an accurate price based on the level of care and their individualized needs.
Schedule a tour
Get an accurate price for your loved one
Please give us a call to let us know the unique circumstances of your loved one so that we can provide an accurate price for them based on the level of care and their individualized needs.
(480) 299-3310