How Much Does Sober Living Cost in California?

What Is Sober Living and Who Is It For?

Sober living is exactly what it sounds like — a safe, structured place to live while you work on staying clean. These homes give people the space and support to rebuild their lives after rehab or during early recovery. They’re not treatment centers, but they’re also not free-for-alls. There are rules, curfews, group meetings, and usually a strong sense of accountability. Some are more laid back, others are strict — but all sober homes aim to help people stay on track.

They’re ideal for:

Adults who want a drug- and alcohol-free environment
People just finishing inpatient treatment who aren’t ready to go home
Anyone who needs structure, routine, and a supportive community

Daily life might include chores, meetings, therapy sessions (if required), and shared responsibilities. Some homes are gender-specific, others are co-ed — it all depends on the house and what you’re looking for.

Looking for Sober Living in Orange County That’s Connected to Real Treatment?

At Beachfront Sober Living, we offer structured, recovery-focused housing right here in Orange County. If you’re also looking for clinical support, our partner program — Asana Recovery — provides IOP, PHP, and Virtual IOP options that work hand-in-hand with our homes. It’s a setup that lets you focus on treatment during the day and return to a sober, supportive space at night.

And here’s the truth: sober living is often way more affordable than trying to rent an apartment in Orange County. A one-bedroom can run you $2,500 a month — plus deposit. At Beachfront Sober Living, you can rent a bed for around $600 with no deposit at all. It’s a smart, stable option for people getting back on their feet.

Reach out today to check availability, ask about program alignment — and yes, we do accept couples.

Average Cost of Sober Living in California

How much you’ll pay for sober living in California really depends on the area, the level of amenities, and the kind of support the house provides. Some places just offer a bed and basic accountability. Others have private chefs, pools, and weekly massages. Here’s a breakdown of the typical tiers:

Tier	Price Range	Features
Standard	$450–$900/month	Shared rooms, basic furnishings, house rules, community support
Mid-Range	$1,000–$4,000/month	Semi-private rooms, some onsite services (job help, counseling), activities
Luxury	$2,500–$5,000+/month	Private rooms, premium amenities, holistic therapies, chef-prepared meals

Standard sober living homes are often peer-run and budget-friendly. Luxury ones can feel more like retreats — but they come with a serious price tag.

What Affects the Cost of Sober Living?

There’s no flat rate because every home is different. A few of the biggest cost factors include:

Location – The closer you are to major cities or beach communities, the higher the rent.
Amenities – Things like meals, Wi-Fi, transportation, or access to therapy all raise the price.
Accountability – More structure (e.g., daily meetings, random drug tests) often means higher fees.
Staffing – Homes with onsite staff cost more than peer-run houses.
Room Type – Expect to pay more for a private room vs. sharing.

In short: the more structure and comfort you want, the more you’re likely to pay.

How Much Does Sober Living Cost in Orange County?

Orange County is one of the most popular areas for sober living — especially places like Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, and Laguna Hills. With that popularity comes a slightly higher cost compared to other regions in California.

Location	Typical Monthly Range
Orange County	$800–$3,500+

The higher end usually includes more amenities or is closer to the beach. But you can still find solid, affordable homes if you’re willing to share a room and keep it simple. A lot of people come here for recovery, so there’s a wide range of options.

Does Insurance Cover Sober Living?

Generally speaking, no — insurance doesn’t cover the rent for sober living homes themselves.

However, many residents attend outpatient programs (like IOP or PHP) while living in sober homes — and those programs can be covered by insurance. If the house is tied to a treatment provider, the outpatient piece might be billable while the housing is paid out of pocket.

That said, some homes do offer scholarships or sliding-scale fees based on income. If cost is an issue, it’s worth asking.

Sober Living vs Halfway Houses

Not sure what the difference is between sober living and a halfway house? Here’s a quick comparison:

Aspect	Sober Living Homes	Halfway Houses
Purpose	Voluntary support in recovery	Often court-ordered or part of parole
Cost	$450–$5,000+ depending on tier	Usually lower cost or subsidized by the state
Services Offered	Community support, house rules, sometimes therapy or job support	Structured supervision, strict rules, may have curfews and drug testing
Independence	More flexibility, focused on personal responsibility	Less independence, more regulation

Sober living is usually a choice. Halfway houses are often a legal requirement.

Tips for Finding Affordable Sober Living in California

Ask about sliding-scale pricing
See if they offer scholarships or discounts
Tour the home in person if possible — bring a family member or friend
Be clear on what’s included in rent (meals, therapy, transportation?)
Compare several homes — don’t just pick the first one you find
Look slightly outside urban centers for better prices

Final Thoughts: Is Sober Living Worth the Cost?

It’s not cheap. But for a lot of people, sober living is the bridge that helps them stay clean, rebuild structure, and avoid relapse. It’s not about paying for a bed — it’s about paying for a shot at stability.

If you’re serious about recovery and need more support before going fully independent, sober living can absolutely be worth it. Just make sure you find a home that matches both your budget and your goals.

Recovery-Focused Sober Living Program That Works with Your Treatment Plan

At Beachfront Sober Living, we don’t just give you a place to stay—we help create the structure your recovery needs. Whether you’re doing in-person IOP, PHP, or Virtual IOP through our partner program at Asana Recovery, you’ll have a sober home base that keeps you grounded 24/7.