Figuring out sober living costs can feel overwhelming when you need clear answers fast.
Nationally, shared rooms in sober living homes typically cost $450 to $800 per month, while private rooms run $1,000 to $2,500, with coastal metros like Los Angeles and San Diego charging significantly more.
This guide breaks down the real numbers by region, explains what drives prices up or down, and shows practical ways to budget and find financial help.
What Sober Living Costs Nationally?
Sober living homes offer substance-free housing with structure, accountability, and peer support during early recovery.
They are not medical facilities, which means most insurance plans do not cover the rent itself, though outpatient treatment attended while living there may be billed separately.
According to 2025 national data, shared rooms average $450 to $800 per month, and private rooms range from $1,000 to $2,500. These baseline rates usually include utilities and basic amenities such as furniture, internet, and routine drug and alcohol testing.
Houses that offer extras like private chefs, fitness facilities, or intensive clinical support can charge much more.
In high-cost states, particularly California, the range expands dramatically. Budget-level shared beds may start around $500 per month, while luxury programs in desirable neighborhoods can reach $5,000 to $15,000 monthly.
Most people land somewhere in the middle, paying between $1,200 and $2,500 for structured, mid-range options.
The distinction between sober living and clinical treatment is important for budgeting. Sober living emphasizes safe housing, rules, chores, curfews, and community accountability. It supports recovery but is distinct from inpatient or outpatient care.
Understanding this boundary helps residents plan realistic budgets without expecting insurance to cover housing costs.
Factors That Drive Sober Living Prices Up or Down
Several core factors shape how much you will pay for a sober living bed. The biggest driver is local rent. Homes in expensive real estate markets naturally cost more.
A shared room in coastal Los Angeles typically runs $800 to $1,250 per month, while comparable options in lower-cost regions like Baltimore may be as low as $700 monthly, including utilities and Wi-Fi.
Room type makes a major difference. Private rooms cost substantially more than shared occupancy.
In North County San Diego, for example, shared rooms list at $1,200 compared to $1,800 for private, roughly a 50 percent premium. If privacy matters, budget accordingly. If cost is a concern, shared rooms in reputable homes deliver the same structure and accountability at a lower price.
Amenities and services add up quickly. Houses that include private bathrooms, chef-prepared meals, fitness memberships, or enhanced clinical support charge at the high end.
Mid-range programs typically bundle basic utilities, internet, furnished rooms, and routine testing into the monthly rate, keeping costs predictable. Luxury properties layer on concierge services, wellness programs, and upscale finishes that push fees into the thousands.
Operational models also influence price. Peer-run houses with resident chores and democratic decision-making can reduce staffing and housekeeping costs, often anchoring prices near the lower end of local ranges. Homes with full-time staff, on-site managers, and professional oversight generally charge more to cover payroll and benefits.
Certification and quality signals matter. Programs accredited by organizations like CCAPP or aligned with national recovery residence standards may charge modestly more but offer greater safety and accountability.
These certifications can signal naloxone-trained staff, rigorous testing protocols, and transparent rules, which many families and residents prioritize over absolute lowest cost.
Market positioning plays a role too. Houses in safer neighborhoods with better access to public transit, employment, and 12-step meetings often price higher.
Conversely, homes in suburban areas with limited walkability may offer lower rent but require residents to budget more for transportation.
Understanding these levers helps residents shop strategically. If you need to keep costs down, target shared rooms in peer-run or mid-range structured homes near transit lines, and verify what is included before signing.
Regional Pricing: California Markets in Focus
California’s coastal metros illustrate the broadest price spectrum in sober living. Los Angeles prices vary widely depending on neighborhood and amenities.
Budget options start around $500 per month, but many credible mid-range programs charge $1,500 to $3,500 monthly, and luxury properties in premium areas like Malibu or Santa Monica can exceed $8,000.
San Diego offers slightly more moderate pricing within Southern California. Shared rooms in reputable programs commonly range from $800 to $1,275 per month, with private rooms around $1,800. High-end structured living options can reach $10,000 monthly.
These figures reflect strong demand, coastal real estate pressures, and the presence of both budget-conscious and luxury operators.
One practical example from North County San Diego shows how private room premiums work in real numbers.
A shared bed costs $1,200 while a private room in the same house is $1,800, a clear 50 percent increase. This premium reflects lost bed revenue, higher vacancy risk, and consumer willingness to pay for privacy during recovery.
Rent trends matter for forward planning. Economic analysis of local rent conditions suggests that cities like San Diego may see rent inflation slow in 2026, which could temper sober living rate increases on lease renewals. While not guaranteed, this dynamic offers a small buffer against sharp price jumps in the near term.
Comparing California to other regions highlights the value of geographic flexibility. Austin, Texas offers women’s sober living at around $800 per month with room, board, and support included.
Baltimore lists shared rooms at $700 and private at $1,000, both with utilities and internet bundled. For residents able to relocate, these markets offer meaningful savings while maintaining structure and accountability.
| Market/Region | Shared Room (Monthly) | Private Room (Monthly) | Notes |
| National Average | $450–$800 | $1,000–$2,500 | Utilities typically included |
| Los Angeles | $800–$3,000+ | $1,800–$8,000+ | Wide range; luxury exceeds $10,000 |
| San Diego County | $800–$1,275 | ~$1,800 | Private premium ~50% |
| Austin, TX | ~$800 | $1,200–$1,500 | Affordable mid-tier |
| Baltimore, MD | $700 | $1,000 | Utilities, Wi-Fi included |
Additional Expenses Beyond Monthly Rent
Monthly rent is only part of the total budget. Move-in costs often include a security deposit equal to one month’s rent, though some homes require less or waive first-and-last-month requirements.
Application fees ranging from $25 to $200 are common and usually nonrefundable. Houses that allow pets may charge a separate deposit, sometimes as high as $350.
Utilities are frequently included in mid-range and higher-tier homes, but not always. Homes that bundle utilities often have overage clauses that charge extra for excessive air conditioning or electric heater use.
If utilities are separate, budget $50 to $200 per month depending on climate, house size, and local rates.
Drug and alcohol testing is a cornerstone of most sober living programs. Many mid-range houses include random testing in the monthly fee.
Others charge separately or require pre-paid testing cards. Clarify the frequency, whether retests after a suspected relapse are billable, and whether testing costs are bundled or extra.
Food is rarely included at basic or mid-range tiers. Expect to spend $100 to $400 per month depending on cooking habits and whether the house provides pantry basics.
Some higher-tier programs offer stipends or stocked pantries, which can lower out-of-pocket food costs.
Transportation adds up, especially in sprawling metro areas with limited public transit. Budget $50 to $300 monthly depending on whether you rely on buses, rideshares, or a personal vehicle.
Homes near major transit lines help reduce this expense. Personal items like phone service, toiletries, and clothing typically run $20 to $100 per month.
Outpatient treatment is a separate cost. If you attend intensive outpatient or therapy while in sober living, verify your insurance coverage and copays.
Most homes do not include clinical services in rent, so plan for those expenses independently.
Reducing these variable costs can make a mid-range program sustainable. Applying for the federal Lifeline phone discount can save about $9.25 monthly.
Choosing homes near transit, cooking at home, and using public benefits wisely all help bend the cost curve downward without sacrificing structure or safety.
How to Lower Your Sober Living Costs?
Financial strain is a common reason people leave sober living early, which can undermine recovery. Budgeting carefully and using available resources makes a huge difference.
Start by choosing shared rooms over private when possible. The cost difference is often 40 to 50 percent, and shared occupancy still provides full structure, accountability, and peer support. Many people find the community aspect of shared rooms helpful during early recovery.
Look for homes that include utilities, internet, and testing in the base rate. This eliminates bill surprises and simplifies monthly budgeting.
Ask whether overage charges apply and what triggers them, especially in hot or cold climates where heating and cooling costs vary.
Explore sliding-scale fees and scholarships. Many programs offer income-based pricing or need-based aid, though availability varies. Some homes have payment plans that spread move-in costs over several months, reducing the upfront cash burden.
Consider lower-cost markets if you have flexibility. Relocating to a city with lower baseline rent can cut monthly costs by hundreds of dollars while maintaining quality structure.
Baltimore, Austin, and certain areas of the Midwest offer reputable programs at significantly lower prices than coastal California.
Public funding can eliminate housing costs entirely for eligible residents. In Los Angeles County, the new Recovery Housing program launched in April 2025 offers low-barrier, recovery-oriented interim housing for adults with substance use disorders who are experiencing homelessness.
Unlike the county’s Recovery Bridge Housing program, Recovery Housing does not require concurrent treatment enrollment, aligning with Housing First principles. Access these programs through SAPC-authorized providers rather than calling sober living homes directly.
Apply for benefit programs that reduce recurring expenses. The federal Lifeline discount lowers phone or internet bills by about $9 monthly for qualifying low-income households.
Public transit passes, food assistance, and medication copay support through insurance or assistance programs all help keep total monthly costs manageable.
Set a realistic 90-day budget with a small contingency. The first month usually costs the most due to deposits and setup fees.
By month two, expenses stabilize. Building a one-month emergency buffer by month three reduces stress and the risk of early discharge due to financial pressure.
Insurance Coverage and Public Funding
Most private insurance plans do not pay for sober living rent because housing is not a clinical service. Insurance may cover outpatient therapy, intensive outpatient programs, or medication-assisted treatment attended while living in a sober home, but the housing fee remains separate.
This is a critical budgeting assumption. Do not expect insurance to reduce monthly rent unless a provider has a specific arrangement such as a county voucher or VA program.
When a provider claims to accept insurance for sober living, verify exactly what is covered. Often, the insurance applies only to clinical services delivered on-site or at a partnered outpatient facility, not to the housing itself.
Ask for written confirmation specifying the payer, benefit type, and what portion applies to rent versus treatment.
County-funded programs offer meaningful rent relief for eligible residents. Los Angeles County’s Recovery Bridge Housing program provides abstinence-focused, peer-supported housing for people enrolled in concurrent outpatient or intensive outpatient treatment.
Access is managed through SAPC authorizations, not public directories or open enrollment.
The newer Recovery Housing program expands access by removing the concurrent treatment requirement. It prioritizes adults and young adults with substance use disorders who are experiencing homelessness, and it encourages but does not mandate treatment participation.
This low-barrier design aligns with Housing First principles and can cover housing costs while residents stabilize and connect to services.
Accessing these programs requires engagement with county systems. Contact the Los Angeles County Substance Abuse Prevention and Control department, coordinated entry points, or homeless outreach services to be assessed and linked to authorized placements.
These pathways are designed to reduce barriers and expand access for people who need recovery-oriented housing but cannot afford market-rate sober living.
Some regions use Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention funding to support interim housing with recovery components.
These investments are shaped by regional planning and stakeholder input, so availability varies by county. Residents and families should inquire locally about recovery-focused interim housing options tied to pathways to permanent housing.
Veterans may have access to VA vouchers or specialized housing programs. Verify whether these benefits cover housing or only clinical services, as policies vary by facility and region.
Build a Sustainable Recovery Housing Budget
Sober living is an investment in stability, accountability, and long-term recovery. The real cost extends beyond published rent to include deposits, utilities, food, transportation, testing, and personal expenses.
In expensive markets like Los Angeles, a realistic all-in budget for shared rooms in mid-range structured homes typically lands between $1,800 and $2,800 per month after move-in costs are absorbed. Lower-cost regions like Austin or Baltimore can bring sustainable budgets closer to $1,000 to $1,400 monthly.
The most reliable way to keep costs manageable is to choose shared rooms in credible, structured programs near public transit, verify what is included in writing, and use public benefits to reduce recurring expenses.
For residents experiencing homelessness or unable to afford market rates, county-funded options like Los Angeles County’s Recovery Housing program offer low-barrier pathways that can eliminate out-of-pocket housing costs while providing structure and support.
Financial strain undermines recovery. A conservative, realistic budget for at least 90 days protects against early discharge and creates space for the deeper work of rebuilding life.
Combine smart shopping, benefit programs, and honest conversations with providers to build a plan that supports your recovery without breaking your budget.
If you or a loved one is looking for structured, accountability-driven recovery support in the Atlanta area, consider exploring MARR Treatment Center’s sober living program that combines housing with comprehensive peer support and clinical care.
