The median cost of assisted living in Texas is approximately $5,000–$5,500 per month, with a midpoint of ~$5,250/month for planning purposes. On an annual basis, families should plan for roughly $60,000–$66,000 per year (midpoint ~$63,000/year), based on the Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey.
Compared to the national median of approximately $5,900 per month, Texas pricing generally falls below the national average. Major metropolitan areas such as Austin and certain Dallas–Fort Worth suburbs may exceed the statewide median due to higher labor costs and strong demand, while smaller cities and inland regions often price lower.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of assisted living costs across Texas, including city-level pricing, regional patterns, Medicaid considerations, comparisons to other care types, and long-term financial projections.
Families comparing regional pricing may also want to review assisted living costs in Oklahoma and Louisiana.
What Is the Average Cost of Assisted Living in Texas?
The Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey reports Texas’s assisted living median at approximately $63,000 per year (about $5,250 per month), though high-demand metro areas may exceed this figure.
Estimated Annual Cost
At $5,250 per month:
- 1 Year: $63,000
- 3 Years: $189,000
- 5 Years: $315,000
These projections do not account for annual rate increases, which typically range between 3% and 7% in Texas markets.
Texas vs National Comparison
| Location | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Texas | ~$5,250 |
| United States | ~$5,900 |
Texas pricing generally remains below the national median due to lower real estate values and operating costs compared to coastal states. For a broader overview, see our guide to the national average assisted living cost.
How Much Does Assisted Living Cost Per Month in Texas?
Most assisted living communities in Texas charge between $5,000 and $5,500 per month, with a statewide median near $5,250 per month.
Monthly pricing varies significantly by city, care level, and community type. In higher-cost metros—particularly Austin and affluent DFW suburbs—rates may exceed $5,800, while lower-cost markets may fall below $5,000.
Assisted Living Costs by City in Texas
Texas’ size and economic diversity create substantial pricing variation across regions.
Estimated medians represent modeled pricing benchmarks based on statewide cost data and may vary by community and level of care.
| City | Low Range | High Range | Estimated Median | Annual Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austin | $5,800 | $6,800+ | ~$6,200 | ~$74,400 |
| Dallas | $4,800 | $5,800 | ~$5,300 | ~$63,600 |
| Houston | $4,500 | $5,500 | ~$5,100 | ~$61,200 |
| San Antonio | $4,200 | $5,200 | ~$4,700 | ~$56,400 |
| Fort Worth | $4,600 | $5,600 | ~$5,100 | ~$61,200 |
| El Paso | $4,000 | $4,800 | ~$4,400 | ~$52,800 |
| Corpus Christi | $4,200 | $5,000 | ~$4,600 | ~$55,200 |
| Lubbock | $4,000 | $4,800 | ~$4,400 | ~$52,800 |
| Amarillo | $3,900 | $4,700 | ~$4,300 | ~$51,600 |
Austin consistently reflects the highest pricing among major Texas metros due to sustained population growth, a technology-driven labor market, and wage competition for caregivers and healthcare staff. Higher construction costs and newer, amenity-rich communities further contribute to elevated monthly rates. Certain North Dallas and Plano-area communities similarly exceed statewide averages, particularly those offering resort-style amenities or recently developed inventory.
In contrast, markets such as Lubbock, El Paso, and parts of South Texas generally offer more moderate entry-level pricing. Lower land acquisition costs and less wage competition help contain baseline rates in these regions. However, lower advertised pricing may not include higher care tiers or specialized memory care services, and smaller markets may offer fewer luxury communities or advanced care programs compared to larger metros.
When comparing cities across Texas, families should evaluate not only base monthly rent, but also potential care escalations, staffing availability, service depth, and proximity to major hospital systems. Understanding both entry-level pricing and long-term cost drivers is essential when assessing metropolitan differences within the state.
Regional Assisted Living Cost Patterns in Texas
Assisted living pricing in Texas varies significantly by broader geographic region.
Central Texas (Austin and surrounding areas)
Central Texas frequently exceeds $5,800 per month, with certain premium communities surpassing $6,500 depending on services and amenities. Population growth and labor competition contribute to sustained pricing pressure.
North Texas (Dallas–Fort Worth)
North Texas markets generally range between $4,800 and $5,800 per month. Affluent suburban communities may exceed this range, particularly those offering luxury amenities or larger apartment layouts.
Gulf Coast (Houston area)
Houston-area pricing often aligns slightly below the statewide median, though care-level upgrades can materially increase total monthly expense.
South and West Texas
Markets such as San Antonio, El Paso, and Lubbock typically offer more moderate entry-level pricing, often between $4,000 and $5,200 per month. Availability of premium amenities or specialized memory care may vary by city.
Families comparing regions within Texas often weigh affordability alongside proximity to family, healthcare systems, and preferred climate.
Texas Senior Housing Market Trends (2026)
Texas remains one of the faster-growing senior housing markets in the United States. Population growth, particularly in Austin, Dallas–Fort Worth, and Houston, continues to support sustained demand for assisted living communities. In high-growth metropolitan areas, stronger occupancy levels can reduce discounting and contribute to consistent year-over-year rate increases.
Although construction costs in Texas are generally lower than in coastal states, they have risen in recent years due to labor shortages, material pricing pressures, and higher insurance expenses. Property and liability coverage costs have added further operating pressure across many markets. While Texas maintains a comparatively moderate regulatory environment, assisted living facilities are licensed as Type A or Type B, with Type B communities serving residents who require higher levels of assistance. Communities positioned to accommodate higher-acuity residents typically carry greater staffing requirements and operating costs.
Staffing remains the primary cost driver statewide, particularly for licensed caregivers and medication administration services. Communities experiencing turnover or hiring challenges may reflect these pressures in annual rate adjustments. Assisted living rate increases in Texas commonly range between 3% and 7%, with certain high-demand metros exceeding this range depending on local labor dynamics and occupancy conditions. In addition to licensing requirements, communities are subject to routine inspections, complaint investigations, and compliance oversight by state regulators, which further shape operational standards and staffing expectations across the market.
What Does Assisted Living Typically Include in Texas?
Assisted living communities in Texas generally structure pricing into a base monthly rate plus additional care-related fees.
Typically Included in Base Monthly Cost
- Private or semi-private accommodations
- Meals and dining services
- Housekeeping and laundry
- Utilities
- Scheduled transportation
- Social and recreational programming
- Basic assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs)
Often Billed Separately
- Medication administration
- Higher levels of personal care
- Memory care services
- Community or move-in fees
- Specialized therapies
- Premium lifestyle upgrades
Most Texas communities utilize tiered care models. As a resident’s health needs increase, monthly charges rise accordingly.
Assisted Living vs Other Care Options in Texas
| Care Type | Average Monthly Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted Living | ~$5,250 | Moderate daily support |
| Memory Care | ~$6,000–$6,800 | Dementia or Alzheimer’s care |
| Nursing Home | $7,500–$9,500+ | Skilled medical supervision |
| Home Care | $25–$35/hour | Aging in place with part-time support |
Texas home care and nursing home costs are generally lower than high-cost coastal states, though extensive in-home care (8+ hours daily) can exceed assisted living costs.
What Affects Assisted Living Costs in Texas?
Several structural factors influence pricing across the state:
Location: High-growth metros command higher rates.
Level of Care Required: Increased assistance raises monthly costs.
Private vs Shared Units: Private apartments cost more.
Memory Care Add-Ons: Enhanced supervision and secured environments increase pricing.
Labor Markets: Caregiver availability materially affects rates.
Licensing Classification: Type B facilities typically reflect higher staffing costs.
These factors explain why Austin and certain DFW suburbs exceed statewide medians while many secondary markets remain comparatively affordable.
Does Medicaid Cover Assisted Living in Texas?
Medicare does not cover long-term assisted living costs.
Texas Medicaid may provide assistance through programs such as STAR+PLUS Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) for eligible individuals. However, coverage is service-based rather than comprehensive housing support. Room and board expenses are generally not fully covered.
Eligibility for STAR+PLUS HCBS is subject to both financial and functional criteria. Applicants must meet state-established income and asset thresholds and demonstrate medical necessity for long-term services. In some cases, enrollment timing may be affected by program capacity limits or administrative processing timelines.
Because Medicaid assistance typically covers care services rather than full residential costs, many families use a phased planning approach, initially paying privately and later pursuing waiver eligibility if care needs increase and financial resources decline. Families often combine Medicaid services with personal savings, home sale proceeds, or other funding sources to bridge remaining room-and-board expenses.
Eligibility requirements and program rules may change over time, so families should confirm current details directly with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission or consult a qualified elder law advisor.
How Texas Assisted Living Costs Compare to Other States
Texas assisted living costs are generally lower than high-cost coastal states but may exceed certain Midwestern markets. Relative affordability is one reason Texas attracts retirees relocating from higher-cost states such as California. However, intra-state variation can be substantial. Austin and certain Dallas-area suburbs may approach pricing levels seen in parts of Florida or Arizona, while smaller Texas cities often remain meaningfully below national medians.
| State | Estimated Monthly Median | Relative to Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | ~$5,250 | — |
| Oklahoma | ~$4,800 | Lower |
| Louisiana | ~$4,700 | Lower |
| Arkansas | ~$4,900 | Lower |
| New Mexico | ~$5,000 | Slightly Lower |
Nearby Southern states such as Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, and New Mexico provide useful regional pricing comparisons.
Long-Term Cost Planning in Texas
Assisted living in Texas should be evaluated as a multi-year financial commitment.
At $5,250 per month with a 5% annual increase, projected costs may look like:
- Year 1: $5,250/month
- Year 2: $5,513/month
- Year 3: $5,789/month
- Year 4: $6,078/month
- Year 5: $6,382/month
Over five years, cumulative spending may exceed $345,000, even before accounting for potential care tier increases or transitions to memory care.
Transitioning from standard assisted living to memory care can increase monthly costs by 15% to 25% depending on staffing requirements.
Intra-state relocation — for example, moving from Austin to a lower-cost West Texas market — may reduce baseline monthly expenses, though relocation decisions often involve healthcare access and family proximity considerations.
Modeling inflation and potential care escalation together provides a more realistic long-term projection.
How to Plan for Assisted Living Costs in Texas
Because assisted living in Texas represents a significant long-term financial commitment, early planning is essential.
Common funding strategies include:
Using Home Sale Proceeds
Many Texas families fund assisted living through the sale of a primary residence, particularly when relocating from higher-value metro areas such as Austin or Dallas.
Long-Term Care Insurance
Policies may help offset monthly assisted living expenses, depending on coverage terms and eligibility triggers.
Veterans Benefits
Texas has one of the largest veteran populations in the United States. Eligible veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for programs such as Aid and Attendance benefits.
Private Savings and Retirement Income
Social Security, pensions, and retirement account withdrawals are commonly used to cover ongoing monthly expenses.
Short-Term Bridge Financing
Some families use bridge loans temporarily while waiting for home sales, insurance approvals, or benefit determinations.
Projecting 3–5 years of potential costs — including annual increases and possible care level escalations — can reduce the risk of financial strain.
How to Compare Assisted Living Communities in Texas
Because pricing structures vary across Texas, families should request a detailed fee schedule from each community under consideration.
When comparing communities, consider:
- What level of care is included in the base rate
- How care levels are assessed and priced
- Whether rate increases are capped or discretionary
- Staffing ratios and caregiver training standards
- Licensing type (Type A vs Type B)
- Proximity to hospitals and specialty healthcare providers
- Contract structure
Premium pricing in Austin or affluent Dallas suburbs does not automatically indicate higher care quality. Transparency, staffing stability, and service scope should be evaluated alongside monthly rent.
Families researching assisted living costs often next compare specific communities. See our guide to the Best Assisted Living Communities in Texas to explore highly rated options across the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does assisted living cost per month in Texas?
Most assisted living communities in Texas range between $5,000 and $5,500 per month, with a statewide median near $5,250 per month.
Does Texas Medicaid pay for assisted living?
Texas Medicaid may provide service-based support through STAR+PLUS HCBS for eligible individuals, but room and board are generally not fully covered.
Are assisted living costs increasing in Texas?
Yes. Most communities implement annual rate increases between 3% and 7%, depending on labor and operating conditions.
What is the most expensive region in Texas for assisted living?
Austin and certain high-demand North Texas suburbs typically reflect the highest pricing due to labor competition and population growth.
Why does assisted living cost more in large cities?
Higher operating costs, staffing expenses, real estate values, and sustained demand typically raise pricing in major metropolitan areas.
Methodology
Pricing estimates are modeled using a range + midpoint planning framework anchored to national industry data, including statewide median figures from the Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey (2024 Edition).
State comparisons reflect the published median estimates used across SeniorCareCostGuide. Long-term projections are illustrative planning models based on standardized annual growth assumptions.
For a detailed explanation of how pricing estimates are modeled, see our Assisted Living Cost Methodology.
Sources
- Genworth & CareScout Cost of Care Survey (2024 Edition)
- Texas Health and Human Services Commission (STAR+PLUS HCBS / Medicaid)
Last reviewed: March 2026.