Average Cost of Assisted Living in Texas: City Comparisons and Key Factors

What’s the Average Cost of Assisted Living in Texas?

Quick answer: The average Cost of Assisted Living in Texas is $58,980 per year.

Based on multiple sources, the average cost of AL in Texas can be approximately $4,915 per month. 

This is around 8.1% below the national average of $5,350 per month. 

For couples, this cost can go higher. 

Overall, the exact average cost is hard to calculate since the state is quite large, and each city varies in terms of accommodation, facility, or level of care. Prices significantly differ in Houston, Austin, and Dallas, and more when compared to rural cities. 

Average Cost of Assisted Living in Texas By Cities

The median cost of AL in Texas is around $5,062/month, according to Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2023.  However, each city in Texas has a different price range for assisted living facilities. 

Here’s how much assisted living costs in some of Texas cities: 

Austin

Austin is one of the main cities in Texas, where the average cost of assisted living can be around $6,035 per month. With the abundance of assisted living facilities in Austin, you’ll have a wide range of options to choose from.

Houston

AL facilities in Houston can cost an average of $5,200 per month, depending on the type of facility you choose. From private rooms to shared accommodations, this city is rich with cultural history including famous museums, theaters, and culinary centers for seniors to enjoy. 

Dallas

The average cost of AL facilities in Dallas is around $5,241 per month, almost the same as the state-wide average price. Dallas offers a blend of history, culture, business, and recreation activities for people of all ages. 

Here’s a table that highlights the average costs of assisted living in main Texas cities:

What Affects Assisted Living Costs in Texas?

Texas has the third-largest older adult population in the US, meaning the demand for assisted living facilities is more compared to other states. There are 81,989 total beds in Texas for seniors in AFLs, as of 2024.

When calculating the average cost of AL, you need to know several factors that affect the prices:

• Urban vs. Rural: ALs in Major cities like Houston, Dallas, or Austin tend to be expensive due to the higher cost of living, property values, and demand for services. In rural areas, the costs are low due to less demand. Over 2,000 assisted living communities exist in Texas, with 51% of residents aged 85 or older. 

• Level of Care: Residents who need extra personal care, e.g., activities of daily living or medication management, need to pay extra costs. ALs charge more from seniors with dementia or disability as well.

• Basic vs. Luxury Amenities: Seniors who choose basic accommodations and services tend to pay less than those who buy luxury amenities, such as private suites, gourmet meals, fitness centers, or concierge services.

• Private vs. Shared Rooms: A private room costs more than a shared room. Many facilities offer both options, and the choice impacts the monthly cost or tier pricing.

• Skilled Nursing Services: Having more skilled or specialized healthcare staff on-site can drive costs up, especially if seniors require 24/7 supervision.

See the most popular assisted living facilities in Texas cities and how much they cost at RetirementLiving.com. 

Alternatives to Assisted Living in Texas

Assisted living is not the only option for American seniors. There are nursing homes, in-home health aid, adult day services, and memory care options. 

Many seniors who don’t have serious health conditions are part of independent living communities where they’re served with basic senior care services without assistance in daily living activities (ADLs). 

Following is the percentage of seniors who currently need help with ADLs in assisted living in Texas:

If you’re unsure which senior facility to pick, think about your needs and then decide. Here’s a comprehensive table detailing the level of care provided in assisted living care and other long-term care facilities. 

Type of Senior Living Facility	Needs Fulfilled
Independent Living	Housing for active seniors who need minimal assistanceSocial activities and community engagement
Assisted Living	Help with daily living activities Social and recreational activities 24-hour support staff
Memory Care	Specialized care for residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s Secure environment with 24-hour supervision Cognitive therapy and activities
Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)	24-hour medical care by licensed nursesRehabilitation services (physical, speech, occupational therapy)Long-term or post-hospitalization care
Hospice Care	Care for terminally ill residents Pain management and emotional support Spiritual and psychological services

How to Pay for Assisted Living in Texas

Many AL residents in Texas rely on their lifelong savings, while others depend on long-term care insurance, life insurance benefits, veteran benefits, and other government-funded financial assistance programs such as Medicaid. 

Note: Medicare doesn’t cover assisted living costs for individuals, but some seniors are dually eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare to afford long-term care services.

Medicaid in Texas

In Texas, the STAR+PLUS program under Medicaid is designed for adults with disabilities or aged over 65 who need caregiver assistance and long-term care services. 

8% of seniors rely on Medicaid to afford long-term care in assisted living facilities. 

To qualify for assisted living, you must be approved by Medicaid and fall under their eligibility criteria for income limit, marital status, level of assistance needed, etc. 

It covers medical and non-medical long-term care services, including personal care assistance, home care, adult day care, and transportation services for medical appointments.

Bottom Line

In Texas, the average monthly cost of assisted living is about $4,915, slightly below the national average of $5,350. Costs vary by city, with major areas like Austin and Dallas ranging from $5,200 to $6,035. Factors affecting costs include urban vs. rural settings, level of care needed, and facility amenities. Financial support options include Medicaid (STAR+PLUS), private savings, and insurance. With over 2,000 facilities statewide, seniors and families have a range of choices to fit their needs and budgets.

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Sources

1. Cost of long term care by state, Cost of care report. Genworth. Evaluated on November 2, 2024.
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2. STAR+PLUS. Texas Health and Human Services. Evaluated on November 2, 2024.
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3. Assisted living in Texas. NCOA Adviser. Published on October 4, 2024. Evaluated on November 2, 2024.
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4. Facts & Figures. AHCA NCAL. Evaluated on November 2, 2024.
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5. Assisted living in Texas. AssistedLiving.org. Published on January 22, 2024. Evaluated on November 2, 2024.
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