2026 Cost Guide · TX
Assisted Living Cost in Texas
Average monthly cost of assisted living in Texas is $4,000 in 2026 — ranging from $2,800 to $7,500 depending on city, care level, and amenities. Compare cities, understand STAR+PLUS HCBS Waiver Medicaid coverage, and learn about veterans benefits available in Texas.
Avg Monthly Cost
$4,000
vs. National Avg
11% below
Medicaid Covers AL
Partial
Licensed Facilities
~1,400
Texas Assisted Living Cost Range
Assisted living costs in Texas span from $2,800/month for basic shared-room settings to $7,500+/month for premium private suites with specialized memory care. Most residents pay $3,400–$4,800/month for a standard private or companion room with full personal care services.
| Setting / Room Type | Est. Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Shared room, basic AL | $3,080/mo |
| Private room, standard AL | $4,000/mo |
| Private suite with kitchenette | $4,600/mo |
| Memory care (Alzheimer's / dementia unit) | $5,400/mo |
| High-acuity AL / enhanced care | $6,375/mo |
Estimates based on 2026 statewide averages. Actual rates vary by facility, location, and care level. Always request a written fee schedule from each community.
Assisted Living Costs by City in Texas
Compare detailed cost breakdowns, Medicaid coverage, and nearby alternatives for individual cities.
What Drives Assisted Living Costs in Texas
- Dallas and Austin costs run 15–25% above the state average; Houston is near the average
- San Antonio offers 5–10% savings below the state average
- Texas has no state income tax — a significant financial advantage for retirees
- High summer cooling costs (5-7 months) increase utility overhead at AL facilities
- Rapid population growth in Dallas-Fort Worth is tightening supply and pushing rates up
Texas Medicaid Coverage for Assisted Living
Texas Medicaid STAR+PLUS waiver covers personal care in assisted living facilities but NOT room and board. Personal care services (bathing, dressing, medication management) are authorized by a managed care organization; the resident pays for housing and meals separately. Texas also operates the Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS) waiver for individuals with related conditions.
Important: Even when Medicaid covers personal care in an assisted living setting, it typically does NOT pay for room and board (the housing and meals portion). You are responsible for the room and board cost separately — often $1,200–$2,500/month depending on the facility and Texas location.
To apply for Texas Medicaid long-term care benefits, contact your local Area Agency on Aging (call 800-677-0133 — the national Eldercare Locator) or your local county Department of Social Services office.
Veterans Benefits for Assisted Living in Texas
Texas veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for significant financial assistance:
- VA Aid & Attendance pension: Up to $2,830/month for veterans, $1,810/month for surviving spouses (2025 rates)
- VA Housebound allowance: $490–$810/month additional for homebound veterans
- Texas state veterans homes: Subsidized skilled nursing care for qualifying veterans
- Free benefit counseling: Contact Texas Department of Veterans Affairs — they'll screen for all available programs at no cost
See our complete Texas veterans assisted living guide for full eligibility details and how to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions: Texas Assisted Living Costs
Does Texas Medicaid (STAR+PLUS) pay for assisted living?▾
Texas STAR+PLUS Medicaid waiver covers personal care services in licensed assisted living facilities, but NOT room and board. Managed care organizations (like UnitedHealthcare Community Plan or Molina Healthcare) authorize personal care hours. The resident pays for housing and meals separately. Income must be below the SSI limit; assets below $2,000 for an individual.
How much does assisted living cost in Dallas versus Houston?▾
Dallas assisted living averages $4,200–$6,000/month; Fort Worth slightly less at $3,800–$5,500. Houston averages $3,800–$5,500/month. Austin has seen sharp cost increases and now averages $4,500–$6,500/month. San Antonio averages $3,500–$5,000/month — often the most affordable major Texas metro for AL.
What is a Type A versus Type B assisted living facility in Texas?▾
Texas licenses AL facilities as Type A (residents don't need routine nighttime care and can evacuate independently) or Type B (residents may need nighttime care or help with evacuation). Type A facilities have lower staffing minimums. If your loved one needs nighttime care or has mobility limitations, ensure the facility holds a Type B license.
Are there veterans benefits for assisted living in Texas?▾
Yes. The VA Aid & Attendance pension provides up to $2,830/month for qualifying veterans and $1,810/month for surviving spouses to offset AL costs. Texas also has six state veterans homes providing skilled nursing care at reduced cost. Contact the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) at 512-463-5538 for free VA benefit counseling.
How do I find Texas assisted living inspection reports?▾
Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC) posts all AL inspection reports and citations at https://www.hhs.texas.gov/providers/long-term-care-providers/assisted-living-facilities. Look for 'deficiencies' noted during annual surveys and complaint investigations. A pattern of medication errors, falls, or staffing deficiencies in recent inspections is a significant red flag.
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