City Guide
Assisted Living in Houston, TX: Costs, STAR+PLUS & TULIP Guide (2026)
Houston assisted living costs by suburb ($3,800–$5,000/month), Texas STAR+PLUS Medicaid basics, and how to verify ALF licenses via Texas HHS TULIP before touring.
Rachel founded AllyKin after navigating assisted living placement for her own family in Texas. She leads editorial on Medicaid, CMS ratings, and state inspection guides — email-first matching with no call spam.
Houston is Texas's largest assisted living market, with 100+ licensed facilities spanning Katy, The Woodlands, Sugar Land, Pearland, and the Houston Medical Center area. The metro's diversity — Houston is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the US — means you can find communities with specialized cultural programming, bilingual staff, and culturally-aligned menus.
Costs vary significantly by submarket: The Woodlands and Sugar Land premium communities average $4,500–$5,500/month, while Katy, Pearland, and Northeast Houston options start near $3,500/month for basic studio care.
Houston Assisted Living Cost Breakdown (2026)
- Studio, basic ADL help: $3,500–$4,200/month
- One-bedroom, Level 2 care: $4,200–$5,000/month
- Memory care: $5,000–$6,500/month
- Community fee (one-time): $1,500–$4,000
- Annual rate increases: 3–6% average
Verifying Texas ALF Licenses via TULIP
Texas HHS regulates assisted living through the Type A, Type B, and Memory Care designation system. Before scheduling a tour, use Texas HHS TULIP (Texas Unified Licensure Information Portal) to check license status, inspection reports, and deficiency history. Look for facilities with no Class A violations (highest severity) in the past 24 months.
STAR+PLUS and VA Benefits
Most Houston families pay privately. Texas STAR+PLUS HCBS waivers may cover care services for eligible low-income residents — room and board remains private pay. Houston's large military population means VA Aid & Attendance (up to $2,300+/month) is a common funding source in communities near the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does assisted living cost in Houston, Texas?
- Houston assisted living averages $3,800–$5,000/month depending on suburb and care level. The Woodlands and Sugar Land communities are typically the most expensive; Katy and Northeast Houston offer more affordable options. Memory care in Houston averages $5,000–$6,500/month.
- How do I verify an assisted living license in Houston?
- Use Texas HHS TULIP (Texas Unified Licensure Information Portal) to search ALF licenses in Houston. Each facility's inspection history, deficiencies, and license type (A, B, or Memory Care) are publicly available. Our Facility Inspection Lookup for Houston links directly to TULIP records.
- Does Texas Medicaid cover assisted living in Houston?
- Texas STAR+PLUS HCBS waivers can cover personal care services in participating assisted-living facilities for eligible residents. Room and board is not covered. Most Houston families use private funds, VA benefits, or long-term care insurance for assisted living costs.
Need help finding care near you?
Our free matching service connects families with assisted living and memory care options in their area — email first, no spam calls.
Get Free MatchesFind verified senior care communities
Browse 2,000+ assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing facilities — each with AllyKin Safety Scores, CMS inspection data, and federal penalty records.
Browse communities directory → →