Complete 2026 cost guide with 7 care types and 5-year projections
| Care Type | Texas | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Day Care | $72/day | $82/day | 12% below |
| Home Health Aide | $25/hr | $27/hr | 7% below |
| Independent Living | $2,601/mo | $2,986/mo | 13% below |
| Assisted Living | $3,998/mo | $4,591/mo | 13% below |
| Memory Care | $4,997/mo | $5,739/mo | 13% below |
| Nursing Home (Semi-Private) | $5,639/mo | $11,040/mo | 49% below |
| Nursing Home (Private) | $7,300/mo | $12,235/mo | 40% below |
Source: Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2024, adjusted to 2026. Adult Day = per weekday. Home Aide = per hour (avg 40 hrs/wk = $4,330/mo).
Senior care costs have historically increased 3–5% per year. The table below projects costs at 3% annual inflation.
| Year | Assisted Living | Memory Care | Nursing (Semi) | Home Aide (mo) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $3,998 | $4,997 | $5,639 | $4,330 |
| 2027 | $4,117 | $5,146 | $5,808 | $4,459 |
| 2028 | $4,241 | $5,301 | $5,982 | $4,593 |
| 2029 | $4,368 | $5,460 | $6,161 | $4,731 |
| 2030 | $4,499 | $5,624 | $6,346 | $4,873 |
| 2031 | $4,634 | $5,792 | $6,537 | $5,019 |
Projected at 3% annual inflation. Home Aide monthly assumes 40 hours/week. Actual costs may vary.
Texas's Medicaid program for home and community-based services is STAR+PLUS. This program can help cover assisted living and in-home care costs for eligible residents. To qualify, individuals generally must have income below $2,829/month and countable assets below $2,000.
Eligibility rules change frequently. Visit your state Medicaid office or benefits.gov for current requirements.
Our detailed guide covers 8 ways to pay for assisted living.
Read the Full GuideIf you are researching senior care options in Texas for a parent or loved one, you will find that costs here are below the national average. Assisted living in Texas averages around $3,998 per month, which is roughly 13 percent below the national average. Memory care runs about $4,997 per month, while nursing home care averages $5,639 for a semi-private room. Home health aides typically charge around $25 per hour. These figures may offer some comfort, but understanding why Texas's costs sit where they do can help you plan more effectively for the years ahead.
Texas's overall cost of living is below the national average with wide regional variation. Texas benefits from no state income tax and generally affordable housing, though the Austin, Dallas, and Houston metro areas have seen significant cost growth in recent years. These economic fundamentals directly influence what care providers charge, as facility operating costs, from real estate to food service to utilities, are shaped by the same forces that affect household budgets.
The labor market plays a significant role in shaping care costs. Texas has a large and diverse healthcare labor market. Wages vary significantly by metro area, with Houston and Dallas offering higher compensation than smaller cities. The state's no-income-tax advantage helps attract workers, but the sheer demand created by Texas's growing population creates persistent staffing pressure.
Texas has a moderate regulatory framework that reflects the state's generally business-friendly environment. The Health and Human Services Commission oversees licensing with requirements that provide significant operational flexibility. The STAR+PLUS program manages Medicaid long-term care services through managed care organizations.
The 65-and-older population in Texas represents about 14 percent, one of the youngest in the nation of the state's total residents. Texas has a relatively young population, but the sheer size of the state means it has an enormous absolute number of seniors. The major metro areas of Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin have highly competitive care markets. Understanding these demographic patterns can help families anticipate how the local care market may evolve in the coming years, including potential changes in availability and pricing.
When compared to neighboring states, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana offer lower assisted living costs while New Mexico runs higher. For families weighing whether to explore care options across state lines, these regional differences are worth considering, particularly for those anticipating a longer care journey that could stretch over several years.
See how Texas's senior care costs compare to nearby states.
Use our interactive calculator to compare all 7 care types, adjust for care intensity, and project costs over time.
Open the CalculatorData sources: Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2024 (adjusted to 2026), World Population Review 2026, CareScout 2024, state Medicaid agency publications. Costs represent state medians — individual facility prices will vary. Last updated March 2026.