How Much Does Assisted Living Cost in Dallas?
If you're trying to figure out what assisted living actually costs in Dallas, you've probably already run into the same problem: every page gives you a number that doesn't quite add up — either too optimistic or too vague to plan around.
The honest answer is about $4,000 a month for a studio at the median Dallas-Fort Worth assisted living facility in 2026, and about $4,600 a month for a one-bedroom unit. Texas offers some of the most affordable assisted living of any major U.S. metro — about 11% below the national median.
Below, we show you where that number comes from — three independent sources, side-by-side — and break it down by part of the DFW market so the number means something for the area you're considering.
What three independent sources say about Dallas assisted living cost
| Source | Reported median (semi-private, monthly) | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Place for Mom | $4,300 | 2026 | |
| Caring.com | $3,800 | 2026 | state median; DFW runs ~5% above |
| Genworth | $3,653 | 2023 | CareScout 2025 (successor to Genworth survey) |
Three independent sources, surfaced inline so you can see the spread for yourself. Convergence: 5%.
The three sources agree within about 5% once normalized, giving us $4,000/month as the honest median for a Dallas-area assisted living studio in 2026, and $4,600/month for a one-bedroom unit.
What the spread means in practice: if a DFW facility quotes you $3,700–$4,400/month for a standard studio, that's normal. If you're being quoted under $3,000 or over $5,500, there's usually a specific driver — Medicaid-heavy census, luxury positioning, or memory care bundled into the rate.
Dallas assisted living cost by sub-area
| Sub-area | Semi-private median (monthly) | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Uptown / Highland Park | $5,200 | Premium zip codes, luxury amenities, boutique communities |
| Plano / Frisco / Allen | $4,500 | Fast-growing suburbs, newer facilities, higher amenity standard |
| Arlington / Mid-Cities | $3,900 | Broadest supply, most price competition, mid-market positioning |
| Irving / Carrollton / Addison | $4,100 | Mid-market; metro-adjacent, convenient for families across DFW |
| South Dallas / Garland | $3,400 | Value-tier end of market; older inventory, more Medicaid-accepted |
That's an $1,800/month swing inside the metro. The DFW market has more price competition than most major cities — there's a lot of supply, particularly in the northern suburbs. That works in your favor if you're willing to tour across a broader geography.
What makes your bill go higher
| Add-on | Range | Note |
|---|---|---|
| One-bedroom upgrade over studio | $600/month | Smaller premium in Texas than in most coastal markets. |
| Memory care upgrade / secured unit | $1,200–$2,000/month over base AL rate | Once a diagnosis warrants it, this isn't optional. |
| Medication management | $150–$350/month | Above what's included in base rate — depends on medication complexity. |
| Transportation (beyond scheduled medical trips) | $100–$200/month | Personal appointments, family outings. |
| Laundry / housekeeping (enhanced) | $100–$200/month | Some facilities bill enhanced services separately. |
| Personal incidentals (cable, phone, beauty/barber) | $150–$300/month | For most residents. |
A realistic "median + likely add-ons" total for a Dallas assisted living studio with moderate add-on needs lands around $4,400–$5,000/month. That's still well below the national median for most comparable care markets.
Texas STAR+PLUS Medicaid Waiver: the program that changes the math
Texas Medicaid for assisted living works differently than many families expect — and most don't find out until they need it urgently.
Texas STAR+PLUS is the Medicaid managed care program that can cover assisted living costs for Texans who meet medical and financial eligibility. Unlike nursing home Medicaid (which is a fee-for-service benefit), STAR+PLUS is a managed care program — enrollees are assigned to a health plan that contracts with certain AL providers. Not every Dallas-area assisted living community accepts STAR+PLUS.
Eligibility basics (2026):
- Medical: must require a nursing facility level of care (determined by HHSC's Level of Need assessment).
- Financial (single applicant): countable assets under $2,000; monthly income must fall below the STAR+PLUS income threshold or be placed into a Miller Trust.
- A community spouse has separate asset and income protections under federal spousal impoverishment rules.
What STAR+PLUS doesn't fix: participation among Dallas-area AL facilities is uneven — many mid-market and luxury communities don't participate at all. The program covers care costs, not always room-and-board. Families sometimes find that the STAR+PLUS benefit covers less of the monthly bill than expected. Plan early.
What we recommend (we are not Medicaid planners — speak with one): if there's any chance you'll need STAR+PLUS within 3 years, confirm which facilities in your preferred area participate, and understand what the benefit actually covers. An elder-law attorney who knows Texas STAR+PLUS is worth consulting before moving anyone in on private-pay terms with no transition plan.
Not mentioning STAR+PLUS on a Dallas assisted living pricing page would be dishonest — it's a real option for a significant portion of families, and the earlier you understand it, the better your planning will be.
All-in monthly worksheet — a real Dallas family
Base AL studio rate (median Dallas facility) $4,000 Medication management beyond baseline $250 Transportation (personal trips beyond scheduled) $150 Personal incidentals (phone, cable, beauty/barber) $200 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Realistic monthly total $4,600
That's the number most Dallas families end up at for a standard studio without memory care. Add $1,200–$2,000 if a secured memory care unit becomes necessary.
How to use this number when touring
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What's the all-in monthly cost for my parent's specific care needs — itemized by line?
Why it matters: The DFW market is competitive, which means facilities often lead with a low base rate and add layers later. Get the full itemized list: base studio rate + medication management tier + transportation + laundry/housekeeping if applicable + any specialty care. The spread between the advertised rate and the actual bill is where surprises live.
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Do you participate in Texas STAR+PLUS, and are you currently accepting STAR+PLUS-enrolled residents?
Why it matters: This matters even if you're not currently eligible. Participation status tells you about the facility's payor mix and financial stability. A facility with a well-managed STAR+PLUS relationship is typically better equipped to handle the administrative complexity of a Medicaid transition later.
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What's your most recent HHSC inspection result, and what's your current staffing ratio?
Why it matters: Texas HHSC publishes inspection records for licensed AL facilities. Staffing ratio matters in a large DFW market with high turnover — ask directly for the ratio, not just the regulatory minimum.
If a community won't itemize, won't answer STAR+PLUS questions directly, or hesitates on inspection records, that's information before you sign anything.
Comparison module for senior care partner network. Coming soon.
Sources cited
- A Place for Mom — Dallas-Fort Worth Metro Cost of Senior Care Report (2026)
- Caring.com — Texas Assisted Living Cost Survey (2026)
- Genworth Cost of Care Survey, 2023 (most recent available; survey discontinued in 2024)
- Texas Health and Human Services Commission — STAR+PLUS program overview
- CMS Nursing Home Care Compare — Dallas-Fort Worth facility ratings
Last updated: 2026-05-22 • Dallas pricing varies by zip code, level of care, and provider.
