How Much Does Memory Care Cost in Dallas?
If you're trying to figure out what memory care actually costs in Dallas, you've likely found the same thing: every page gives you a range, and the range is usually too wide to plan around.
The honest answer is about $5,500 a month for a standard secured-unit bed at the median Dallas-Fort Worth memory care facility in 2026, and about $6,200 a month for a private room in a secured wing. Dallas runs roughly 7% above the Texas state median for memory care — Texas is among the most affordable major markets nationally, and DFW's large supply base keeps pricing competitive.
Below, we show you where that number comes from — three independent sources, compared side-by-side — and break it down by part of the DFW market.
What three independent sources say about Dallas memory care cost
| Source | Reported median (semi-private, monthly) | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Place for Mom | $5,800 | 2026 | |
| Caring.com | $5,100 | 2026 | state median; DFW runs ~7% above |
| Genworth | $5,000 | 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%, narrowing to $5,500/month as the honest median for a Dallas-area memory care standard secured unit in 2026, and $6,200/month for a private room in a secured wing.
What the spread means in practice: if a DFW memory care community quotes you $5,200–$5,900/month for a standard secured unit, that's within normal range. If you're being quoted under $4,300 or over $7,500, ask why — there's usually a specific driver (Medicaid-heavy census, boutique luxury positioning, or 1:1 behavioral support bundled in).
Dallas memory care cost by sub-area
| Sub-area | Semi-private median (monthly) | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Uptown / Highland Park / University Park | $6,800 | Luxury positioning, boutique communities, premium Dallas zip codes |
| Plano / McKinney / Allen | $5,800 | Newer suburban facilities, mid-high amenity, fast-growing market |
| Southlake / Flower Mound / Keller | $6,200 | Affluent north Fort Worth suburbs, newer purpose-built communities |
| Arlington / Grand Prairie / Mesquite | $5,100 | Mid-market; most supply, most price competition |
| Garland / Irving / Carrollton | $4,900 | Value-tier end; older inventory, more Medicaid participation |
That's a $1,900/month swing inside the metro. The DFW memory care market has strong supply relative to demand — meaning more price competition than most major cities. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Private room over standard secured unit | $700/month | Smaller premium in Texas than in most coastal markets. |
| 1:1 behavioral care support | $1,200–$2,800/month | For residents with significant behavioral needs. Not optional if required. |
| Specialized programming (music therapy, activities) | $250–$450/month | Some communities include this; others bill separately. |
| Medication management for complex dementia Rx | $150–$350/month | Above standard medication management inclusion. |
| Incontinence supplies and management | $150–$300/month | Standard beyond baseline allotment. |
| Personal incidentals (cable, phone, beauty/barber) | $150–$250/month | For most residents. |
A realistic "median + likely add-ons" total for a private room in a Dallas memory care community with moderate care needs lands around $6,000–$6,800/month. One of the more affordable major markets nationally for comparable care.
Texas STAR+PLUS Medicaid Waiver: the program that changes the math
Texas Medicaid for memory care uses the same managed care structure as assisted living — but most families don't find out until they need it urgently.
Texas STAR+PLUS is the managed care Medicaid program that can cover memory care costs for eligible Texans at participating facilities. Enrollment requires meeting both medical and financial criteria, and benefit coverage depends on which managed care organization is assigned and which facilities participate.
Eligibility basics (2026):
- Medical: must require a nursing facility level of care (HHSC Level of Need assessment). For memory care residents, this threshold is typically met.
- Financial (single applicant): countable assets under $2,000; income below the STAR+PLUS threshold or placed into a Miller Trust.
- Community spouse has standard federal spousal impoverishment protections.
What STAR+PLUS doesn't fix for Dallas memory care: not every DFW memory care facility participates in STAR+PLUS. Luxury and mid-high communities often don't participate; participation is more common in value-tier and mid-market facilities. The program covers care services, not necessarily the full room-and-board cost. Expect a gap between benefit coverage and the facility's full rate.
What we recommend (we are not Medicaid planners — speak with one): if STAR+PLUS is a realistic 3-year horizon for your family, identify which Dallas-area memory care communities participate before you tour. Knowing the Medicaid transition path upfront changes which facility choices make financial sense. An elder-law attorney familiar with Texas STAR+PLUS is worth consulting before a multi-year private-pay commitment.
Not mentioning STAR+PLUS on a Dallas memory care pricing page would be dishonest — it's a real benefit for many families with specific limitations that should factor into planning now.
All-in monthly worksheet — a real Dallas family
Base memory care secured unit (median Dallas facility) $5,500 Private room over standard secured unit $700 Medication management (complex dementia Rx above baseline) $250 Incontinence supplies (beyond standard allotment) $200 Specialized programming $300 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Realistic monthly total $6,950
That's a realistic total for a private room in a mid-market Dallas memory care community with moderate add-on needs. Lower if programming is included in base rate; significantly higher if 1:1 behavioral care support 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: Dallas memory care facilities vary significantly in what's bundled into base rate versus charged separately. Get the full itemized list before you compare: base secured unit + private room premium + any behavioral care tier + programming + medication management + incontinence. The spread between advertised rate and actual bill can be $800–$2,500.
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Do you participate in Texas STAR+PLUS, and what's your process if a resident needs to transition to Medicaid coverage?
Why it matters: Even if you're entering on private pay, knowing the facility's STAR+PLUS status and transition process tells you what your options look like 24–36 months out. Facilities with a well-managed STAR+PLUS relationship are typically more transparent about the financial planning realities.
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What's your most recent HHSC inspection result, and what's your staffing ratio in the secured memory care unit?
Why it matters: Texas HHSC publishes inspection records for licensed AL and memory care facilities. Staffing ratio specifically in the secured unit — not the facility overall — is what matters for memory care quality. Ask directly: how many residents per caregiver during day, evening, and overnight shifts?
If a community won't itemize costs, won't answer STAR+PLUS questions directly, or hesitates on staffing ratios and inspection records, that's information worth having before you sign anything.
Comparison module for senior care partner network. Coming soon.
Sources cited
- A Place for Mom — Dallas-Fort Worth Metro Memory Care Cost Report (2026)
- Caring.com — Texas Memory Care 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 and long-term care facility lookup
- 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.
