Are more expensive nursing homes always better quality?

Not necessarily. Price does not reliably predict CMS ratings or safety records. Always evaluate quality data independently.

What happens if we run out of money to pay privately?

Many families spend down assets to qualify for Medicaid. Facilities generally cannot discharge a resident solely for converting to Medicaid if they remain eligible.

How Much Does a Nursing Home Cost in Texas? 2026 Breakdown

How Much Does a Nursing Home Cost in Texas?

Nursing home costs are one of the most significant financial decisions a family will face. Understanding typical Texas costs — and how they vary by region, care level, and payment source — helps families plan effectively and avoid financial surprises.

Average Nursing Home Costs in Texas (2026)

$5,500

Average monthly cost — semi-private room

$6,800

Average monthly cost — private room

$66,000

Approximate annual cost — semi-private room

$81,600

Approximate annual cost — private room

These figures represent statewide averages. Actual costs vary significantly based on:

Geographic location: Major metro areas (Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio) generally have higher costs than rural Texas counties
Room type: Private rooms cost more than semi-private (shared) rooms
Level of care: Memory care and skilled nursing for complex medical needs typically cost more than standard custodial care
Facility quality and amenities: Newer facilities and those with extensive amenities tend to charge more

What's Typically Included in Nursing Home Costs

Room and board (meals, housekeeping, laundry)
Basic nursing care and medication administration
Assistance with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, toileting)
Basic activities and social programming

Often charged separately

Physical, occupational, or speech therapy
Specialised medical equipment
Personal care items (beyond basic toiletries)
Transportation to medical appointments
Private duty companions or sitters
Memory care unit premiums

⚠ Review the admission agreement carefully

Some facilities use "extras" billing to significantly increase costs beyond the advertised base rate. Always request a complete, itemised breakdown of all potential charges before admission, and watch for unexplained charges on monthly statements.

How Families Typically Pay for Nursing Home Care

Medicare — covers skilled nursing for up to 100 days following a qualifying hospital stay (see our Medicare guide)
Medicaid (STAR+PLUS) — covers long-term custodial care for those who meet financial and medical eligibility (see our Medicaid guide)
Long-term care insurance — if the resident has a policy, though many have waiting periods and benefit caps
Private pay — out of pocket, often combined with the sale of assets or other resources
Veterans benefits — the VA Aid and Attendance benefit can help eligible veterans and surviving spouses offset costs

Paying for care shouldn't mean settling for unsafe care

If cost pressure led you to a facility that turned out to be unsafe, you still have legal options if your loved one was harmed. A free consultation can clarify what's available to your family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. While there is some correlation between cost and amenities, price does not reliably predict CMS star ratings, staffing levels, or safety records. Some of the highest-rated facilities in our Texas directory are mid-priced, while some expensive facilities have poor inspection histories. Always evaluate quality data independently of price.

Many families "spend down" assets to qualify for Medicaid once private funds are exhausted. Facilities that accept Medicaid generally cannot discharge a resident solely because they convert from private pay to Medicaid, provided the resident meets Medicaid eligibility requirements. Consult a Medicaid planning specialist or elder law attorney early to understand the spend-down process.