Planning for nursing home care is a major financial decision, and costs can vary widely depending on room type, location within Texas, and the level of medical support required. Below is a clear, up-to-date overview of what Texas families typically pay, how those prices compare to national figures, what drives the differences, alternatives like home care, and ways to plan ahead.

Texas nursing home costs at a glance

Texas is among the least expensive states for nursing home care compared to national norms, with typical monthly rates significantly below the U.S. median for both semi-private and private rooms.

Current state-level medians often cluster around the mid-$5,000s per month for a semi-private room and roughly the low-$7,000s per month for a private room in Texas, reflecting Texas’ lower labor and facility costs versus many other states.

Nationally, monthly medians are notably higher—roughly the mid-$9,000s for semiprivate and around the low-$11,000s for private rooms—highlighting the relative affordability of Texas facilities in the broader context.

Typical Texas price ranges by room type

Semi-private room

Around $5,500–$5,700 per month is commonly cited as a statewide median, putting Texas near the bottom of the national price range.

Private room

A common Texas median falls roughly in the $6,900–$7,300 per month range, still markedly below national median pricing for a private room.

These figures are medians, not maximums or minimums, so specific facilities—especially in large metro areas or with extensive services—may price higher.

Why Texas costs are lower than the U.S. average

Labor and operating costs for long-term care tend to be lower in Texas than in many coastal or high-cost-of-living states, which translates into lower posted rates for both room types. Texas has a wide supply of facilities, and competition—especially in larger markets—can help restrain prices compared with states where availability is tighter.

What can increase or decrease your monthly rate

Care intensity and add-ons

Rates often start with room and board, but specialized services (e.g., memory care programs, frequent therapies, complex clinical needs) can carry surcharges or higher base rates.

Metro vs. non-metro

Major markets like Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio can be priced above smaller cities or rural areas.

Room choice

Private rooms cost more than semi-private; some families opt for semi-private and selectively add services to manage budget.

Annual adjustments

Recent data show nursing home prices rising year-over-year nationally, commonly in the mid-single to high-single digits, so budgeting for annual increases is prudent.

Comparing nursing homes to other care options

Assisted living

Typically priced below nursing homes because it offers less medical supervision; in Texas, assisted living often lands well under nursing home private-room rates.

In-home care

Costs scale with hours. For modest needs, in-home care can be less than facility care. For high needs (especially 24/7), in-home can exceed nursing home prices, unless a cost-effective live-in model fits safely and appropriately.

If aging in place is the priority, Clara can help families discover local independent caregivers, set up a legal household employment arrangement, and manage payroll, taxes, and compliance—often unlocking cost control and caregiver continuity for those who don’t require the intensive clinical environment of a nursing home.

How families commonly pay

• Private funds: Savings, retirement income, and family contributions remain the most common payers for long-term care.

• Long-term care insurance: Policies often include nursing home benefits; check elimination periods, daily benefit caps, and inflation riders.

• Veterans’ benefits: Eligible veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for programs that offset a portion of care costs.

• Medicaid: For Texans who qualify financially and clinically, Medicaid can help cover nursing home care. Planning with an elder law or benefits professional is helpful due to strict eligibility rules and lookback periods.

Practical tips to get the best value

• Request an itemized rate sheet: Ask facilities to break down base room costs and any add-ons (therapy, medications, memory care, supplies) so there are no surprises.

• Compare across regions: Touring facilities in a neighboring city or suburb can yield substantial savings without sacrificing quality.

• Evaluate clinical fit: Paying for a higher-acuity setting than needed can add thousands per year; ensure the facility’s level of care aligns with current needs and foreseeable changes.

• Revisit annually: If needs evolve, reassess whether the current setting still makes medical and financial sense.

Considering in-home care as an alternative

Many families prefer to keep a loved one at home when clinically reasonable. With the right plan, in-home care can be tailored to needs and budget—ranging from part-time help up to live-in arrangements. Clara acts as a facilitator to help families:

• Discover qualified, independent caregivers based on skills, schedule, and budget goals.

• Employ caregivers legally (correct classification, compliant overtime, and documentation).

• Run payroll and handle taxes and compliance in Texas, reducing administrative headaches and risk.

Bottom line for Texas

• Expect a nursing home semi-private room in Texas to average around the mid-$5,000s per month, and a private room to average roughly the low-$7,000s per month—well below national medians for each room type.

• Actual quotes depend on location, amenities, and clinical needs. Touring multiple facilities and requesting itemized estimates is the best way to land a realistic budget.

Clara helps families who want to explore home-based alternatives. Clara can assist with discovering caregivers, legally employing them, and managing payroll, taxes, and compliance—so families can focus on care, not paperwork. To talk through costs, options, and a customized at-home plan, reach out to the Clara team and we’ll help map the next steps.