The eastern half of the sprawling Dallas/Fort Worth area makes up the city of Dallas and is home to about 1.3 million Texans, according to data from the 2020 U.S. Census. Approximately 10.6 percent of Dallas residents are 65 years of age or older. With its sunny summers, mild winters and below-average precipitation, this Southern city is an excellent retirement location for seniors who enjoy spending time outside.
Assisted living is often a solid option for aging adults who enjoy living as independently as they can but who also need some level of help with basic tasks such as eating and grooming. The average cost of assisted living care in Dallas is $4,195 per month, slightly over the Texas average cost but well under the national average cost.
In this guide, we’ll discuss the cost of assisted living in Dallas and how it compares to that of other cities in Texas. We’ll also look at some of the low- or no-cost resources that can help improve quality of life for the area’s elderly.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
COVID-19 restrictions and rules for Assisted Living Facilities are typically set by the state – to see the rules in your state, you can read our guide to Assisted Living in Texas. Keep in mind that there may be other policies that communities put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
In Dallas, the cost of assisted living is an average of $4,195 per month. However, costs do vary from location to location, based on services and amenities.
Elsewhere in Texas, seniors can expect to pay slightly less for assisted living than in Dallas; the statewide average cost is $3,998 per month. Both figures are lower than the national average cost of $4,500.
Houston’s monthly price for assisted living, $4,245, is slightly higher, and in the state capital of Austin, the monthly price of assisted living rises to $5,345. The state’s peak price is found in Victoria, where assisted living costs $5,600 per month. In El Paso, which sits on the far west side of the state, prices are considerably lower at $3,750. San Antonio, in the south central part of Texas, also sees relatively low prices of $3,413 a month for assisted living. The state’s lowest reported monthly price for assisted living, $2,770, is found near the Arkansas border in Texarkana.
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in Texas.
The resources in the following chart can help Dallas-area seniors access financial, social, medical, legal and educational support. Most of these services are available to adults 55 and up, although specific age requirements vary by provider.
Resource |
Contact |
Service |
888-223-9509 |
This agency’s services for seniors include a referral and assistance hotline that can help put older adults in touch with government and nonprofit entities that offer senior support. Direct assistance includes a benefits counseling program that helps seniors understand and navigate their Medicare options. | |
888-529-5277 |
The pro bono legal aid provided by the volunteers of this nonprofit can help seniors recognize, avoid and report deceptive or illegal collection procedures, resolve family law issues such as custody and guardianship, and contest evictions from community care facilities. LANT’s attorneys can also provide referrals to criminal lawyers. | |
214-671-1602 |
Adults over 60 can participate for free in ASAP programs, which are held in the area’s 43 recreation centers. Activities are built around fitness options such as aerobics and walking clubs, social events that include group day trips to locations throughout the Dallas area, and friendly competition through organized games such as bridge and dominoes. | |
800-252-2412 |
As advocates for the residents of community care such as assisted living facilities and nursing homes, ombudsmen promote quality of care. In addition to informing older adults of their rights as residents, ombudsmen also investigate and resolve complaints about facilities and provide guidance regarding paying for care. | |
972-669-6400 |
Dallas County offers a senior tuition waiver that allows seniors who live in Dallas County to take up to six credit hours for free. Classes aimed specifically at seniors cover beginner’s yoga and tai chi, creative writing, family research and modern technology. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Dallas area are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined at the state level. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.