Guide to Independent Living in Texas

The Lone Star State is a popular retirement destination thanks to its low cost of living and mild climate. Texas is tax-friendly to retirees, meaning that seniors will have additional funds to enjoy all the activities that the state has to offer. Seniors living in Texas have access to golden beaches, golf courses and outdoor activities. The state has a population of around 29.5 million people, and an estimated 12.9% of residents are seniors aged 65 and over. 

Seniors who are still able to live alone and carry out all the tasks of daily living without any assistance may want to consider independent living. There are a number of independent living communities throughout the state of Texas. These communities provide easy access to medical services, dining and social interaction. Some communities offer housekeeping and maintenance services. 

This guide provides an overview of independent living in Texas. It discusses the average costs of independent living in Texas and neighboring states, as well as the costs of alternative senior care options. In addition, it lists ways to pay for independent living and free or low-cost resources for seniors in the state.

How Much Does Independent Living Cost in Texas ?

Note: There currently isn’t authoritative data on the average cost of Independent Living Facilities nationwide, so instead, we use the cost of Assisted Living to estimate it. Since the cost of Independent Living is typically 30-40% lower than the cost of Assisted Living, the numbers below were calculated by subtracting 35% from the cost of Assisted Living as reported in the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey.

In Texas, seniors can expect to pay around $2,599 per month for independent living. This is $326 less than the national average of $2,925. The cost of independent living in Texas communities is similar to the neighboring states of Arkansas and Oklahoma, which cost $2,600 and $2,506 respectively. New Mexico is significantly more expensive at $2,924, and Louisiana is cheaper at $2,436.

The Cost of Independent Living in Texas’s Top Cities

The cost of independent living varies greatly across the state of Texas. The city of Texarkana is the lowest cost option in the state, at $1,801, and the most expensive option is Victoria, at $3,640 per month. The capital of Austin is not much cheaper at $3,474, and the popular city of Dallas costs an average of $2,727. The average senior in the coastal city of Corpus Christi pays $2,202 for independent living.

The Cost of Independent Living vs. Other Types of Care

It is important for seniors to understand the costs and benefits of the different types of senior care and to choose the option that best suits their needs. The cheapest care option is adult care, with an average cost of $769 per month. This type of care is best suited to seniors who need assistance during the work week but have the help of loved ones during the weekend. The next cheapest option is independent living, at $2,599 per month. Assisted living provides 24/7 assistance with the tasks of daily living and costs around $3,998 each month.

Those seniors who would prefer to remain at home should consider home care or home health care, which both cost $4,576 per month. Seniors requiring chronic care may need to move to nursing home care, which is the most expensive option at $5,125 for a semiprivate room.

Does Medicare or Medicaid Cover Independent Living in Texas ?

The short answer is no, Medicaid and Medicare do not cover the cost of living in an independent living community. That being said, those who need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), may be able to take advantage of financial assistance programs in Texas to partially or fully cover the cost of care in Assisted Living. For more information about financial assistance for those who need help with ADLs, read our guide to Assisted Living in Texas .

For more information about other ways to make Independent Living more affordable, such as retirement funds, the sale of a home, etc, read the section below.

How to Make Independent Living More Affordable in Texas

Seniors who chose independent living may be interested in ways to pay for these services without using cash or savings. 

• Annuities: These offer regular, scheduled payouts which can be used to pay for independent living.
• Long-Term Care Insurance: This is unlikely to pay the full cost of independent living each month, but it can be used to cover some expenses such as prepared meals and transport.
• Life Insurance: Paying for independent living is not the intended purpose of life insurance, but it is possible to use the policy to pay for end-of-life expenses such as independent living.

Free Independent Living Resources for Seniors in Texas

Seniors living in Texas have access to a number of free or low-cost services to help them improve their quality of life or find aging assistance. These services are offered by government departments and nonprofit organizations. 

COVID-19 Rules and Restrictions for Texas Independent Living Communities

The following rules and guidelines were obtained from hhs.texas.gov, as well as other state-level government sites. Among others, these rules apply to independent living communities and assisted living facilities.

This data has been most recently updated on 2/15/2022, but keep in mind that COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving crisis, so all of the below information can change at any time. For additional questions and up-to-date information, you can contact your loved one’s senior living facility or your local Area Agency on Aging.

Visiting Loved Ones

Outings and Group Activities

Safety Measures for Staff & Contractors

Safety Measures for Residents