Can You Afford Recovery? Truth About Sober Living Costs in Dallas County
RehabHER Recovery House
Let me guess—you're sitting there with a knot in your stomach, thinking: "I need help, but how am I supposed to afford this?"
Maybe you've already called a few places and hung up when they quoted the monthly fee. Maybe you're terrified of being a financial burden on your family. Maybe you're wondering if recovery is only for people with money.
I see you. And I want to give you something most recovery programs won't: complete financial honesty.
Let's talk about what sober living Dallas Texas actually costs, what hidden expenses exist, and most importantly—realistic ways to make it work even when your bank account says no.
The Real Cost of Sober Living in Dallas County
Here's the truth: monthly costs for sober living in the Dallas area typically range from $1,000 to $4,000 per month.
That's a big range, and here's why:
$1,000-$1,500/month (Basic Sober Living):
Shared bedrooms (3-4 roommates)
Basic house rules and structure
Limited staff presence
Fewer amenities
Peer accountability only
$1,500-$2,500/month (Standard Sober Living):
Shared or semi-private rooms
House manager on-site
Regular drug testing
Basic life skills support
Group activities and meetings
Some meals included
$2,500-$4,000/month (Enhanced Sober Living):
Private or semi-private rooms
24/7 staff support
Case management services
Intensive programming
All meals included
Transportation assistance
Clinical services or therapy
RehabHER Recovery House falls in the mid-range at $1,500/month for a shared room with a $250 non-refundable deposit. You get a beautiful, safe environment with structure, support, and community—without paying luxury prices.
The Hidden Costs Nobody Tells You About
The monthly fee isn't the whole story. Here are expenses women often don't anticipate:
Before You Move In:
Application or intake fees: $0-$200
Deposit (usually one month's rent): $1,000-$2,000
Drug test: $25-$100
Background check: $30-$50
First month's rent upfront
While You're There:
Personal toiletries and hygiene products: $50-$100/month
Phone service: $40-$80/month
Transportation (bus pass, rideshare, or car expenses): $100-$300/month
Cigarettes (if applicable): $150-$300/month
Clothing and necessities: $50-$150/month
Co-pays for therapy or medical appointments: $20-$100/month
12-step meeting literature or materials: $10-$30/month
Total realistic monthly cost: $1,500-$3,000+ when you include everything.
At a women's recovery house Richardson TX facility like RehabHER, many basics are included—WiFi, utilities, furnished rooms, linens, laundry supplies, coffee, and some food staples—which helps offset these additional costs.
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Why Most Insurance Doesn't Cover It
Here's the frustrating reality: most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, do NOT cover sober living homes.
Why? Because insurance companies classify sober living as "housing" rather than "medical treatment." They'll cover detox, inpatient rehab, and outpatient therapy—but not the transitional living that research proves is critical for long-term success.
(Remember: studies show abstinence rates jump from 11% to 68% after six months in sober living. But insurance still won't pay for it.)
Some rare exceptions exist:
If sober living is directly connected to intensive outpatient treatment
Some state Medicaid programs with specific housing assistance
Certain private insurance plans with broad behavioral health benefits
Always call your insurance directly to ask, but don't get your hopes up.
How Real Women Actually Pay for It
Don't panic. Here's how most women make sober living work:
1. Employment While in Recovery
Most Dallas County women rehab house programs encourage and support employment. Many women:
Work full-time and use their paycheck for rent
Start with part-time work and increase hours over time
Use house resources to find jobs (many facilities help with job placement)
Reality check: If you earn minimum wage ($7.25/hour in Texas) working 40 hours/week, that's about $1,160/month after taxes—tight, but workable for basic sober living.
2. Family Support
Many families contribute financially when they see you're serious about recovery. Having honest conversations with family about costs—and showing them the research on sober living success rates—can help.
Some families pay directly. Others help with a portion while you cover the rest through work.
3. Personal Savings or Assets
Some women use:
Savings accounts (even if depleted by addiction)
Tax refunds
Selling possessions or vehicles they no longer need
Small personal loans from credit unions
4. Scholarships and Grants
Limited but real options include:
Facility-specific scholarships (ask every place you contact)
Nonprofit recovery grants (research local options)
Faith-based assistance programs
Recovery support organizations
RehabHER Recovery House works with women to explore scholarship opportunities when available.
5. Government Assistance Programs
While rare, some options include:
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) in some cases
Local housing assistance programs (limited availability)
Veterans benefits (if applicable)
Social Security benefits (if you receive them)
6. Payment Plans
Some facilities offer weekly payment plans instead of requiring full monthly rent upfront. This makes costs more manageable, especially when you're getting paid weekly or bi-weekly.
The Cost of NOT Going
Here's the math nobody wants to do but everyone should:
The average cost of active addiction per year:
Substance costs: $3,000-$30,000+
Legal fees and fines: $5,000-$50,000+
Medical emergencies: $10,000-$100,000+
Lost employment income: $20,000-$60,000+
Damaged relationships: priceless but devastating
The cost of relapse after short-term treatment:
Returning to inpatient rehab: $5,000-$30,000
Emergency room visits: $1,000-$10,000 per visit
Legal consequences: unpredictable but expensive
Lost progress and hope: incalculable
The cost of six months in quality sober living: $9,000-$12,000
Which investment makes more sense?
Making It Work at RehabHER Recovery House
At RehabHER Recovery House, we understand financial barriers are real. Here's how we help:
Transparent Pricing: $1,500/month with a $250 deposit. No surprise fees. All utilities, WiFi, furnished rooms, and basic household items included.
Job Support: We help residents find employment and build financial independence.
Flexibility: We work with you on payment structures when possible.
Value: 24/7 support, beautiful safe environment, life skills training, and women-centered community—all at a mid-range price point.
Scholarship Information: We can help you research and apply for available financial assistance.
Three Questions to Ask Yourself
What's my sobriety worth? Not in dollars—in life, relationships, health, and freedom.
What creative solutions haven't I considered? Could you work part-time? Ask family? Sell something? Apply for assistance?
What will it cost me NOT to invest in recovery? In money, yes—but also in your future, your relationships, your health, your life?
Your Next Step
Financial barriers are real, but they don't have to be permanent roadblocks. Most women who call us worried they can't afford recovery end up finding a way—because when you're serious about healing, solutions appear.
Call RehabHER Recovery House today. Let's have an honest conversation about costs, explore your options, and figure out together how to make this work. We've helped women in all kinds of financial situations find their way to recovery.
Your life is worth the investment. Let's prove it together.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Most facilities have set rates, but some offer sliding scale fees or payment plans. Always ask—the worst they can say is no. RehabHER works with residents when possible to find workable solutions.
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Policies vary by facility. Open communication is key—if you talk to staff BEFORE missing payment, they may work with you. Hiding financial struggles usually makes things worse.
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Very few, and they typically have long waitlists. Some Oxford Houses charge minimal fees ($100-$200/week). Research thoroughly, as "free" sometimes means minimal support and structure.
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This is a personal decision. Some women successfully use small personal loans, viewing it as an investment in their future earning potential and wellbeing. Avoid high-interest predatory loans.
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Research shows staying 6+ months produces best outcomes. Budget for at least six months if possible, though many women stay 3-12 months depending on their progress and stability.