MRI Scan vs CT Scan: Cost Comparison (2026)

$1,200

$400 – $3,500

Procedure Time 30–90 min

Insurance usually

Risk Level low

$1,500

$300 – $6,750

Procedure Time 10–30 min

Insurance usually

Risk Level low

$300 difference

MRI Scan costs $300 less than CT Scan on average.

Cost Breakdown Comparison

facility_fee $378-$7020.45%

radiologist_reading $251-$4680.3%

technologist_fee $210-$3900.25%

facility_fee $472-$8770.45%

radiologist_reading $315-$5850.3%

technologist_fee $262-$4870.25%

Cost: CT Scan is typically more expensive, averaging $300 more than MRI Scan.
Insurance: MRI Scan insurance coverage: usually. CT Scan insurance coverage: usually.
Risk level: MRI Scan is rated low risk, while CT Scan is rated low risk.
Procedure time: MRI Scan takes 30–90 minutes compared to 10–30 minutes for CT Scan.