CT Scan Cost in 2026
Understanding the Investment
- National average: $1,500 (range: $300–$6,750)
- Insurance: Usually Covered — Generally covered when ordered by a physician for diagnostic purposes. ER CT...
- Biggest cost driver: Facility type — outpatient centers can be 30–50% less than hospitals
A CT scan, or computed tomography scan, uses X-rays to create detailed images of your body, helping diagnose conditions from infections to injuries. Over 80 million CT scans are performed annually in the United States, making it a common diagnostic tool.
The type of scan significantly impacts the price; for example, an abdominal and pelvic CT scan typically costs more than a head CT scan. Whether the scan is performed in a hospital setting or an outpatient imaging center also influences the total cost.
For potential savings, consider freestanding imaging centers, walk-in clinics, or urgent care centers. These can be more affordable than hospital-owned facilities, with savings exceeding 60% in some cases. If your doctor needs detailed soft tissue imaging, an MRI provides greater detail without radiation exposure. Confirm all costs with your provider before scheduling.
Where does your money go?
Typical allocation for a ct scan procedure at the national average price point.
CT Scan Cost by State
Geographic location plays a significant role — cost-of-living adjustments, regional demand for top specialists, and facility competition all affect pricing.
5 Cheapest States
- Mississippi $1,328-11.5%
- West Virginia $1,347-10.2%
- Alabama $1,358-9.5%
- Arkansas $1,368-8.8%
- Missouri $1,377-8.2%
5 Most Expensive States
- Hawaii $1,746+16.4%
- California $1,700+13.3%
- New York $1,692+12.8%
- Massachusetts $1,672+11.5%
- District of Columbia $1,658+10.5%
State-by-State Pricing Atlas
Click any state to see detailed pricing, regional cost factors, and top cities.
CT Scan Cost in All 50 States
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| State ▲▼ | Avg Cost ▲▼ | vs National ▲▼ |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $1,358 | -9.5% |
| Alaska | $1,630 | +8.7% |
| Arizona | $1,512 | +0.8% |
| Arkansas | $1,368 | -8.8% |
| California | $1,700 | +13.3% |
| Colorado | $1,578 | +5.2% |
| Connecticut | $1,647 | +9.8% |
| Delaware | $1,537 | +2.5% |
| District of Columbia | $1,658 | +10.5% |
| Florida | $1,504 | +0.3% |
| Georgia | $1,470 | -2.0% |
| Hawaii | $1,746 | +16.4% |
| Idaho | $1,458 | -2.8% |
| Illinois | $1,518 | +1.2% |
| Indiana | $1,437 | -4.2% |
| Iowa | $1,432 | -4.5% |
| Kansas | $1,422 | -5.2% |
| Kentucky | $1,384 | -7.7% |
| Louisiana | $1,398 | -6.8% |
| Maine | $1,557 | +3.8% |
| Maryland | $1,602 | +6.8% |
| Massachusetts | $1,672 | +11.5% |
| Michigan | $1,492 | -0.5% |
| Minnesota | $1,552 | +3.5% |
| Mississippi | $1,328 | -11.5% |
| Missouri | $1,377 | -8.2% |
| Montana | $1,462 | -2.5% |
| Nebraska | $1,448 | -3.5% |
| Nevada | $1,507 | +0.5% |
| New Hampshire | $1,582 | +5.5% |
| New Jersey | $1,642 | +9.5% |
| New Mexico | $1,407 | -6.2% |
| New York | $1,692 | +12.8% |
| North Carolina | $1,482 | -1.2% |
| North Dakota | $1,428 | -4.8% |
| Ohio | $1,474 | -1.7% |
| Oklahoma | $1,392 | -7.2% |
| Oregon | $1,612 | +7.5% |
| Pennsylvania | $1,527 | +1.8% |
| Rhode Island | $1,572 | +4.8% |
| South Carolina | $1,402 | -6.5% |
| South Dakota | $1,452 | -3.2% |
| Tennessee | $1,413 | -5.8% |
| Texas | $1,443 | -3.8% |
| Utah | $1,488 | -0.8% |
| Vermont | $1,568 | +4.5% |
| Virginia | $1,548 | +3.2% |
| Washington | $1,608 | +7.2% |
| West Virginia | $1,347 | -10.2% |
| Wisconsin | $1,497 | -0.2% |
| Wyoming | $1,418 | -5.5% |
Primary Pricing Factors
Three variables explain most of the cost variation you'll see across the same procedure.
Paying for CT Scan
Usually Covered by InsuranceGenerally covered when ordered by a physician for diagnostic purposes. ER CT scans are covered as emergency care.
Financing Options
- Promotional financing — CareCredit's 24-month 0% APR plan is the most common way patients finance ct scan
- Provider installment plans — many practices let you start payments before surgery and continue after, spreading out the cost
- Tax-advantaged accounts — paying $1,500 through your HSA/FSA saves you 20-35% versus after-tax dollars
- Cash discounts — surgeons prefer upfront payment and often reduce the price by 10-20% for cash-pay patients
- Charitable care programs — hospital financial assistance programs may help offset costs for qualifying patients