Knee Replacement Surgery Cost in 2026
Knee Replacement Surgery Overview
- National average: $35,000 (range: $20,000–$50,000)
- Insurance: usually — Covered by Medicare and most insurance for severe knee arthritis after...
- Recovery: 42–120 days typical downtime
- Biggest cost driver: Facility type — outpatient centers can be 30–50% less than hospitals
Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, involves replacing damaged or worn-out parts of your knee joint with artificial components. This procedure is typically recommended for individuals suffering from severe arthritis or knee injuries that haven't responded to other treatments. Understanding the costs associated with knee replacement is crucial for planning your healthcare journey.
The cost of knee replacement surgery can vary significantly, primarily due to factors like the surgeon's experience and reputation, the type of facility you choose (hospital vs. outpatient surgery center), and your geographic location. More complex cases requiring specialized implants or longer hospital stays will also increase the price. The quoted price usually includes the surgeon's fee, anesthesia, the facility fee, the cost of the implant and surgical supplies, and some post-operative care like initial follow-up visits. However, it's important to confirm what's included, as physical therapy, durable medical equipment (like crutches), and potential complications may incur additional expenses.
The good news is that knee replacement surgery is typically covered by most insurance plans. However, you'll still likely be responsible for deductibles, co-pays, and coinsurance. Before scheduling your surgery, contact your insurance provider to understand your coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs. If you're concerned about affording the procedure, explore financing options or consider an outpatient surgery center, which can often be more cost-effective than a traditional hospital stay.
*Disclaimer: Costs can vary significantly based on individual circumstances and geographic location. Always verify specific costs and coverage details with your healthcare providers and insurance company.*
Cost Breakdown
Here's how the total cost of knee replacement surgery typically breaks down:
Knee Replacement Surgery Cost by State
Costs vary significantly by location. The map below shows how each state compares to the national average.
5 Cheapest States
- Mississippi — $30,975 (-11.5%)
- West Virginia — $31,430 (-10.2%)
- Alabama — $31,675 (-9.5%)
- Arkansas — $31,920 (-8.8%)
- Missouri — $32,130 (-8.2%)
5 Most Expensive States
- Hawaii — $40,740 (+16.4%)
- California — $39,655 (+13.3%)
- New York — $39,480 (+12.8%)
- Massachusetts — $39,025 (+11.5%)
- District of Columbia — $38,675 (+10.5%)
Knee Replacement Surgery Cost in All 50 States
| State ▲▼ | Avg Cost ▲▼ | vs National ▲▼ | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $31,675 | -9.5% | View AL |
| Alaska | $38,045 | +8.7% | View AK |
| Arizona | $35,280 | +0.8% | View AZ |
| Arkansas | $31,920 | -8.8% | View AR |
| California | $39,655 | +13.3% | View CA |
| Colorado | $36,820 | +5.2% | View CO |
| Connecticut | $38,430 | +9.8% | View CT |
| Delaware | $35,875 | +2.5% | View DE |
| District of Columbia | $38,675 | +10.5% | View DC |
| Florida | $35,105 | +0.3% | View FL |
| Georgia | $34,300 | -2.0% | View GA |
| Hawaii | $40,740 | +16.4% | View HI |
| Idaho | $34,020 | -2.8% | View ID |
| Illinois | $35,420 | +1.2% | View IL |
| Indiana | $33,530 | -4.2% | View IN |
| Iowa | $33,425 | -4.5% | View IA |
| Kansas | $33,180 | -5.2% | View KS |
| Kentucky | $32,305 | -7.7% | View KY |
| Louisiana | $32,620 | -6.8% | View LA |
| Maine | $36,330 | +3.8% | View ME |
| Maryland | $37,380 | +6.8% | View MD |
| Massachusetts | $39,025 | +11.5% | View MA |
| Michigan | $34,825 | -0.5% | View MI |
| Minnesota | $36,225 | +3.5% | View MN |
| Mississippi | $30,975 | -11.5% | View MS |
| Missouri | $32,130 | -8.2% | View MO |
| Montana | $34,125 | -2.5% | View MT |
| Nebraska | $33,775 | -3.5% | View NE |
| Nevada | $35,175 | +0.5% | View NV |
| New Hampshire | $36,925 | +5.5% | View NH |
| New Jersey | $38,325 | +9.5% | View NJ |
| New Mexico | $32,830 | -6.2% | View NM |
| New York | $39,480 | +12.8% | View NY |
| North Carolina | $34,580 | -1.2% | View NC |
| North Dakota | $33,320 | -4.8% | View ND |
| Ohio | $34,405 | -1.7% | View OH |
| Oklahoma | $32,480 | -7.2% | View OK |
| Oregon | $37,625 | +7.5% | View OR |
| Pennsylvania | $35,630 | +1.8% | View PA |
| Rhode Island | $36,680 | +4.8% | View RI |
| South Carolina | $32,725 | -6.5% | View SC |
| South Dakota | $33,880 | -3.2% | View SD |
| Tennessee | $32,970 | -5.8% | View TN |
| Texas | $33,670 | -3.8% | View TX |
| Utah | $34,720 | -0.8% | View UT |
| Vermont | $36,575 | +4.5% | View VT |
| Virginia | $36,120 | +3.2% | View VA |
| Washington | $37,520 | +7.2% | View WA |
| West Virginia | $31,430 | -10.2% | View WV |
| Wisconsin | $34,930 | -0.2% | View WI |
| Wyoming | $33,075 | -5.5% | View WY |
What Affects the Price of Knee Replacement Surgery
- Geographic location — cost of living and regional price parities vary widely across states
- Surgeon's experience & credentials — board-certified specialists with extensive experience typically charge more
- Facility type — hospital-based procedures cost more than outpatient surgery centers or clinics
- Anesthesia requirements — general anesthesia costs more than local or sedation options
- Procedure complexity — minimally invasive (laparoscopic/robotic) vs. open surgery affects cost and recovery
- Length of hospital stay — inpatient stays add room, nursing, and monitoring charges per day
- Pre-op testing & imaging — bloodwork, EKGs, MRIs, and other tests required before surgery
- Post-operative care — follow-up visits, physical therapy, and medications add to the total cost
- Insurance coverage — in-network vs. out-of-network, deductibles, and copays significantly impact out-of-pocket costs
Insurance & Financing for Knee Replacement Surgery
Covered by Medicare and most insurance for severe knee arthritis after conservative treatment fails.
Financing Options
- Payment plans — many surgeons and facilities offer interest-free monthly payment plans
- Medical credit cards — CareCredit and Prosper Healthcare Lending offer promotional 0% APR periods
- HSA / FSA — if the procedure is medically necessary, you can use pre-tax health savings account funds
- Personal loans — medical personal loans from banks or online lenders can cover the full cost
- Hospital financial assistance — many hospitals offer charity care or sliding-scale discounts based on income
Recovery Timeline
Before your knee replacement, you'll have consultations with your surgeon and anesthesiologist, plus blood tests and imaging. Be sure to tell your doctors about all medications and supplements you take; they'll likely ask you to stop some beforehand. On surgery day, which takes 1–2 hours, you'll receive general or spinal anesthesia. The damaged joint surfaces will be replaced with metal and plastic components.
Immediately after surgery, expect to be groggy. Pain will be managed with medication. You will likely stay in the hospital for a few days. Remember to arrange for a ride home, as you won't be able to drive.
Full recovery takes 6–16 weeks. Physical therapy will be crucial to regain strength and mobility, so commit to your exercises. You'll need time off work, and recovery can be tiring. Don't forget to schedule follow-up visits with your surgeon to monitor your progress. While you'll experience discomfort, most patients report significant pain relief and improved function after knee replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Knee Replacement Surgery cost in 2026?
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Compare Knee Replacement Surgery Cost in Every State
Click a state to see detailed knee replacement surgery pricing, top surgeons, and local cost factors.