Knee Replacement Surgery Cost in 2026
Understanding the Investment
- National average: $35,000 (range: $20,000–$50,000)
- Insurance: Usually Covered — 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, or total knee arthroplasty (TKA), replaces damaged knee joint surfaces with artificial implants. Approximately 790,000 knee replacements are performed annually in the U.S., often for those with severe arthritis or injuries. The procedure aims to relieve pain and improve mobility.
Facility fees and the cost of the knee implant itself are major drivers, along with surgeon and anesthesia fees. Hospital charges can vary widely, and knee implants can range from $1,800 to $12,000 depending on the type. Post-operative care, including any needed hospital stay, adds to the overall expense.
Consider an Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) for your procedure. Studies show that knee replacements performed in ASCs can be significantly cheaper than in hospitals, with cost reductions of up to 40%. If you're also experiencing hip pain, hip replacement follows a similar cost structure and recovery pattern. For younger patients with ligament tears rather than arthritis, ACL surgery preserves the natural joint. Confirm all costs with your provider before scheduling.
Where does your money go?
Typical allocation for a knee replacement surgery procedure at the national average price point.
Knee Replacement Surgery 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 $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%
State-by-State Pricing Atlas
Click any state to see detailed pricing, regional cost factors, and top cities.
Knee Replacement Surgery Cost in All 50 States
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| State ▲▼ | Avg Cost ▲▼ | vs National ▲▼ |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $31,675 | -9.5% |
| Alaska | $38,045 | +8.7% |
| Arizona | $35,280 | +0.8% |
| Arkansas | $31,920 | -8.8% |
| California | $39,655 | +13.3% |
| Colorado | $36,820 | +5.2% |
| Connecticut | $38,430 | +9.8% |
| Delaware | $35,875 | +2.5% |
| District of Columbia | $38,675 | +10.5% |
| Florida | $35,105 | +0.3% |
| Georgia | $34,300 | -2.0% |
| Hawaii | $40,740 | +16.4% |
| Idaho | $34,020 | -2.8% |
| Illinois | $35,420 | +1.2% |
| Indiana | $33,530 | -4.2% |
| Iowa | $33,425 | -4.5% |
| Kansas | $33,180 | -5.2% |
| Kentucky | $32,305 | -7.7% |
| Louisiana | $32,620 | -6.8% |
| Maine | $36,330 | +3.8% |
| Maryland | $37,380 | +6.8% |
| Massachusetts | $39,025 | +11.5% |
| Michigan | $34,825 | -0.5% |
| Minnesota | $36,225 | +3.5% |
| Mississippi | $30,975 | -11.5% |
| Missouri | $32,130 | -8.2% |
| Montana | $34,125 | -2.5% |
| Nebraska | $33,775 | -3.5% |
| Nevada | $35,175 | +0.5% |
| New Hampshire | $36,925 | +5.5% |
| New Jersey | $38,325 | +9.5% |
| New Mexico | $32,830 | -6.2% |
| New York | $39,480 | +12.8% |
| North Carolina | $34,580 | -1.2% |
| North Dakota | $33,320 | -4.8% |
| Ohio | $34,405 | -1.7% |
| Oklahoma | $32,480 | -7.2% |
| Oregon | $37,625 | +7.5% |
| Pennsylvania | $35,630 | +1.8% |
| Rhode Island | $36,680 | +4.8% |
| South Carolina | $32,725 | -6.5% |
| South Dakota | $33,880 | -3.2% |
| Tennessee | $32,970 | -5.8% |
| Texas | $33,670 | -3.8% |
| Utah | $34,720 | -0.8% |
| Vermont | $36,575 | +4.5% |
| Virginia | $36,120 | +3.2% |
| Washington | $37,520 | +7.2% |
| West Virginia | $31,430 | -10.2% |
| Wisconsin | $34,930 | -0.2% |
| Wyoming | $33,075 | -5.5% |
Primary Pricing Factors
Three variables explain most of the cost variation you'll see across the same procedure.
The Road to Results
Recovery is an investment of time. Understanding the phases helps you plan downtime and set expectations.
Before your knee replacement, you'll have consultations with your surgeon and anesthesiologist, plus blood tests and imaging. You may need to stop certain medications, like blood thinners, and potentially start pre-operative physical therapy to strengthen your muscles. On the day of surgery, which lasts 1-2 hours, you'll receive general or spinal anesthesia. The surgeon will replace the damaged surfaces of your knee joint with new metal and plastic components.
In the first 24-48 hours after surgery, expect pain, swelling, and limited mobility. Pain medication will help manage discomfort, and physical therapy will begin almost immediately. Full recovery takes 6-16 weeks. Be prepared for regular physical therapy sessions and gradual improvements in strength and range of motion. Remember to arrange for a ride home from the hospital and help around the house for the first few weeks. Plan to take time off work, the length of which depends on your job. Don't forget to schedule follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your progress.
Paying for Knee Replacement Surgery
Usually Covered by InsuranceCovered by Medicare and most insurance for severe knee arthritis after conservative treatment fails.
Financing Options
- 0% APR credit lines — CareCredit and Alphaeon are accepted by most knee replacement surgery providers and offer interest-free promotional periods
- Direct surgeon financing — many knee replacement surgery practices have their own installment plans with flexible terms
- Health savings accounts — HSA and FSA accounts cover medically necessary knee replacement surgery — a smart way to use pre-tax dollars
- Medical personal loans — fixed-rate loans through LightStream or SoFi can cover the full $35,000 with predictable monthly payments
- Negotiated pricing — always ask for cash-pay or self-pay rates — they're often lower than the insured price