2026 Pricing Data
Knee Replacement Surgery Cost in 2026
National Average Estimate
$35,000
Typical range: $20,000 – $50,000
Recovery
42–120 days
Risk Level
Moderate
Duration
60–120 min
Clinical Insight
Most medically-necessary cases are covered by major insurers. Plan verification recommended.
What you'll likely pay in 2026
Typical Out-of-Pocket: With Insurance vs Without
With Insurance
Typical Out-of-Pocket
$5,000–$8,300
- PPO (typical)$5,000
- HDHP (high-deductible)$8,300
- Medicare (inpatient)$1,676
Without Insurance / Cash-Pay
List Price Range
$20,000–$50,000
National average: $35,000
Hospital sticker before any insurance discount.
Hospital sticker before any insurance discount.
Insurance estimates use 2025 averages from the KFF Employer Health Benefits Survey: $1,886 avg deductible, 20% hospital coinsurance, OOP max $5,000 (typical PPO) to $8,300 (HDHP statutory). Medicare uses 2025 Part A deductible ($1,676) for inpatient and Part B 20% coinsurance for outpatient (CMS). Reflects employer-sponsored insurance and Original Medicare. Excludes Medicaid, ACA marketplace, and short-term plans. Real OOP varies by plan, network, and state.
Understanding the Investment
Key Takeaways
- 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.
Interactive Cost Breakdown
Where does your money go?
Typical allocation for a knee replacement surgery procedure at the national average price point.
Facility Fee
30% of total · $7,349-$13,650
$7,349-$13,650
Hospital or surgical center facility charge
Surgeon Fee
30% of total · $7,349-$13,650
$7,349-$13,650
Surgeon professional fee
Implants & Supplies
15% of total · $3,674-$6,825
$3,674-$6,825
Implants, hardware, surgical supplies
Post-Op Care
15% of total · $3,674-$6,825
$3,674-$6,825
Hospital stay, follow-up visits, imaging
Anesthesia
10% of total · $2,450-$4,550
$2,450-$4,550
Anesthesiologist or CRNA fee
Go Deeper
Knee Replacement Surgery Guides
Regional Variance
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.
Most Affordable
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%
Premium Markets
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%
Cheaper
Pricier
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
Already seen the cheapest and most expensive? Expand the full sortable table to compare every state.
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| State ▲▼ | Avg Cost ▲▼ | vs National ▲▼ | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $31,675 | -9.5% | |
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| Alaska | $38,045 | +8.7% | |
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| Arizona | $35,280 | +0.8% | |
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| Arkansas | $31,920 | -8.8% | |
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| California | $39,655 | +13.3% | |
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| Colorado | $36,820 | +5.2% | |
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| Connecticut | $38,430 | +9.8% | |
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| Delaware | $35,875 | +2.5% | |
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| District of Columbia | $38,675 | +10.5% | |
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| Florida | $35,105 | +0.3% | |
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| Georgia | $34,300 | -2.0% | |
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| Hawaii | $40,740 | +16.4% | |
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| Idaho | $34,020 | -2.8% | |
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| Illinois | $35,420 | +1.2% | |
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| Indiana | $33,530 | -4.2% | |
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| Iowa | $33,425 | -4.5% | |
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| Kansas | $33,180 | -5.2% | |
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| Kentucky | $32,305 | -7.7% | |
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| Louisiana | $32,620 | -6.8% | |
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| Maine | $36,330 | +3.8% | |
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| Maryland | $37,380 | +6.8% | |
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| Massachusetts | $39,025 | +11.5% | |
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| Michigan | $34,825 | -0.5% | |
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| Minnesota | $36,225 | +3.5% | |
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| Mississippi | $30,975 | -11.5% | |
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| Missouri | $32,130 | -8.2% | |
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| Montana | $34,125 | -2.5% | |
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| Nebraska | $33,775 | -3.5% | |
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| Nevada | $35,175 | +0.5% | |
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| New Hampshire | $36,925 | +5.5% | |
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| New Jersey | $38,325 | +9.5% | |
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| New Mexico | $32,830 | -6.2% | |
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| New York | $39,480 | +12.8% | |
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| North Carolina | $34,580 | -1.2% | |
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| North Dakota | $33,320 | -4.8% | |
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| Ohio | $34,405 | -1.7% | |
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| Oklahoma | $32,480 | -7.2% | |
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| Oregon | $37,625 | +7.5% | |
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| Pennsylvania | $35,630 | +1.8% | |
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| Rhode Island | $36,680 | +4.8% | |
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| South Carolina | $32,725 | -6.5% | |
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| South Dakota | $33,880 | -3.2% | |
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| Tennessee | $32,970 | -5.8% | |
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| Texas | $33,670 | -3.8% | |
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| Utah | $34,720 | -0.8% | |
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| Vermont | $36,575 | +4.5% | |
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| Virginia | $36,120 | +3.2% | |
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| Washington | $37,520 | +7.2% | |
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| West Virginia | $31,430 | -10.2% | |
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| Wisconsin | $34,930 | -0.2% | |
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| Wyoming | $33,075 | -5.5% | |
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Grounded Data
Real Hospital Charges (CMS Medicare Data)
Across 2,366 hospitals and surgery centers in the CMS Medicare data for knee replacement surgery, average billed charges range from $3,260 to $416,905, with a national median of $62,714. The table below lists the highest-volume facilities by reported case count.
| Hospital | Location | Avg Billed Charge | Avg Medicare Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hospital For Special Surgery | New York, NY | $98,925 | $14,339 |
| New England Baptist Hospital | Boston, MA | $26,832 | $13,800 |
| Nyu Langone Hospitals | New York, NY | $198,580 | $17,985 |
| Hoag Orthopedic Institute | Irvine, CA | $75,266 | $13,346 |
| Northshore University Healthsystem Evanston Hosp | Evanston, IL | $60,953 | $11,997 |
| Lehigh Valley Hospital | Allentown, PA | $91,951 | $11,857 |
| Morristown Medical Center | Morristown, NJ | $63,590 | $13,577 |
| Mayo Clinic Hospital Rochester | Rochester, MN | $44,204 | $11,797 |
| Christianacare | Newark, DE | $41,269 | $11,829 |
| Sioux Falls Specialty Hospital Llp | Sioux Falls, SD | $46,465 | $11,154 |
| Unitypoint Health - Des Moines Iowa Methodist Medi | Des Moines, IA | $58,240 | $10,410 |
| Sentara Leigh Hospital | Norfolk, VA | $41,582 | $10,307 |
| Washington Hospital | Fremont, CA | $146,477 | $17,924 |
| Swedish Medical Center | Englewood, CO | $94,886 | $12,723 |
| Uchicago Medicine Adventhealth La Grange | La Grange, IL | $57,573 | $11,620 |
| Eisenhower Medical Center | Rancho Mirage, CA | $73,574 | $13,560 |
| Arkansas Surgical Hospital | No Little Rock, AR | $39,814 | $9,862 |
| Rex Hospital | Raleigh, NC | $60,547 | $10,753 |
| Christ Hospital | Cincinnati, OH | $43,913 | $10,472 |
| Kansas Surgery & Recovery Center | Wichita, KS | $29,752 | $9,794 |
Billed charges are a hospital's list price and are typically far higher than what is actually paid. The Avg Medicare Payment column shows what Medicare actually reimbursed for the same procedure at that facility.
Source: CMS Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data (2023).
What Drives Price
Primary Pricing Factors
Three variables explain most of the cost variation you'll see across the same procedure.
Total vs. partial replacement — unicompartmental (partial) knee replacement costs less than total
Implant brand — premium implant systems (Zimmer, Stryker, Smith & Nephew) have different price points
Robotic assistance — Mako robotic-arm surgery adds equipment fees but may improve implant positioning
Timeline
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.
01
Initial Recovery
42 days
Light activity, follow-up appointment. Most visible changes in this window.
02
Full Recovery
120 days
Return to normal activities, including most exercise and work routines.
03
Procedure Itself
60–120 min
Typical time under anesthesia or active treatment for a standard case.
Coverage & Financing
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
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does knee replacement surgery cost in 2026?
You can expect to pay around $35,000 for knee replacement surgery in 2026. Most patients pay between $20,000 and $50,000 — the spread reflects differences in local pricing, surgeon credentials, and whether you choose a hospital or outpatient surgery center.
Does insurance cover knee replacement surgery?
Knee Replacement Surgery is usually covered by insurance. Covered by Medicare and most insurance for severe knee arthritis after conservative treatment fails. Pre-authorization letters from your insurer are the definitive source for your specific coverage.
What's the cheapest state for knee replacement surgery?
The most affordable states for knee replacement surgery are Mississippi ($30,975), West Virginia ($31,430), Alabama ($31,675). These states benefit from lower costs of living and regional price parities.
What affects knee replacement surgery cost?
Your knee replacement surgery cost depends on total vs. partial replacement, implant brand, robotic assistance. Beyond these procedure-specific factors, the state you're in can swing the price by 20-30% due to differences in cost of living and local competition among providers.
How long is recovery after knee replacement surgery?
Plan for 42 to 120 days of recovery. Most patients return to desk work around day 42, with strenuous activity cleared around day 120. Factor in time off work and post-op care costs when budgeting beyond the procedure itself.
Where is knee replacement surgery most expensive?
You'll pay the most for knee replacement surgery in Hawaii ($40,740), California ($39,655), New York ($39,480). If you're in one of these states and cost is a concern, comparing quotes from lower-cost neighboring states could save you 15-25%.