Knee Replacement Surgery Cost in California (2026)

High-cost market · RPP 113.3 · CA

California Average
$39,655
Typical Range
$22,660 – $56,650
National Average
$35,000
▲ +13.3% above national average

Knee Replacement Surgery in California: What to Know

California offers premier knee replacement options. Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles is ranked #1 in California for Orthopedics, while El Camino Health in Northern California performs over 500 knee replacements annually, earning the Gold Seal of Approval®. Many facilities, including El Camino Health and UC San Diego Health, utilize innovative techniques like Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted surgery and the ROSA Robotic Surgical Assistant for enhanced precision and recovery.

For potential savings, consider Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) in California, which can offer significantly lower costs compared to hospitals for knee replacement. Outpatient procedures, where you're discharged the same day, are also common at top programs like Cedars-Sinai. Verify current pricing directly with providers.

Estimated Cost Breakdown in California

Patients in California face some of the highest knee replacement surgery costs nationwide. Here's how the premium distributes across the bill.

ComponentEstimated Range
Facility Fee $8,326 - $15,465
Surgeon Fee $8,326 - $15,465
Implants Supplies $4,163 - $7,733
Post Op Care $4,163 - $7,733
Anesthesia $2,776 - $5,155
Total Estimated Cost $22,660 – $56,650

Based on CMS Medicare data and regional price parities. Learn about our methodology →

Ranges adjusted for California's regional price parity (113.3). See the national percentage breakdown →

Facility Costs in California

California has both hospital and outpatient surgery center options for knee replacement surgery. Outpatient centers typically charge less due to lower overhead. Rates shown are negotiated amounts — what insurers actually pay, not inflated list prices.

Facility City Negotiated Rate Medicare Payment Volume
Hoag Orthopedic Institute Irvine $14,804 $13,201 1,613
Washington Hospital Fremont $19,475 $17,875 1,297
Eisenhower Medical Center Rancho Mirage $14,634 $13,034 1,096
Fresno Surgical Hospital Fresno $14,584 $12,983 806
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Los Angeles $15,830 $14,233 666
El Camino Hospital Mountain View $19,363 $17,762 631
Adventist Health St Helena Saint Helena $17,420 $15,819 618
Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital Santa Barbara $16,258 $14,658 535
Scripps Green Hospital La Jolla $14,818 $13,217 524
Stanford Health Care Stanford $19,495 $17,895 510
Facility City Negotiated Rate Medicare Payment Volume
Saint John's Health Center Santa Monica $17,522 $15,591 462
Scripps Green Hospital La Jolla $19,160 $16,856 330
Hoag Orthopedic Institute Irvine $15,997 $14,133 298
Torrance Memorial Medical Center Torrance $16,554 $14,418 292
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Los Angeles $22,803 $19,686 256
John Muir Medical Center - Walnut Creek Campus Walnut Creek $21,911 $18,650 249
Santa Monica - Ucla Med Ctr & Orthopaedic Hospital Santa Monica $22,696 $19,828 213
Stanford Health Care Stanford $31,002 $25,338 206
Enloe Health Chico $16,058 $14,393 193
Eisenhower Medical Center Rancho Mirage $18,878 $16,725 182

Knee Replacement Surgery Cost in Neighboring States

Among neighboring states, California has the highest knee replacement surgery costs. Patients near the border may find savings nearby.

Knee Replacement Surgery in California: Common Questions

How much does knee replacement surgery cost in California?
California patients pay an average of $39,655 for knee replacement surgery. Quotes from individual providers generally fall between $22,660 and $56,650, with facility fees and surgeon experience accounting for most of the variation.
Why are knee replacement surgery prices higher in California?
California's elevated knee replacement surgery costs reflect broader economic factors. The state's cost of living index (113.3) drives up overhead for medical practices, and that cost gets passed through to patients — resulting in prices 13.3% above the national benchmark.
Can I use insurance for knee replacement surgery in California?
Yes — knee replacement surgery is generally covered by insurance in California when your doctor documents medical necessity. Expect to pay your deductible and copay, but the bulk of the $39,655 cost should be covered by your plan.
What's the recovery time for knee replacement surgery?
Most California patients need 42 to 120 days to fully recover from knee replacement surgery. Your surgeon will schedule follow-ups during this window to monitor healing. At California's cost of living (RPP 113.3), lost wages during recovery can be a significant hidden cost — budget for that alongside the procedure itself.
Are payment plans available for knee replacement surgery in California?
Financing knee replacement surgery in California is straightforward. Options include medical credit lines (CareCredit, Alphaeon Credit), your surgeon's in-house installment plan, or HSA/FSA dollars if the procedure has a medical component. Always compare the total cost with interest against a cash-pay discount.
How do I compare knee replacement surgery facilities in California?
Compare facilities on volume (higher volume correlates with better outcomes), accreditation status, and the negotiated rate vs. what you'd pay out of pocket. In California, check whether an outpatient surgery center can perform your knee replacement surgery — ASCs typically charge 30-50% less than hospitals for the same procedure.
Is it worth traveling to another state for knee replacement surgery?
Nevada runs $4,480 cheaper for knee replacement surgery than California. For patients near the state line, that 11% difference can justify the trip. Ask your California surgeon if they coordinate with out-of-state providers for post-op monitoring.

Browse All States for Knee Replacement Surgery