Ultrasound Cost in 2026
Ultrasound Overview
- National average: $500 (range: $200–$800)
- Insurance: usually — Covered for diagnostic and prenatal purposes by virtually all insurance plans.
- Biggest cost driver: Facility type — outpatient centers can be 30–50% less than hospitals
An ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the inside of your body, often to monitor a pregnancy, diagnose conditions, or guide surgical procedures. The cost of an ultrasound can vary considerably depending on several factors. The location where you have the procedure plays a significant role, as hospital-based imaging centers often charge more than outpatient clinics. The complexity of the ultrasound and the experience of the radiologist interpreting the images also influence the final bill.
The price you're quoted usually includes the imaging technologist's fee for performing the scan, the radiologist's fee for interpreting the results and writing a report, and the facility fee for using the equipment and space. However, it's important to confirm if additional consultations or follow-up appointments are included in the initial estimate.
Fortunately, ultrasound procedures are typically covered by insurance, but the extent of coverage depends on your specific plan. Contact your insurer beforehand to understand your deductible, copay, and coinsurance responsibilities. If you're paying out-of-pocket, consider asking about a cash discount, as some facilities offer lower rates for patients who pay upfront. Keep in mind that the information here is a general guide, and your actual cost may differ. Always verify specific costs with your healthcare provider and insurance company.
Cost Breakdown
Here's how the total cost of ultrasound typically breaks down:
Ultrasound Cost by State
Costs vary significantly by location. The map below shows how each state compares to the national average.
5 Cheapest States
- Mississippi — $442 (-11.5%)
- West Virginia — $449 (-10.2%)
- Alabama — $452 (-9.5%)
- Arkansas — $456 (-8.8%)
- Missouri — $459 (-8.2%)
5 Most Expensive States
- Hawaii — $582 (+16.4%)
- California — $566 (+13.3%)
- New York — $564 (+12.8%)
- Massachusetts — $558 (+11.5%)
- District of Columbia — $552 (+10.5%)
Ultrasound Cost in All 50 States
| State ▲▼ | Avg Cost ▲▼ | vs National ▲▼ | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $452 | -9.5% | View AL |
| Alaska | $544 | +8.7% | View AK |
| Arizona | $504 | +0.8% | View AZ |
| Arkansas | $456 | -8.8% | View AR |
| California | $566 | +13.3% | View CA |
| Colorado | $526 | +5.2% | View CO |
| Connecticut | $549 | +9.8% | View CT |
| Delaware | $512 | +2.5% | View DE |
| District of Columbia | $552 | +10.5% | View DC |
| Florida | $501 | +0.3% | View FL |
| Georgia | $490 | -2.0% | View GA |
| Hawaii | $582 | +16.4% | View HI |
| Idaho | $486 | -2.8% | View ID |
| Illinois | $506 | +1.2% | View IL |
| Indiana | $479 | -4.2% | View IN |
| Iowa | $478 | -4.5% | View IA |
| Kansas | $474 | -5.2% | View KS |
| Kentucky | $461 | -7.7% | View KY |
| Louisiana | $466 | -6.8% | View LA |
| Maine | $519 | +3.8% | View ME |
| Maryland | $534 | +6.8% | View MD |
| Massachusetts | $558 | +11.5% | View MA |
| Michigan | $498 | -0.5% | View MI |
| Minnesota | $518 | +3.5% | View MN |
| Mississippi | $442 | -11.5% | View MS |
| Missouri | $459 | -8.2% | View MO |
| Montana | $488 | -2.5% | View MT |
| Nebraska | $482 | -3.5% | View NE |
| Nevada | $502 | +0.5% | View NV |
| New Hampshire | $528 | +5.5% | View NH |
| New Jersey | $548 | +9.5% | View NJ |
| New Mexico | $469 | -6.2% | View NM |
| New York | $564 | +12.8% | View NY |
| North Carolina | $494 | -1.2% | View NC |
| North Dakota | $476 | -4.8% | View ND |
| Ohio | $492 | -1.7% | View OH |
| Oklahoma | $464 | -7.2% | View OK |
| Oregon | $538 | +7.5% | View OR |
| Pennsylvania | $509 | +1.8% | View PA |
| Rhode Island | $524 | +4.8% | View RI |
| South Carolina | $468 | -6.5% | View SC |
| South Dakota | $484 | -3.2% | View SD |
| Tennessee | $471 | -5.8% | View TN |
| Texas | $481 | -3.8% | View TX |
| Utah | $496 | -0.8% | View UT |
| Vermont | $522 | +4.5% | View VT |
| Virginia | $516 | +3.2% | View VA |
| Washington | $536 | +7.2% | View WA |
| West Virginia | $449 | -10.2% | View WV |
| Wisconsin | $499 | -0.2% | View WI |
| Wyoming | $472 | -5.5% | View WY |
What Affects the Price of Ultrasound
- 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 Ultrasound
Covered for diagnostic and prenatal purposes by virtually all insurance plans.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Ultrasound cost in 2026?
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What affects ultrasound cost?
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Compare Ultrasound Cost in Every State
Click a state to see detailed ultrasound pricing, top surgeons, and local cost factors.