Ultrasound Cost in 2026
Understanding the Investment
- National average: $500 (range: $200–$800)
- Insurance: Usually Covered — 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
Ultrasound imaging uses sound waves to create pictures of organs and other internal structures. You'll likely get one if your doctor needs to evaluate a specific area, and roughly 300 million ultrasound procedures are performed annually in the United States. Advancements in technology now include real-time imaging, full color, and even 3D and 4D imaging to improve diagnostic accuracy.
The facility fee is often the largest cost component, covering the imaging center or hospital's overhead. Radiologist interpretation and the imaging technologist's expertise contribute significantly as well. These professional fees ensure accurate image acquisition and expert evaluation, which impacts the final cost you'll pay.
Consider having your ultrasound performed at an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) if possible. ASCs typically have lower operating costs than hospital outpatient departments, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars on the procedure. For more detailed imaging, an MRI provides superior soft tissue detail. A CT scan is another common imaging alternative when more detail is needed. Confirm all costs with your provider before scheduling.
Where does your money go?
Typical allocation for a ultrasound procedure at the national average price point.
Ultrasound 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 $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%
State-by-State Pricing Atlas
Click any state to see detailed pricing, regional cost factors, and top cities.
Ultrasound Cost in All 50 States
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| State ▲▼ | Avg Cost ▲▼ | vs National ▲▼ |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $452 | -9.5% |
| Alaska | $544 | +8.7% |
| Arizona | $504 | +0.8% |
| Arkansas | $456 | -8.8% |
| California | $566 | +13.3% |
| Colorado | $526 | +5.2% |
| Connecticut | $549 | +9.8% |
| Delaware | $512 | +2.5% |
| District of Columbia | $552 | +10.5% |
| Florida | $501 | +0.3% |
| Georgia | $490 | -2.0% |
| Hawaii | $582 | +16.4% |
| Idaho | $486 | -2.8% |
| Illinois | $506 | +1.2% |
| Indiana | $479 | -4.2% |
| Iowa | $478 | -4.5% |
| Kansas | $474 | -5.2% |
| Kentucky | $461 | -7.7% |
| Louisiana | $466 | -6.8% |
| Maine | $519 | +3.8% |
| Maryland | $534 | +6.8% |
| Massachusetts | $558 | +11.5% |
| Michigan | $498 | -0.5% |
| Minnesota | $518 | +3.5% |
| Mississippi | $442 | -11.5% |
| Missouri | $459 | -8.2% |
| Montana | $488 | -2.5% |
| Nebraska | $482 | -3.5% |
| Nevada | $502 | +0.5% |
| New Hampshire | $528 | +5.5% |
| New Jersey | $548 | +9.5% |
| New Mexico | $469 | -6.2% |
| New York | $564 | +12.8% |
| North Carolina | $494 | -1.2% |
| North Dakota | $476 | -4.8% |
| Ohio | $492 | -1.7% |
| Oklahoma | $464 | -7.2% |
| Oregon | $538 | +7.5% |
| Pennsylvania | $509 | +1.8% |
| Rhode Island | $524 | +4.8% |
| South Carolina | $468 | -6.5% |
| South Dakota | $484 | -3.2% |
| Tennessee | $471 | -5.8% |
| Texas | $481 | -3.8% |
| Utah | $496 | -0.8% |
| Vermont | $522 | +4.5% |
| Virginia | $516 | +3.2% |
| Washington | $536 | +7.2% |
| West Virginia | $449 | -10.2% |
| Wisconsin | $499 | -0.2% |
| Wyoming | $472 | -5.5% |
Primary Pricing Factors
Three variables explain most of the cost variation you'll see across the same procedure.
Paying for Ultrasound
Usually Covered by InsuranceCovered for diagnostic and prenatal purposes by virtually all insurance plans.
Financing Options
- Promotional financing — CareCredit's 24-month 0% APR plan is the most common way patients finance ultrasound
- Provider installment plans — many practices let you start payments before surgery and continue after, spreading out the cost
- Tax-advantaged accounts — paying $500 through your HSA/FSA saves you 20-35% versus after-tax dollars
- Cash discounts — surgeons prefer upfront payment and often reduce the price by 10-20% for cash-pay patients
- Charitable care programs — hospital financial assistance programs may help offset costs for qualifying patients