How much does a knee or hip replacement cost?
Joint replacement is one of the most expensive common elective surgeries — and one of the most worth shopping, because you usually have time to plan. As of mid-2026, the negotiated (insured) facility price has a median around $13,000 for both knee and hip replacement, but the range is enormous: the cheapest tenth of hospitals are under $2,000 and the priciest tenth are over $21,000. Knee prices → · Hip prices →
Why the cash price can beat your insurance
Here's the counterintuitive part. For joint replacement the cash (self-pay) price is often lower than the negotiated rate: the median cash price is around $9,500 for a knee and $9,000 for a hip — several thousand dollars below the insured median. Many hospitals and surgery centers offer a bundled "package" price for self-pay joint replacement that undercuts what insurers pay. If you have a high-deductible plan, it can be worth asking for the cash package and comparing.
What the price includes — and what it doesn't
The figure on a hospital's file is usually the facility fee. The surgeon, the anesthesiologist, the implant itself, and post-op physical therapy are often billed separately, so the all-in cost runs higher than the facility number alone. Always ask for a bundled or all-inclusive quote that names what's covered.
Inpatient vs. outpatient surgery center
Joint replacements are increasingly done as outpatient procedures, often at an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) rather than a hospital — and ASCs are frequently cheaper for the same operation. If you're medically suitable, ask your surgeon whether an outpatient or ASC setting is an option.
The three prices you'll see
- Cash / self-pay price — what you pay directly; for joint replacement, often a bundled package that can beat insurance.
- Negotiated price — your plan's rate; what you pay toward it depends on your deductible and coinsurance.
- Gross / chargemaster price — the list price, far higher than anyone pays. Ignore it.
How to shop for a joint replacement
- Get bundled quotes from two or three facilities before you schedule — this is elective, so use the time.
- Ask for the self-pay package price even if you're insured, and compare it to your expected out-of-pocket share.
- Ask about an ASC. Outpatient settings are often materially cheaper.
- Check your out-of-pocket maximum. With insurance, once you hit it the rest of the year is covered. How deductibles work →
A note on accuracy
These figures come from hospitals' federally-mandated price files (45 CFR §180), not estimates. They're for comparison; your actual cost depends on the facility, your surgeon, your implant, and your plan, so confirm before scheduling. How we source this →
Frequently asked questions
Is a knee replacement cheaper if I pay cash instead of using insurance?
Often, yes. The median self-pay price for a knee replacement is around $9,500, versus about $13,000 for the negotiated insurance rate. Many hospitals offer a bundled cash package that beats the insured rate, so if you have a high-deductible plan it's worth comparing both.
Does the hospital price include the surgeon and anesthesia?
Usually not. The published figure is typically the facility fee. The surgeon, anesthesiologist, implant, and physical therapy are often billed separately, so ask for a bundled or all-inclusive quote.
Why does a knee replacement cost so much more at one hospital than another?
Each hospital sets its own price and negotiates separately with insurers. For knee replacement the facility price ranges from under $2,000 to over $21,000 — a higher price doesn't mean a better outcome, so comparing is worth thousands.
Can a joint replacement be done at a surgery center instead of a hospital?
Increasingly, yes. Many knee and hip replacements are now outpatient procedures done at ambulatory surgery centers, which are often cheaper than hospitals. Ask your surgeon whether that's an option for you.
Related
Prices in this guide are as of June 2026 and link to the live page for current figures. Published data is for comparison, not a quote — always confirm with the hospital. Spotted something off? Submit a correction.