How Much Does a Brain MRI Cost?

Median cash price $565 Most people pay $500–$700
$565 median $0 $800+

Full range $300–$12,000 · Based on cash prices clinics publish · Updated October 2026

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A brain MRI is one of the most commonly ordered scans — for headaches, dizziness, memory concerns, or follow-up on a known condition — and one where the price depends heavily on where you go. The figures above are real self-pay prices clinics publish for brain MRI studies, so you can see the typical cost before you book.

What moves the price of a brain MRI?

  • Where you go. A standalone imaging center is usually far cheaper than a hospital radiology department for the identical brain MRI.
  • Contrast. A brain MRI "without contrast" is the most common and least expensive study. If your doctor orders it "with and without contrast" (common for follow-up on a known finding), expect a higher price.
  • Whether the reading is included. Some quotes cover only the scan; the radiologist's interpretation can be billed separately. Ask for the all-in price.

Brain MRI cash prices by U.S. region

Cash prices vary by where you live. Each region is shaded by its median Brain MRI cash price (green = cheaper, blue = pricier); gray regions don't have enough clinics to report yet.

$360 $800 Not enough data

Lowest: Southwest ($360) · Highest: Southeast ($800)

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a referral for a brain MRI?
Most imaging centers ask for a doctor's order for a brain MRI. Some offer self-pay studies without one — each clinic's page shows what's required.
Does a brain MRI price include contrast?
Usually a quoted price is for one protocol — without contrast, with contrast, or both. Name the exact study your doctor ordered when you ask for a price, so the quote matches.
Is a brain MRI cheaper with cash than with insurance?
Often, yes — many imaging centers quote a self-pay rate below the insurance-billed rate, and below many deductibles. It's worth asking for the cash price even if you're insured.

Compare brain MRI prices near you and book in minutes.

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MRI cost (all studies) Head CT cost Imaging prices by metro

Use this data

Writing about healthcare prices? You're welcome to cite these figures with a link back to this page. Embed the live price-range chart:

Source: Expected Health — Brain MRI cost

These are self-reported cash (self-pay) prices collected from clinics and standardized to a common procedure so the same scan is compared like-for-like; they may have changed since collection. They are estimates for general guidance, not quotes — you can confirm current pricing by contacting the clinic directly. Insurance pricing differs from cash pricing. This page is not medical or financial advice.