How Much Does a Knee MRI Cost?

Median cash price $630 Most people pay $450–$675
$630 median $0 $800+

Full range $295–$3,080 · Based on cash prices clinics publish · Updated October 2026

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A knee MRI is the standard next step for a suspected meniscus or ligament tear that an X-ray can't show. Clinics price it under a single billing code that covers any joint of the leg, so the figures above reflect what clinics charge for a knee, hip, or ankle MRI: same code, same price at a given clinic.

What moves the price of a knee MRI?

  • Where you go. A standalone imaging center is almost always the cheapest place for a routine knee MRI — often by half or more versus a hospital.
  • Contrast. Most knee MRIs are done without contrast. If your doctor ordered an MR arthrogram or a "with contrast" study, expect a higher price — confirm the exact order before you ask for quotes.
  • Whether the reading is included. Ask whether the radiologist's interpretation is in the quoted price.

Knee MRI cash prices by U.S. region

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

$345 $675 Not enough data

Lowest: Southwest ($345) · Highest: California ($675)

Frequently asked questions

Is a hip or ankle MRI the same price as a knee MRI?
Usually, yes. Clinics bill any joint of the lower extremity — knee, hip, or ankle — under the same procedure code, so a given clinic typically quotes the same cash price for each.
Do I need a referral for a knee MRI?
Most centers ask for a doctor's order. Some offer self-pay MRIs without one — each clinic's page shows what's required.
Should I get an X-ray first?
Often your doctor will start with an X-ray — it's much cheaper and rules out fractures and arthritis. An MRI is for soft tissue: meniscus, ligaments, cartilage. Follow your doctor's order on which study you need.

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Knee X-ray cost Shoulder MRI cost MRI cost (all studies)

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 — Knee 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.