How Much Does an MRI Cost?

Median cash price $600 Most people pay $500–$700
$600 median $0 $1,000+

Full range $200–$4,900 · Based on cash prices from 362 clinics · Updated June 2026

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An MRI is one of the most expensive everyday scans — and one of the most variable. The cash price for the same study can swing from a few hundred dollars at a standalone imaging center to several thousand at a hospital. The figures above are the real self-pay prices clinics publish, so you can see what an MRI actually costs before you book.

What makes an MRI cost more or less?

  • Where you go. Standalone and outpatient imaging centers are almost always cheaper than hospital radiology departments for the identical scan — often by half or more.
  • Contrast. An MRI "with contrast" (a gadolinium dye) costs more than one "without," and a "with and without" study is the most expensive of the three.
  • Body part. A brain or single-joint MRI is typically priced lower than a multi-region study like the full spine.
  • Cash vs. insurance. The self-pay price is often lower than the billed rate — and sometimes lower than your insurance deductible, so it can pay to ask for the cash price.

How to pay less for an MRI

Because prices vary so much, comparing two or three clinics is the single biggest lever you have. Ask each for the all-in cash price for your specific study (with or without contrast, and the exact body part), and confirm whether the reading radiologist's fee is included. Many centers offer a self-pay rate that's lower than going through insurance, and some let you book without a referral.

MRI cash prices by U.S. region

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

$360 $850 Not enough data

Lowest: Southwest ($360) · Highest: Mountain West ($850)

Frequently asked questions

Why is there such a big range in MRI prices?
The same MRI can be billed very differently depending on the facility type (hospital vs. imaging center), whether contrast is used, and the body part scanned. That's why comparing clinics matters so much.
Is the cash price cheaper than using insurance?
Often, yes. Many imaging centers offer a self-pay rate that can be lower than your insurance's negotiated rate or your remaining deductible. It's worth asking for the cash price even if you have insurance.
Do I need a referral for an MRI?
Most centers ask for a doctor's order, which also helps with insurance. Some offer self-pay MRIs without one — each clinic's page shows what's required.
Does the price include the radiologist's reading?
Not always. Some quotes cover only the scan itself, with a separate fee to have a radiologist interpret it. Ask for the all-in price so there are no surprises.

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CT scan cost All imaging costs

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 — 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.