How Much Does an Ultrasound Cost?

Median cash price $150 Most people pay $105–$200
$150 median $0 $400+

Full range $30–$1,735 · Based on cash prices from 277 clinics · Updated June 2026

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Ultrasound (a sonogram) is one of the more affordable scans, with no radiation and no contrast. The cash price mostly depends on the type of study and where it's done. The figures above are the real self-pay prices clinics publish.

What makes an ultrasound cost more or less?

  • Type of study. A focused exam (a single joint or the thyroid) is typically cheaper than a full abdominal, pelvic, or vascular (Doppler) study.
  • Facility. An outpatient imaging center is generally cheaper than a hospital for the same scan.
  • Reading fee. Some prices include the radiologist's interpretation; others bill it separately.

How to pay less for an ultrasound

Name the exact exam when you call (for example "complete abdominal" or "venous Doppler of the leg") and ask for the all-in cash price including the reading. Comparing two or three centers is usually worth it. Note: keepsake or "elective" pregnancy ultrasounds are a separate, non-diagnostic service and aren't reflected here.

Ultrasound cash prices by U.S. region

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

$98 $175 Not enough data

Lowest: Texas ($98) · Highest: Midwest ($175)

Frequently asked questions

Is an ultrasound the same as a sonogram?
Yes — "sonogram" is the image and "ultrasound" is the technique, but people use the terms interchangeably.
Does an ultrasound use radiation?
No. Ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation, which is one reason it's used in pregnancy.
Why do ultrasound prices vary so much?
Different studies (thyroid vs. full abdominal vs. vascular Doppler) take different time and equipment, and hospitals charge more than imaging centers, so the range is wide.
Do I need a referral for an ultrasound?
Most diagnostic ultrasounds require a doctor's order. Each clinic's page shows what's required.

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X-ray 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 — Ultrasound 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.