How Much Does Hip Replacement Surgery Cost in 2026?
Hip replacement surgery costs between $25,000 and $75,000 in the United States in 2026, with the national average falling between $36,000 and $45,000 for a total hip replacement. According to data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) and Fair Health consumer cost estimates, the total price depends heavily on the type of procedure, geographic location, hospital vs. ambulatory surgery center setting, and insurance coverage.
For patients with private insurance, out-of-pocket costs typically range from $4,000 to $12,000 after deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. Medicare beneficiaries generally pay between $1,500 and $7,500 depending on their supplemental coverage. Uninsured patients face the full billed amount, though many facilities offer cash-pay discounts of 20-40%.
Hip replacement is one of the most commonly performed orthopedic surgeries in the U.S., with over 450,000 procedures performed annually. Understanding the true cost — including often-overlooked expenses like physical therapy, pre-operative testing, and post-surgical equipment — is essential for financial planning.
Cost by Type of Hip Replacement Surgery
The cost of hip replacement varies significantly based on the specific procedure performed. Here's how the most common types compare:
| Surgery Type | Average Cost | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Total Hip Replacement (Posterior Approach) | $38,000 | $28,000 – $65,000 |
| Total Hip Replacement (Anterior Approach) | $42,000 | $30,000 – $70,000 |
| Partial Hip Replacement (Hemiarthroplasty) | $30,000 | $22,000 – $50,000 |
| Hip Resurfacing | $40,000 | $30,000 – $55,000 |
| Revision Hip Replacement | $50,000 | $38,000 – $75,000 |
| Outpatient Total Hip Replacement | $26,000 | $18,000 – $38,000 |
| Bilateral Hip Replacement (Both Hips) | $68,000 | $50,000 – $120,000 |
The anterior approach tends to cost slightly more due to specialized surgical tables and instruments, but often results in faster recovery. Revision hip replacement is the most expensive because it involves removing the old implant, addressing bone loss, and implanting a new prosthesis — a more complex and time-consuming procedure.
Hip Replacement Surgery Cost by State
Geographic location is one of the biggest cost drivers for hip replacement surgery. Prices in high-cost-of-living states can be double those in more affordable regions. Below are average costs across major states:
| State | Average Cost | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| California | $48,000 | $35,000 – $75,000 |
| New York | $52,000 | $38,000 – $72,000 |
| Texas | $36,000 | $26,000 – $55,000 |
| Florida | $38,000 | $28,000 – $58,000 |
| Illinois | $40,000 | $30,000 – $60,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $39,000 | $29,000 – $58,000 |
| Ohio | $34,000 | $25,000 – $50,000 |
| Georgia | $35,000 | $26,000 – $52,000 |
| North Carolina | $34,500 | $25,000 – $50,000 |
| Arizona | $37,000 | $27,000 – $55,000 |
| Oklahoma | $29,000 | $22,000 – $42,000 |
| Alabama | $28,000 | $21,000 – $40,000 |
| Massachusetts | $50,000 | $36,000 – $70,000 |
States in the Southeast and Midwest consistently offer the lowest prices, while New York, California, and Massachusetts rank among the most expensive. Some patients save thousands by traveling to a lower-cost state for surgery.
Insurance vs. No Insurance: What You'll Pay
| Coverage Type | Typical Out-of-Pocket Cost | What's Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Private Insurance (PPO/HMO) | $4,000 – $12,000 | Hospital stay, surgeon fee, anesthesia, implant, and most post-op care after deductible and coinsurance |
| Medicare (Part A + Part B) | $2,500 – $7,500 | Inpatient hospital stay (Part A), 80% of surgeon/anesthesia fees (Part B), post-acute rehab |
| Medicare + Medigap Supplement | $500 – $2,000 | Nearly all costs covered; Medigap covers Part A and Part B gaps |
| Medicaid | $0 – $500 | Full coverage in most states when medically necessary; minimal copays |
| No Insurance (Self-Pay) | $25,000 – $75,000 | Patient responsible for all costs; cash-pay discounts of 20-40% often available |
Insurance companies require documentation of medical necessity before approving hip replacement. This typically includes evidence of failed conservative treatments (physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections) and imaging showing significant joint deterioration. Pre-authorization is almost always required.
Complete Cost Breakdown
The total cost of hip replacement includes far more than the surgery itself. Here's what makes up the final bill:
| Cost Component | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Surgeon's Fee | $4,000 – $12,000 |
| Anesthesia | $1,500 – $4,000 |
| Hospital/Facility Fee (1-3 night stay) | $12,000 – $35,000 |
| Hip Implant (Prosthesis) | $4,000 – $15,000 |
| Pre-Operative Testing (X-rays, MRI, bloodwork) | $500 – $2,000 |
| Physical Therapy (6-12 weeks post-op) | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Post-Surgical Medications | $200 – $800 |
| Assistive Devices (walker, cane, raised toilet seat) | $100 – $400 |
| Follow-Up Appointments | $300 – $1,000 |
The hip implant itself is one of the most variable cost components. Ceramic-on-ceramic and highly cross-linked polyethylene implants designed for younger, more active patients tend to cost more than standard metal-on-polyethylene options.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Hip Replacement
Geographic Location
Hospital costs in New York City or San Francisco can be 50-100% higher than in rural Alabama or Oklahoma. Urban academic medical centers charge more than community hospitals in smaller cities.
Hospital vs. Ambulatory Surgery Center
Outpatient hip replacement at an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) can cost 30-50% less than the same procedure performed in a hospital with an overnight stay. ASCs have lower overhead costs and shorter stays, translating to significant savings.
Implant Type and Materials
Standard metal-on-polyethylene implants cost $4,000-$8,000, while advanced ceramic or highly cross-linked options can run $8,000-$15,000. Robotic-assisted surgery using systems like Mako may add $2,000-$5,000 to the total cost.
Surgeon Experience and Reputation
Fellowship-trained joint replacement specialists at high-volume centers may charge higher fees, but research consistently shows that high-volume surgeons (100+ hip replacements per year) have lower complication rates and better outcomes — potentially saving money in the long run.
Procedure Complexity
A straightforward primary hip replacement costs significantly less than a revision surgery, which involves removing old hardware, addressing bone defects, and longer operative times. Patients with obesity, diabetes, or other comorbidities may also face higher costs due to extended hospital stays.
Length of Hospital Stay
Each additional night in the hospital can add $3,000-$8,000 to the total bill. Most primary hip replacements now require only 1-2 nights, but complications can extend the stay significantly.
How to Save Money on Hip Replacement Surgery
- Get Multiple Quotes: Request itemized cost estimates from at least 3 different facilities. Prices for the same procedure at hospitals within the same city can vary by $20,000 or more.
- Consider an Ambulatory Surgery Center: If you're a healthy candidate, outpatient hip replacement at an ASC can save $10,000-$25,000 compared to a traditional hospital stay.
- Travel to a Lower-Cost State: Domestic medical tourism is increasingly common. Flying to Oklahoma or Alabama for surgery — even including travel costs — can save $15,000-$30,000 compared to coastal city prices.
- Negotiate a Cash-Pay Discount: Hospitals routinely offer 20-40% discounts for uninsured patients who pay upfront. Always ask for the cash price and negotiate before agreeing to surgery.
- Time Your Surgery Strategically: If you've already met your insurance deductible for the year, scheduling hip replacement before December 31 means lower out-of-pocket costs. For bilateral replacements, having both in the same calendar year maximizes deductible savings.
- Use HSA/FSA Funds: Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account dollars are tax-free, effectively saving you 25-35% on out-of-pocket costs depending on your tax bracket.
- Ask About Bundled Pricing: Many hospitals now offer bundled or packaged pricing for hip replacement that includes the surgeon, anesthesia, facility, implant, and a set number of physical therapy sessions at one fixed price — often 15-25% less than à la carte billing.
Financing Options for Hip Replacement Surgery
| Financing Option | Details | Typical Terms |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital Payment Plan | Interest-free monthly payments directly through the hospital billing department | 0% interest for 12-24 months; varies by facility |
| CareCredit | Medical credit card accepted at most orthopedic practices and hospitals | 0% APR for 6-24 months; 17-27% APR after promotional period |
| Prosper Healthcare Lending | Fixed-rate medical loans with predictable monthly payments | $2,000-$100,000 loans; 6-84 month terms; 6-36% APR |
| HSA/FSA | Pre-tax dollars for medical expenses; reduces effective cost by your tax rate | HSA: $4,300 individual / $8,550 family limit (2026); FSA: ~$3,200 limit |
| Personal Loan | Unsecured loan from bank or online lender | $5,000-$50,000; 8-20% APR; 24-60 month terms |
| 401(k) Loan | Borrow from your retirement account for medical expenses | Up to $50,000 or 50% of balance; repay within 5 years; low interest |
Expert Pro Tips
Verify Surgeon Volume: Ask your surgeon how many hip replacements they perform annually. Research from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons shows that surgeons performing 50+ hip replacements per year have significantly lower complication and revision rates — which saves you money and reduces risk.
Check Hospital CMS Star Ratings: Visit Medicare.gov's Hospital Compare tool to review quality scores for hip replacement at hospitals in your area. Hospitals with 4-5 star ratings for joint replacement tend to have fewer readmissions and complications, reducing your total cost of care.
Request an Advance Beneficiary Notice: If you're on Medicare, ask your provider for a written estimate of your costs before surgery. Medicare's "No Surprises Act" protections and advance cost estimates help you avoid unexpected bills from out-of-network anesthesiologists or assistant surgeons.
Pre-Hab Before Surgery: Investing in 4-6 weeks of "prehabilitation" — physical therapy and exercise before your hip replacement — has been shown to reduce hospital stay length by up to one day and accelerate post-operative recovery. This can save $3,000-$8,000 in hospital costs and reduce overall rehab expenses.