How Much Does Total Knee Replacement Cost in 2026?
According to ProcedureRadar's analysis of 419 hospital pricing files, the national median cost of total knee replacement is $25,466, with prices typically ranging from $12,368 (10th percentile) to $57,525 (90th percentile). The full spread runs from $9,913 at the lowest to $108,806 at the highest across 23 US metros. The cheapest metro for total knee replacement is Portland (median $9,913), while Boston is the most expensive (median $108,806). This guide breaks down what drives these prices and how to save.
Compare Knee Replacement Prices Near YouKey Takeaways
- The national median cost of total knee replacement is $25,466, ranging from $9,913 to $108,806 across 419 hospitals in 23 metros.
- Cash pay prices are typically 40% to 60% lower than insured prices. Always ask for the cash rate, even if you have insurance with a high deductible.
- The cheapest metro is Portland ($9,913 median). The most expensive is Boston ($108,806).
- Total vs. Partial Knee Replacement is the biggest price driver. A total knee replacement (TKR) replaces all three compartments of the knee joint and costs more than a partial (unicompa...
- You can save by comparing hospitals on ProcedureRadar, choosing lower-cost facilities, and asking for the cash price before scheduling. Jump to savings tips
The National Picture
Knee replacement is one of the most price-variable procedures in the United States. Prices range from under $16,000 at the lowest-cost hospitals to over $68,000 at the most expensive facilities in high-cost metros. The national median reflects a wide gap driven by facility type, implant choice, and geographic market.
Unlike imaging or lab procedures, knee replacement involves multiple billing components: the surgeon fee, the anesthesia fee, the facility fee (operating room, recovery, and potentially an overnight stay), the implant device cost, and post-operative physical therapy. Each component can vary independently, which is why the total price spread is so wide.
See How Your City ComparesWhat Affects the Cost
Six major factors determine the final cost of a knee replacement. Understanding these helps you estimate where your procedure will fall in the price range.
Total vs. Partial Knee Replacement
A total knee replacement (TKR) replaces all three compartments of the knee joint and costs more than a partial (unicompartmental) replacement, which addresses only the damaged compartment. Partial replacements are less invasive, have shorter recovery times, and cost 20% to 40% less. Your orthopedic surgeon determines which is appropriate based on the extent of your arthritis.
Implant Brand and Material
Knee implant devices range from $2,000 to $12,000 depending on the manufacturer and material. Standard cobalt-chrome implants are the most affordable. Newer ceramic or highly cross-linked polyethylene bearing surfaces cost more. Your surgeon typically has a preferred implant system. Ask about alternatives if cost is a concern.
Inpatient vs. Outpatient Setting
Traditionally, knee replacements required 2 to 3 nights in the hospital. Increasingly, healthy patients undergo outpatient knee replacement (same-day discharge), which eliminates the inpatient facility charges and can save $5,000 to $15,000. Not all patients qualify, but ask your surgeon if outpatient is an option.
Geographic Region
Knee replacement costs vary dramatically by metro. Facilities in the South and Midwest tend to charge significantly less than those in coastal metros. The same surgeon performing the same procedure at different facilities in the same city can result in a 2x to 3x price difference because of facility fee variation.
Surgeon and Anesthesia Fees
The orthopedic surgeon fee typically ranges from $3,000 to $8,000. Anesthesia fees add another $1,500 to $4,000 depending on the duration and type (general vs. regional/spinal). These professional fees are billed separately from the facility and may come from different billing entities.
Post-Operative Care and Rehabilitation
Physical therapy after knee replacement typically runs 6 to 12 weeks. Each session costs $75 to $250 depending on the provider and your location. If you need inpatient rehabilitation at a skilled nursing facility, expect an additional $10,000 to $30,000. Most patients recover with outpatient PT only.
The same total knee replacement can cost $16,000 at one hospital and $68,000 at another in the same metro. Your surgeon is the same quality. Your knee is the same knee. The price is not.
ProcedureRadar analysis, 419 hospitals, April 2026What's Included (and What's Not)
Knee replacement pricing is notoriously fragmented. Understanding what is and is not included in a hospital's quoted price prevents sticker shock after surgery.
Typically Included
- Facility/operating room fee
- Knee implant device and surgical hardware
- Inpatient stay (if applicable, typically 1 to 2 nights)
- Immediate post-operative recovery and monitoring
Often Billed Separately
- Orthopedic surgeon fee (billed separately)
- Anesthesiologist fee (billed separately)
- Pre-operative imaging and lab work
- Post-operative physical therapy (6 to 12 weeks)
Watch for the implant markup. Hospitals mark up knee implant devices by 200% to 500% above the manufacturer cost. The implant your surgeon selects can add thousands to your total. Ask: "What is the cost of the implant device, and are there comparable lower-cost alternatives?"
Cost by City
Total Knee Replacement prices vary significantly across US metros. Click any city to see the full hospital-by-hospital pricing breakdown.
Insurance Coverage
Most insurance plans cover knee replacement when it is deemed medically necessary, typically after conservative treatments (physical therapy, injections, medications) have failed. Your orthopedic surgeon documents the medical necessity in the prior authorization request.
Prior authorization is almost always required for knee replacement. The process takes 5 to 14 business days. Your surgeon's office handles the paperwork, but follow up with your insurer to confirm approval before scheduling the surgery date.
In-network vs. out-of-network is especially important for high-cost procedures like knee replacement. An in-network total knee replacement might cost you $3,000 to $8,000 out of pocket (deductible + coinsurance). Out-of-network, you could owe $20,000 or more. Verify that the surgeon, anesthesiologist, and facility are all in-network.
Medicare covers knee replacement under Part A (inpatient) or Part B (outpatient). For inpatient, you pay the Part A deductible (approximately $1,632 in 2026) and nothing for the first 60 days. For outpatient, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible.
If you are uninsured: Some hospitals offer bundled cash prices for total knee replacement starting at $16,000 to $25,000, including surgeon, anesthesia, facility, and implant. Medical tourism to accredited facilities in other countries is also an option some patients explore for elective joint replacement.
How to Save Money
Knee replacement is a high-cost procedure, but there are meaningful ways to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
- 1Ask About Outpatient SurgeryIf you are healthy and meet the criteria, outpatient (same-day) knee replacement eliminates inpatient facility charges and can save $5,000 to $15,000. Ask your surgeon if you are a candidate.
- 2Compare Hospitals on ProcedureRadarThe price gap between the cheapest and most expensive hospital for knee replacement in the same metro can be $30,000 or more. Comparing prices before choosing a facility is the single highest-value action you can take.
- 3Negotiate a Bundled PriceAsk the hospital for an all-inclusive bundled price that covers facility, surgeon, anesthesia, implant, and recovery. Bundled pricing eliminates surprise bills from multiple billing entities and often comes at a 10% to 20% discount.
- 4Ask About Implant AlternativesIf your surgeon uses a premium implant brand, ask whether a comparable FDA-approved alternative is available at a lower cost. Implant prices range from $2,000 to $12,000, and the clinical outcomes for standard implants are excellent.
- 5Time Your Surgery StrategicallyIf you have a high-deductible plan, schedule your knee replacement after you have met your deductible from other medical expenses. Alternatively, schedule it early in the year so the cost counts toward your deductible for all subsequent care that year.
- 6Consider Centers of ExcellenceSome insurers offer "Centers of Excellence" programs for joint replacement with lower out-of-pocket costs at designated high-volume facilities. These programs often include travel and lodging assistance. Ask your insurer if they participate.
Questions to Ask Your Hospital
Before scheduling your knee replacement, have these conversations with your surgeon and the hospital billing department.
- "Am I a candidate for outpatient (same-day) knee replacement?"
- "What is the all-in bundled price including surgeon, anesthesia, facility, and implant?"
- "What implant device will you use, and what does it cost?"
- "Are there lower-cost implant alternatives with comparable outcomes?"
- "Will the surgeon, anesthesiologist, and facility all be in-network with my insurance?"
- "How many nights of inpatient stay are typical, and what is the per-night cost?"
- "What is the expected cost and duration of post-operative physical therapy?"
- "Do you offer a payment plan for the out-of-pocket portion?"