Published April 6, 2026 · Updated annually
How Much Does a Knee Replacement Cost?
A total knee replacement (DRG 470) costs an average of $24,455 across 3,348 US hospitals, according to CMS Medicare payment data. Prices range from $7,200 to $58,650 — a 8x difference between the cheapest and most expensive hospitals.
Knee Replacement Cost by State
Hospital costs vary significantly by state. States with higher costs of living, more consolidated hospital markets, and greater use of for-profit facilities tend to charge more for the same procedure.
| State | Avg Hospital Payment | Hospitals |
|---|---|---|
| American Samoa | $8,913 | 1 |
| Northern Mariana Islands | $9,415 | 1 |
| Puerto Rico | $10,336 | 61 |
| Guam | $10,650 | 2 |
| West Virginia | $11,835 | 55 |
| Virgin Islands | $12,142 | 2 |
| Mississippi | $12,292 | 106 |
| Iowa | $12,512 | 118 |
| Oklahoma | $12,911 | 135 |
| Wyoming | $13,165 | 30 |
| Nebraska | $13,235 | 93 |
| Montana | $13,252 | 63 |
| Alabama | $13,264 | 102 |
| Arkansas | $13,359 | 90 |
| South Dakota | $13,386 | 61 |
Showing 15 lowest-cost states. Browse all states
What Determines Knee Replacement Cost?
Several factors affect the total cost of a knee replacement:
- Hospital type — For-profit hospitals charge an average of 15-25% more than nonprofit hospitals for the same procedure. Government-run hospitals are typically the most affordable.
- Inpatient vs. outpatient — Outpatient knee replacement (ambulatory surgery center) can cost 30-50% less than inpatient, though not all patients qualify for outpatient surgery.
- Implant costs — The prosthetic joint implant accounts for 20-40% of total cost and varies by manufacturer and type. Surgeons may have preferred brands that affect price.
- Length of stay — Medicare average is 1.5 days (down from 3.5 days a decade ago). Complications extend stay and increase cost significantly.
- Geographic location — Hospital costs in California and New York average 35-40% above the national average, while hospitals in Mississippi and Alabama average 15-20% below.
Knee Replacement Without Insurance
Without insurance, the "chargemaster" price for a knee replacement can exceed $100,000. However, most hospitals offer uninsured patients a cash discount of 30-60% off the listed price. Some strategies to reduce costs:
- Request the cash price — Under the Hospital Price Transparency Rule, hospitals must disclose cash pay rates for common procedures
- Compare hospitals — Use our knee replacement price comparison to see which hospitals charge the least
- Ask about bundled pricing — Some hospitals offer a single all-inclusive price covering surgery, anesthesia, facility fees, and follow-up
- Consider medical tourism — Hospitals in lower-cost states may save you $10,000-20,000 even after travel costs
- Apply for financial assistance — Nonprofit hospitals are legally required to offer charity care programs to patients who qualify
Cheapest Hospitals for Knee Replacement
| Hospital | State | Avg Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Clay County Hospital | IL | $7,200 |
| Perry County General Hospital | MS | $7,200 |
| St. Patrick Hospital | MT | $7,200 |
| Breckinridge Memorial Hospital | KY | $7,633 |
| Kimball Health Services | NE | $8,888 |
| Marshall Medical Centers | AL | $9,110 |
| Professional Hospital Guaynabo Inc | PR | $9,195 |
| Detroit (john D. Dingell) Va Medical Center | MI | $9,543 |
| Savoy Medical Center | LA | $9,619 |
| Merrick Medical Center | NE | $9,664 |
Frequently Asked Questions
The average Medicare payment for a total knee replacement is $24,455. Without insurance, hospitals may charge $50,000-$100,000+ at list price, but most offer cash discounts of 30-60%. Ask for the self-pay rate, which is often closer to what Medicare pays.
Most patients walk with assistance the same day or next day after surgery. Full recovery takes 3-6 months, with physical therapy starting within days of surgery. Medicare average hospital stay is now 1-2 days, down from 3-4 days a decade ago. Many patients are now eligible for outpatient (same-day) knee replacement.
Yes. Medicare Part A covers inpatient knee replacement (DRG 470) after you meet the deductible. Medicare Part B covers outpatient knee replacement at ambulatory surgery centers. You are typically responsible for 20% coinsurance. Medicare Advantage plans may have different cost-sharing requirements.
Yes. CMS removed total knee replacement from the inpatient-only list in 2020. Many patients now have knee replacement as an outpatient procedure at ambulatory surgery centers, which can cost 30-50% less than hospital inpatient. Your surgeon will determine if you are a candidate based on age, health status, and BMI.
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