How Much Does Cataract Surgery Cost in New York City, NY?
New York City pricing is 45% above the national average. Updated for 2026.
Based on local labor rates, humid-continental climate conditions, and New York City's finance-media-tech economy.See our methodology
Cataract Surgery Pricing in New York City, NY
New York City is a high-cost market where cataract surgery runs about 45% above the national average. The city's finance-media-tech economy supports higher wages, which translates to elevated contractor rates. With a population of 8.3M, competition among providers exists but demand keeps prices firm.
Local climate plays a direct role in cataract surgery costs here. Harsh winters increase heating costs and seasonal pricing for outdoor work.
Market-specific factors matter in New York City: NYC contractor licensing requirements add overhead; Manhattan costs 20-40% more than outer boroughs.
New York City has strict permitting requirements. Budget an additional 5-15% for permits, inspections, and code compliance when planning your cataract surgery project. Licensed contractors familiar with local codes can navigate this process efficiently.
New York City vs National Average
What Affects Cataract Surgery Cost in New York City?
With Insurance
Standard IOL: $500-$1,500 out of pocket. Premium IOL: $2,000-$5,000 out of pocket per eye
Without Insurance
Standard: $3,000-$5,000 per eye. Premium: $4,500-$7,000 per eye
New York City Market Conditions
NYC contractor licensing requirements add overhead; Manhattan costs 20-40% more than outer boroughs
Local Climate Impact
harsh winters increase heating costs and seasonal pricing for outdoor work
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Tips to Save on Cataract Surgery in New York City
- 1.Standard monofocal IOLs are fully covered by most insurance — you only pay copay and deductible
- 2.Premium IOLs (multifocal, toric) are elective upgrades that cost $1,000-$3,000 extra per eye
- 3.Medicare covers cataract surgery with standard IOLs
- 4.Ask about doing both eyes at the same facility for potential savings
- 5.In New York City, verify your contractor handles local permits — the permitting process here is more involved than average and DIY permit applications can cause delays.
- 6.New York City has a strong union labor market. While rates may be higher, union contractors typically carry better insurance and offer workmanship guarantees.
📈 Cataract Surgery in New York City Cost Trends (2020–2024)
Prices have increased +17.7% over the last 5 years
| Year | National Avg | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $5,543 | — |
| 2021 | $5,776 | +4.2% |
| 2022 | $6,151 | +6.5% |
| 2023 | $6,323 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $6,525 | +3.2% |
Based on national averages adjusted for annual inflation. Actual costs vary by location and project scope.
💬 What Did You Pay?
Real costs reported by homeowners for Cataract Surgery in New York City
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is cataract surgery safe?
Yes. It's one of the safest surgeries performed, with a 95%+ success rate. Most patients see significant improvement within days.
Why does cataract surgery cost different in New York City than other cities?
New York City's costs reflect local labor rates driven by the finance-media-tech economy, humid-continental climate conditions that affect materials and scheduling, and strict permitting requirements. The union-heavy labor market also influences competitive pricing.
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