How Much Does Cataract Surgery Cost in San Francisco, CA?
San Francisco pricing is 55% above the national average. Updated for 2026.
Based on local labor rates, mediterranean climate conditions, and San Francisco's tech-finance-tourism economy.See our methodology
Cataract Surgery Pricing in San Francisco, CA
San Francisco is a high-cost market where cataract surgery runs about 55% above the national average. The city's tech-finance-tourism economy supports higher wages, which translates to elevated contractor rates. With a population of 870K, competition among providers exists but demand keeps prices firm.
Local climate plays a direct role in cataract surgery costs here. Fog and moisture create unique challenges for exterior maintenance; earthquake safety adds to all construction costs.
Market-specific factors matter in San Francisco: among the highest labor rates in the US; strict permit and inspection process adds weeks and cost to projects; rent costs for contractors get passed to consumers.
San Francisco has very 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.
San Francisco vs National Average
What Affects Cataract Surgery Cost in San Francisco?
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
San Francisco Market Conditions
among the highest labor rates in the US; strict permit and inspection process adds weeks and cost to projects; rent costs for contractors get passed to consumers
Local Climate Impact
fog and moisture create unique challenges for exterior maintenance; earthquake safety adds to all construction costs
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Top-Rated Cataract Surgery Pros in San Francisco, CA
4 providersValley Health Associates
✅ VERIFIEDLakeside Surgical Center
Valley Family Medicine
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Tips to Save on Cataract Surgery in San Francisco
- 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
📈 Cataract Surgery in San Francisco Cost Trends (2020–2024)
Prices have increased +17.7% over the last 5 years
| Year | National Avg | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $5,925 | — |
| 2021 | $6,174 | +4.2% |
| 2022 | $6,575 | +6.5% |
| 2023 | $6,759 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $6,975 | +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 San Francisco
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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 San Francisco than other cities?
San Francisco's costs reflect local labor rates driven by the tech-finance-tourism economy, mediterranean climate conditions that affect materials and scheduling, and very-strict permitting requirements. The expensive labor market also influences competitive pricing.
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