How Much Does MRI Scan Cost?
Updated for 2024 — national average costs with state-by-state breakdowns
What Does MRI Scan Include?
An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of organs, tissues, and skeletal structures for diagnostic purposes.
The national average cost for mri scan is $1,200 per scan. Most homeowners pay between $400 and $3,500, though costs can vary significantly based on your location, the scope of work, and other factors outlined below.
What Affects the Price?
Body Part
Brain: $1,000-$3,000. Knee: $800-$2,500. Spine: $1,000-$3,500. Shoulder: $800-$2,500
Contrast
MRI with contrast adds $200-$500 for the contrast agent
Facility
Hospital: $1,500-$3,500. Independent center: $400-$1,200
Key Cost Factors
- ✓Body part being scanned
- ✓With or without contrast
- ✓Facility type
- ✓Insurance coverage
- ✓Geographic location
💡 Tips to Save Money
- 1.Independent imaging centers charge 50-80% less than hospitals
- 2.Ask for self-pay or cash-pay discounts
- 3.Check if your insurance requires pre-authorization
- 4.Compare prices on healthcare price transparency tools
MRI Scan Cost by State
Costs vary significantly by state due to labor rates, cost of living, and local market conditions. Click any state for a detailed breakdown.
| State | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $328 | $984 | $2,870 |
| Alaska | $512 | $1,536 | $4,480 |
| Arizona | $380 | $1,140 | $3,325 |
| Arkansas | $320 | $960 | $2,800 |
| California | $540 | $1,620 | $4,725 |
| Colorado | $432 | $1,296 | $3,780 |
| Connecticut | $488 | $1,464 | $4,270 |
| Delaware | $420 | $1,260 | $3,675 |
| Florida | $392 | $1,176 | $3,430 |
| Georgia | $360 | $1,080 | $3,150 |
| Hawaii | $568 | $1,704 | $4,970 |
| Idaho | $368 | $1,104 | $3,220 |
| Illinois | $420 | $1,260 | $3,675 |
| Indiana | $352 | $1,056 | $3,080 |
| Iowa | $344 | $1,032 | $3,010 |
| Kansas | $340 | $1,020 | $2,975 |
| Kentucky | $336 | $1,008 | $2,940 |
| Louisiana | $348 | $1,044 | $3,045 |
| Maine | $408 | $1,224 | $3,570 |
| Maryland | $460 | $1,380 | $4,025 |
| Massachusetts | $520 | $1,560 | $4,550 |
| Michigan | $368 | $1,104 | $3,220 |
| Minnesota | $408 | $1,224 | $3,570 |
| Mississippi | $312 | $936 | $2,730 |
| Missouri | $348 | $1,044 | $3,045 |
| Montana | $380 | $1,140 | $3,325 |
| Nebraska | $352 | $1,056 | $3,080 |
| Nevada | $408 | $1,224 | $3,570 |
| New Hampshire | $448 | $1,344 | $3,920 |
| New Jersey | $500 | $1,500 | $4,375 |
| New Mexico | $360 | $1,080 | $3,150 |
| New York | $528 | $1,584 | $4,620 |
| North Carolina | $360 | $1,080 | $3,150 |
| North Dakota | $360 | $1,080 | $3,150 |
| Ohio | $360 | $1,080 | $3,150 |
| Oklahoma | $332 | $996 | $2,905 |
| Oregon | $440 | $1,320 | $3,850 |
| Pennsylvania | $408 | $1,224 | $3,570 |
| Rhode Island | $460 | $1,380 | $4,025 |
| South Carolina | $348 | $1,044 | $3,045 |
| South Dakota | $340 | $1,020 | $2,975 |
| Tennessee | $344 | $1,032 | $3,010 |
| Texas | $372 | $1,116 | $3,255 |
| Utah | $380 | $1,140 | $3,325 |
| Vermont | $432 | $1,296 | $3,780 |
| Virginia | $420 | $1,260 | $3,675 |
| Washington | $460 | $1,380 | $4,025 |
| West Virginia | $320 | $960 | $2,800 |
| Wisconsin | $376 | $1,128 | $3,290 |
| Wyoming | $368 | $1,104 | $3,220 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does insurance cover MRI?
Most insurance covers medically necessary MRIs, but you may need pre-authorization. Your copay/coinsurance will vary by plan.
How long does an MRI take?
Most MRI scans take 30-60 minutes. Some complex scans can take up to 90 minutes.