MRI Scan Cost Comparison
MRI Scan costs $300-$700 at an independent imaging center versus $1,200-$3,500 at a hospital or outpatient facility.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of organs and tissues.
Hospital/Outpatient Facility
$1,200-$3,500
Based on national averages
Independent Imaging Center
$300-$700
FTC Pricing Disclaimer: Prices shown are estimated market ranges based on FAIR Health, RadNet published rates. Actual prices vary by location, provider, and whether contrast is used. Always verify pricing with the facility before scheduling.
Real prices from our database
Not an estimate. These figures come from actual hospital-disclosed cash prices and insurer-negotiated rates for CPT 70553 (MRI, brain, with & without contrast) in FairVisitHealth's price-transparency corpus.
Median posted cash price
$1,524
Most fall between $381 and $2,798 (25th to 75th percentile)
Median of 583 hospital-posted cash prices. Each posted price counts once, so hospitals that post more prices carry more weight.
Your negotiation target
$192
Median rate insurers actually pay for the same code
Across 83,673 insurer-negotiated rates. Ask providers to match it.
Source: FairVisitHealth analysis of 583 hospital-disclosed cash prices and 83,673 insurer-negotiated rates for CPT 70553, from CMS hospital price-transparency machine-readable files and insurer Transparency-in-Coverage files. Data as of October 2026.
Common Uses
- Brain & Spine Imaging
- Joint & Muscle Issues
- Cancer Detection
- Soft Tissue Analysis
Preparation
Remove all metal objects. No food 4 hours before with contrast.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an MRI cost without insurance?
Without insurance, an MRI typically costs $300-$3,500 depending on the body part and facility type. Independent imaging centers often charge $300-$700, while hospital-based facilities charge $1,200-$3,500 for the same scan.
Why are MRI prices so different between facilities?
Hospital-based MRIs often cost more than independent imaging centers for the same scan due to facility fees and overhead. FairVisitHealth compares prices across facilities to help you find lower rates.
What affects MRI cost?
Key factors include: body part scanned (brain, knee, spine), with or without contrast dye, facility type (hospital vs. imaging center), and your geographic location.
Can I get a lower-cost MRI near me?
Independent imaging centers typically offer MRIs for $300-$700 cash-pay. FairVisitHealth helps you compare prices across imaging facilities in your area.