X-Ray Cost Comparison
X-Ray costs $35-$100 at an independent imaging center versus $100-$300 at a hospital or outpatient facility.
X-rays use small amounts of radiation to create images of bones and some soft tissues.
Hospital/Outpatient Facility
$100-$300
Based on national averages
Independent Imaging Center
$35-$100
FTC Pricing Disclaimer: Prices shown are estimated market ranges based on FAIR Health, Urgent Care 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 for CPT 71046 (Chest X-ray, 2 views) in FairVisitHealth's price-transparency corpus.
Median posted cash price
$210
Most fall between $97 and $409 (25th to 75th percentile)
Median of 912 hospital-posted cash prices. Each posted price counts once, so hospitals that post more prices carry more weight.
Source: FairVisitHealth analysis of 912 hospital-disclosed cash prices for CPT 71046, from CMS hospital price-transparency machine-readable files. Data as of October 2026.
Common Uses
- Bone Fractures
- Chest Imaging
- Dental Issues
- Joint Problems
Preparation
No special preparation usually required.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an X-ray cost without insurance?
X-rays typically cost $35-$300 without insurance. Simple extremity X-rays are cheaper ($35-$100 at urgent care/imaging centers) while hospital-based X-rays cost more ($100-$300).
Where can I get a lower-cost X-ray?
Urgent care centers and independent imaging facilities often charge less for X-rays than hospital emergency rooms.
How much does a chest X-ray cost?
A chest X-ray costs $40-$200 depending on the facility. Hospital ERs charge the most, while urgent care and imaging centers offer better prices.
Do I need a prescription for an X-ray?
Yes, most facilities require a doctor's order for X-rays. However, some direct-access imaging centers allow self-referral for certain studies.