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Cost Guides
How Much Does Knee Replacement Surgery Cost in 2026?
Total knee replacement costs $25,000-$70,000 before insurance. Learn about partial knee replacement costs, insurance coverage, and how to save.
Average Knee Replacement Cost
Total knee replacement in the United States costs $25,000 to $70,000 before insurance in 2026. The wide range depends on your location, surgeon, hospital vs outpatient setting, and whether you choose traditional or robotic-assisted surgery.
Partial knee replacement is less expensive, typically ranging from $15,000 to $45,000 before insurance.
What's Included in the Cost
Surgeon fees: $3,000–$8,000
Hospital/facility fees: $15,000–$40,000
Anesthesia: $2,000–$4,000
Implant components: $3,000–$10,000
Physical therapy (initial): $1,000–$3,000
Robotic-assisted surgery may add $3,000–$5,000 to the total.
Cost by City
Knee replacement costs vary significantly by location:
City
Total Knee
Partial Knee
New York, NY
$50,000–$70,000
$30,000–$45,000
Los Angeles, CA
$45,000–$65,000
$28,000–$40,000
Chicago, IL
$35,000–$55,000
$22,000–$35,000
Houston, TX
$30,000–$50,000
$20,000–$32,000
Phoenix, AZ
$28,000–$45,000
$18,000–$30,000
Atlanta, GA
$30,000–$48,000
$20,000–$32,000
Denver, CO
$32,000–$52,000
$22,000–$35,000
Prices are estimates and vary by provider. Use our city cost guides for detailed pricing.
Insurance Coverage
Most insurance plans cover knee replacement when deemed medically necessary. Medicare covers about 80% after deductible. Private insurance typically covers 70-90% after deductible and copay.
You'll need prior authorization from most insurers. Ask your surgeon's office to handle this — they do it routinely.
Medicare: $3,000–$8,000
Private PPO: $2,000–$6,000
Private HMO: $1,500–$5,000
High-deductible plan: $5,000–$12,000
How to Save on Knee Replacement
Choose an in-network surgeon to maximize insurance coverage
Compare facility costs — outpatient surgery centers can be 30-50% less than hospitals
Ask about bundled pricing — some surgeons offer all-inclusive packages
Check if your plan covers robotic surgery — sometimes it's the same price
Consider timing — if you've met your deductible, schedule before year-end
Get multiple opinions — surgeon fees vary, and different surgeons may recommend different approaches
Is Knee Replacement Worth the Cost?
Knee replacement has a 95%+ patient satisfaction rate — one of the highest of any surgical procedure. Over 90% of patients report significant pain relief and return to activities they couldn't do before surgery.
The average knee replacement patient spends $30,000–$50,000 on surgery but gains 20-25 years of pain-free mobility. For patients with severe arthritis who have exhausted conservative treatments, the return on investment is substantial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is knee replacement covered by insurance?
Yes, most insurance plans cover knee replacement when medically necessary. Medicare covers about 80% after deductible.
How much is knee replacement with Medicare?
With Medicare Part A and B, your out-of-pocket cost for knee replacement is typically $3,000-$8,000 including deductibles and coinsurance.
Is robotic knee replacement more expensive?
Robotic-assisted knee replacement typically costs $3,000-$5,000 more than traditional surgery, though some insurance plans cover it at the same rate.
Can I get knee replacement at an outpatient center?
Yes. Many surgeons now offer same-day knee replacement at ambulatory surgery centers, which can reduce facility costs by 30-50% compared to hospital stays.
What's the cheapest way to get knee replacement?
Choose an in-network surgeon, consider an outpatient center, ask about bundled pricing, and time your surgery after meeting your annual deductible.