MRI Cost in California Without Insurance (2025)
California has the largest healthcare market in the US, with major systems like Kaiser Permanente, Dignity Health (CommonSpirit), Sutter Health, and Providence competing alongside thousands of independent providers. Cash pay MRI prices vary widely — comparison shopping is especially valuable in California's high-cost medical market.
What does an MRI cost in California?
Cash pay MRI prices at California facilities:
• Knee MRI (CPT 73721): $250 – $3,500 • Lower Back MRI (CPT 72148): $300 – $4,000 • Brain MRI with contrast (CPT 70553): $500 – $6,000
California tends to have higher medical costs overall, but independent imaging centers still offer competitive cash prices — often 60–80% less than hospital outpatient rates.
Los Angeles MRI prices
The LA metro is one of the most competitive imaging markets in the country. Cedars-Sinai, UCLA Health, USC Keck, and Kaiser all publish cash prices. Independent imaging centers in the San Fernando Valley, San Gabriel Valley, and South Bay often charge $300–$800 for common MRIs.
Bay Area, San Diego, and Sacramento
The Bay Area has UCSF Health, Stanford Health Care, and Sutter Health as major publishers. San Diego's market includes UC San Diego Health and Sharp HealthCare. Sacramento is served by UC Davis Health and Dignity Health.
In all three markets, independent imaging centers offer significantly lower cash prices than hospital outpatient departments.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an MRI cost in California without insurance?
MRI cash prices in California range from $250 at independent imaging centers to $3,500+ at hospital outpatient departments. LA and San Diego have the most competitive independent options.
Does Kaiser Permanente offer cash pay MRI prices?
Kaiser Permanente primarily serves members, but they publish standard charge files as required by law. Most cash-pay patients will find better rates at independent imaging centers.
See actual cash pay prices from providers nationwide for Knee MRI.
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