How much does a brain MRI cost without insurance?

Across 128 hospitals in 4 metro areas, the published cash price for a brain MRI without contrast (CPT 70551) ranges from $232–$32,113. The typical commercial rate insurers negotiated is $1,503.

Hospital files dated January 1, 2026 – September 25, 2026 · Data checked October 2, 2026 · How we read these files · Report an error

Published cash price
$232–$32,113
what 128 hospitals and imaging centers list for a self-pay brain MRI
Typical insured rate
$1,503
median of every commercial plan rate in the files
Lowest insured rate
$150
BCBS (ALL PRODUCTS), Valleywise Health Medical Center

Brain MRI cost by city

Open a city to see every hospital and the rates by insurer.

Brain MRI without contrast by city
CityPublished cash priceTypical insured rateLowest insured rateHospitals
Houston, TXHCA Healthcare, Harris Health, Houston Methodist, Memorial Hermann, St. Luke's Health$232–$32,113$1,679$17445
Dallas–Fort Worth, TXBaylor Scott & White Health, Methodist Health System, Parkland Health, Texas Health Resources, UT Southwestern Medical Center$1,362–$2,689$1,933$25641
Phoenix, AZBanner Health, Dignity Health, HonorHealth, Valleywise Health$287–$3,014$792$15028
Austin, TXAscension Seton, Baylor Scott & White Health, CHRISTUS Health$521–$2,557$1,572$20415

Bars use a log scale. The coral bar runs from the lowest to the highest published cash price; the blue dot marks the typical insured rate.

Lowest published cash prices

  1. $232 — Harris Health Ben Taub Hospital (Harris Health)
  2. $232 — Harris Health Lyndon B Johnson Hospital (Harris Health)
  3. $287 — Banner Casa Grande Medical Center (Banner Health)
  4. $293 — Valleywise Health Medical Center (Valleywise Health)
  5. $319 — Banner University Medical Center Phoenix (Banner Health)

What this price covers

These are hospital charges for CPT code 70551. Doctors who are not hospital employees — for imaging, usually the radiologist — can bill separately. Before you schedule, ask for a Good Faith Estimate: if you are uninsured, federal law entitles you to one in writing. Methodology.

Other MRI prices