The short answer: The biggest costs in surrogacy come from surrogate compensation, agency fees, and medical/IVF expenses, which together can total 100,000–150,000+ in the U.S.
Here’s a breakdown of where the money goes—and why costs vary so much.
1. Surrogate Compensation (30,000–60,000+)
This is the single largest expense in most surrogacy journeys. Payments typically include:
- Base compensation (40,000–60,000 on average, higher in states like California).
- Additional fees (multiples, C-section, maternity clothing allowance).
- Health insurance (if the surrogate’s plan doesn’t cover surrogacy).
Why it’s costly: Surrogates dedicate 1.5+ years to the process, including pregnancy risks and lifestyle adjustments.
2. Agency Fees (20,000–40,000)
A full-service agency handles:
✔ Matching with a surrogate
✔ Legal contracts & screenings
✔ Case management & support
Independent surrogacy (no agency) cuts this cost but requires more legal/medical legwork.
3. IVF & Medical Costs (20,000–50,000)
- Egg retrieval & embryo creation (15,000–30,000).
- Embryo transfer (3,000–6,000 per attempt).
- Prenatal care & delivery (varies by insurance).
Note: If using a donor egg, add 5,000–15,000.
4. Legal Fees (10,000–20,000)
- Surrogacy contracts (each party needs a lawyer).
- Parental rights establishment (critical for birth certificates).
Costs spike if disputes arise (rare but possible).
5. Miscellaneous (5,000–15,000)
- Psychological screenings (1,000–2,000).
- Travel costs (if surrogate lives far from the IVF clinic).
- Life insurance for the surrogate.
How to Reduce Costs?
- Choose an independent surrogacy (cuts agency fees).
- Use a clinic with package pricing (some offer IVF bundles).
- Look for insurance coverage (some plans cover parts of IVF).
Final Takeaway
While surrogate pay + agency fees make up ~60% of costs, every step adds up. Budget $100K+ in the U.S.—but cheaper options exist abroad (with legal risks).
Need help estimating your surrogacy costs? Ask for a breakdown!
