How much is surrogacy? Surrogate mother cost and surrogacy cost in the U.S.

This guide breaks down surrogate mother cost and the total cost of surrogacy in the U.S., including clinic fees, legal costs and agency support.

When families begin asking how much is surrogacy,they’re really asking about more than numbers. They want to understand what it takes — financially, emotionally, and legally — to bring a child into the world through surrogacy in the United States. In 2025, the average total cost of surrogacy in the U.S. ranges from $90,000 to $160,000, depending on the clinic, the state, and the agency guiding the process. Unlike other family-building options, surrogacy requires medical science, trusted professionals, and human compassion working together. Understanding every cost component helps intended parents plan with confidence and avoid surprises later.

Average cost of surrogacy in the U.S.

Several key factors drive the total cost of surrogacy. The largest include medical treatment, surrogate compensation, legal services, and agency management.

1. Location: States such as California and Colorado have strong legal protection for surrogacy, but costs there tend to be higher because of high demand and medical standards.

2. Type of Surrogacy: Gestational surrogacy cost is higher than traditional surrogacy because it requires IVF to create and transfer embryos.

3. Medical Needs: Fertility medications, egg retrieval, genetic testing, and embryo freezing each add to the final total.

4. Legal and Insurance Coverage: Legal contracts and maternity insurance safeguard all parties and represent part of the surrogacy cost breakdown.

Every intended parent’s journey is unique. That’s why transparent guidance from a reputable surrogacy agency matters most.

Surrogacy Cost Breakdown: Medical, Legal, and Agency Fees

Here’s a simple breakdown of what most U.S. families can expect:

Category Average Cost (USD) Description IVF & Medical Treatment $25,000–$40,000 Includes egg retrieval, embryo creation, genetic screening, and transfer Surrogate Compensation $45,000–$60,000 Base pay for the surrogate mother, depending on experience, location, and pregnancy type Legal Fees $10,000–$20,000 Drafting contracts, parentage orders, and legal filings Agency & Program Fees $25,000–$35,000 Screening, matching, coordination, and support from start to delivery Insurance & Misc. Costs $10,000–$15,000 Medical insurance, trust management, and travel expenses

That’s why most parents see a total surrogacy cost of around $120,000 on average.

How Much Does a Surrogate Mother Get Paid

People often ask, how much does a surrogate mother get paid?

In the U.S., surrogates usually earn between $45,000 and $70,000 in compensation, depending on where they live and their previous experience. California surrogates often receive the highest compensation because of strong legal support and high living costs.

Payments typically include:

• Base compensation for pregnancy

• Additional allowances for maternity clothing, travel, and medical procedures

• Bonuses for carrying twins or completing milestones

This structure ensures surrogates feel respected and supported throughout the journey.

What affects the cost of surrogacy for intended parents

It’s true — surrogacy in the U.S. costs more than in countries such as Mexico or Georgia. But that difference reflects legal safety, medical quality, and ethical protection.

American surrogacy follows strict federal and state laws. Parents hold legal rights before birth, and funds move through licensed trust accounts. Medical clinics use FDA-approved procedures and CAP-certified labs to protect embryo quality.

In short, American surrogacy costs more because it delivers transparency, success, and security.

Yunda Surrogacy: Transparent Costs and Personalized Support

At Yunda Surrogacy, headquartered in Southern California, every family receives more than a price list — they receive a roadmap to parenthood.

Yunda’s team collaborates with top U.S. fertility clinics, including California Fertility Partners, Gen 5 Fertility, and Harvest Fertility. Each partner lab meets CLIA and CAP certification standards, ensuring the highest IVF success rates.

Yunda also works with SeedTrust and ART Risk to protect client funds and insurance coverage. Through bilingual project managers and strict surrogate screening (less than 1% pass rate), Yunda guarantees professionalism and warmth at every step.

The company’s values — professionalism, transparency, warmth, and protection — guide every client experience. Whether you’re a U.S. resident, an international family, or an LGBTQ+ couple, Yunda walks beside you with empathy and precision.

Financing Options for Intended Parents

Surrogacy can feel financially heavy, but parents have several ways to make the journey manageable:

• Payment Scheduling: Most agencies divide costs across stages — matching, medical, pregnancy, and delivery.

• Insurance Coverage: Some private plans cover IVF procedures or maternity care for surrogates.

• Medical Loans: Specialized fertility lenders offer low-interest financing for intended parents.

• Employer Benefits: More U.S. companies now provide fertility and surrogacy assistance.

The right agency helps families explore every available option.

Common Questions About Surrogacy Costs (FAQ)

1. How much does a surrogate cost?

Most surrogates in the U.S. earn between $45,000 and $70,000 per pregnancy. Experienced surrogates or those carrying twins can receive more. Compensation also includes benefits like travel coverage and wellness support.

2. What is the average cost of surrogacy in the U.S.?

California remains one of the most popular and legally secure states for surrogacy. The average surrogacy cost in California ranges from $120,000 to $160,000, reflecting strong legal frameworks, top clinics, and high living expenses.

3. Why do surrogacy costs vary so much between families?

Surrogacy in America costs more because it includes medical precision, legal certainty, surrogate screening, and fund protection. Parents pay for peace of mind and a legally recognized path to parenthood.

Final Thoughts

Surrogacy represents one of life’s most meaningful investments — not just in money, but in love and legacy. Knowing how much surrogacy costs helps intended parents plan wisely and choose partners who value transparency and care.

Yunda Surrogacy stands as a trusted guide for families worldwide. With world-class clinics, legal experts, and a compassionate bilingual team, Yunda makes sure every step toward parenthood is safe, clear, and full of hope.

To learn more, visit Yunda Surrogacy or contact the U.S. team at +1 626-563-8656.