Surrogacy Cost Breakdown: What You'll Pay

Total Cost Range

The total cost of surrogacy in the United States typically ranges from $100,000 to $200,000+. In Texas, costs are generally on the lower end of this range, averaging $100,000 to $150,000.

Your actual cost depends on several factors: whether you need an egg donor, how many IVF cycles are needed, your agency's fee structure, and insurance coverage.

Agency Fees: $15,000–$30,000

Your surrogacy agency coordinates the entire process. Fees vary based on the level of service:

• Full-service agencies: $20,000–$30,000 — surrogate recruitment, screening, coordination, support
• Referral-only agencies: $15,000–$20,000 — connect you with a surrogate but less hands-on support

Surrogate Compensation: $30,000–$60,000

Base compensation for gestational carriers ranges from $30,000 (first-time surrogates) to $60,000+ (experienced surrogates). Additional payments include monthly allowances, maternity clothing, bed rest pay, and C-section fees.

See our detailed surrogate compensation guide for a full breakdown.

Medical and IVF Costs: $15,000–$30,000

• IVF cycle (including medications): $12,000–$20,000
• Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT): $3,000–$6,000
• Frozen embryo transfer: $3,000–$5,000
• Additional IVF cycles if needed: $5,000–$15,000 each

Legal Fees: $5,000–$12,000

• Gestational agreement drafting and review: $3,000–$7,000
• Court validation: $1,000–$2,000
• Pre-birth order: $1,000–$3,000
• Surrogate's independent counsel: $1,000–$2,000

Egg Donor Costs: $8,000–$15,000

Required for gay couples, single men, and some other situations:

• Donor compensation: $5,000–$10,000
• Agency/bank fee: $3,000–$6,000
• Frozen eggs from a bank: $5,000–$8,000 (more affordable option)

Insurance: $5,000–$20,000

Health insurance for the surrogate is a significant expense. If the surrogate's existing policy doesn't cover surrogacy pregnancy, you'll need to purchase a surrogacy-specific policy.

• Surrogate health insurance: $5,000–$15,000
• Life insurance for surrogate: $500–$750

See our insurance guide for more details.

Other Expenses: $3,000–$8,000

• Escrow management: $500–$1,000
• Travel (yours and surrogate's): $2,000–$5,000
• Psychological support: $500–$1,500
• Home study (if required): $1,000–$3,000

Ways to Reduce Costs

• Use frozen eggs from an egg bank instead of a fresh donor cycle
• Choose a surrogate whose insurance covers surrogacy
• Work with an agency in a lower-cost region
• Ask about payment plans and installment options
• Check your employer's fertility benefits
• Apply for LGBT+ family building grants