Surrogacy opens the door to family for thousands of intended parents each year. Yet the question everyone asks is: How much does a surrogate cost in 2025?
The answer is more complex than ever. Costs can range from $120,000 to over $250,000, depending on your state, your surrogate’s circumstances, and whether donor eggs or additional medical support are needed.
This guide breaks down every cost, highlights what most families miss, and helps you budget for your journey with no surprises.
Table of Contents
What Makes Up the Cost of Surrogacy?
Surrogacy isn’t a single fee. It includes multiple components, each with its own variables. Here’s how it breaks down in 2025:
Agency Fees
Covers screening, matching, clinic and legal coordination, and ongoing support.
Average range: $40,000–$55,000
Surrogate Compensation
Includes base pay plus bonuses, stipends, and reimbursements.
Range: $60,000–$110,000+
Medical Costs
Covers IVF, embryo transfer, pregnancy monitoring, and delivery.
Range: $25,000–$60,000
Legal Fees
Attorneys represent both sides and handle contracts and parentage.
Range: $10,000–$20,000
Insurance
Includes surrogate health insurance and potential maternity coverage.
Range: $20,000–$30,000
Other Expenses
Travel, maternity clothes, lost wages, postpartum care, and more.
Range: $5,000–$15,000
Surrogacy Costs by State (2025 Snapshot)
Where you pursue surrogacy matters. Some states have higher compensation or limited insurance options.
| State | Low Estimate | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| California | $180,000 | $250,000+ |
| Texas | $155,000 | $210,000 |
| New York | $170,000 | $240,000 |
| Florida | $150,000 | $200,000 |
| Colorado | $145,000 | $190,000 |
Hidden Costs Intended Parents Often Miss
Many families overlook these:
- Failed embryo transfers ($3,000–$10,000 per cycle)
- Bed rest compensation ($1,000–$5,000+)
- C-section or twins bonuses ($3,000–$10,000)
- NICU or delivery out-of-network coverage gaps
- Legal filings for international parents
These can add $10,000–$30,000 to your total cost.
California Surrogacy Costs (Why It’s Higher)
California surrogates are among the highest compensated in the country. The state also allows:
- Pre-birth parentage orders
- Full legal protection for LGBTQ and international parents
- A strong pool of experienced surrogates
At EDSI, first-time surrogates in California can earn up to $110,000.
Payment Options in 2025
Surrogacy is expensive, but financing is possible:
- Fertility grants: BabyQuest, Journey to Parenthood, Men Having Babies
- Loans: CapexMD, Sunfish, and other lenders
- Employer benefits: Family-building stipends or fertility reimbursement
- Agency payment plans through EDSI
- Crowdfunding (limited but useful for some)
Budgeting Checklist
Here’s how most intended parents pay over time:
- Retainer & agency deposit
- Surrogate screening + legal contracts
- IVF & transfer fees
- Monthly surrogate stipends
- Delivery & postpartum costs
- Insurance reconciliation
Typically $160,000–$230,000+, depending on state, insurance, and medical needs.
Yes. Transfers, insurance gaps, bed rest, and legal filings can add $10K–$30K.
Yes. Grants, loans, and agency payment plans are available.
Higher surrogate pay, stronger legal protections, and higher demand.
Base pay, monthly allowances, maternity clothes, travel, childcare, lost wages, and recovery funds. Experienced surrogates or those carrying twins may receive more.
Most surrogacy journeys require separate maternity coverage for the surrogate. ACA plans, Lloyd’s of London, and specialty brokers offer surrogacy-friendly options starting at $12,000 to $30,000.
High surrogate base pay, tight legal protections, strong demand from LGBTQ+ and international families, and top fertility clinics all drive costs higher in California.
Final Thoughts
Surrogacy is life-changing and expensive, but transparency gives you power. At Egg Donor & Surrogacy Institute (EDSI), we’ll guide you through every cost so you never feel unprepared.
About the Author
Parham Zar is the Managing Director of Egg Donor & Surrogacy Institute (EDSI) and a global leader in third-party reproduction. With over 20 years of experience, he’s helped hundreds of families navigate surrogacy with clarity and compassion.
