Quick Summary
When you’re dreaming of starting a family through surrogacy, the last thing you want is to be blindsided by costs no one warned you about. At EDSI, we talk to families every day who are trying to make sense of the numbers. What’s included? What’s hidden? What should you expect—and what’s just fear-mongering online?
Here’s the truth: surrogacy is expensive. But when you understand where the money goes, you gain something even more important than clarity so you gain control.
The Real Cost of Surrogacy in 2025
Most intended parents spend between $110,000 and $ 220,000 on a full surrogacy journey in the United States. That number covers:
- Agency support: $20,000 to $50,000
- Surrogate base compensation: $50,000 to $80,000 (more for experienced carriers)
- Medical expenses: $30,000 to $60,000 for IVF, meds, transfer, and monitoring
- Legal fees: $8,000 to $15,000 for contracts, court filings, and parentage orders
And that’s before you even consider what we call the surprise expenses—the costs that sneak up on families when they’re already deep in the process.
Where the Budget Gets Tested
Some of the most common unexpected costs include:
- A mock cycle if your clinic requires it ($500–$1,000)
- Lost wages for your surrogate during bed rest or recovery
- Travel and childcare reimbursement
- A c-section bonus ($2,500–$5,000)
- A new insurance plan if your surrogate’s doesn’t cover maternity care
These don’t apply to every case, but they’re common enough that families should budget an extra $15,000 to $25,000 just in case.
When Are Payments Made?
You don’t pay it all upfront. Here’s how the timeline usually works:
- At match: your agency fee and initial deposit into escrow
- After contracts: legal fees and psychological screenings
- After pregnancy confirmation: monthly surrogate compensation
- At delivery: final bonuses, reimbursements, and post-birth costs
Having this roadmap helps take the panic out of planning.
Can You Lower the Cost?
Yes, but it depends on your situation. Some families use embryos from previous IVF cycles, reducing medical fees. Others choose surrogates in states where cost of living—and therefore compensation—is lower. Some go independent (no agency) if they’ve done this before. And increasingly, we’re seeing intended parents receive fertility benefits from employers or apply for surrogacy grants.
There’s no shame in asking about cost-saving options. Every dollar matters when you’re building a family.
