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MRI Cost in Minneapolis, MN (2026): Average Prices & What You'll Pay

What does a mri cost in Minneapolis, MN?

The same mri in Minneapolis, MN might cost you $164 at one facility and $553 at another - the building you walk into drives the difference. The median cash price across 10 reporting hospitals is $170. These figures come straight from hospital price transparency files published under federal law.

Where mri costs vary in Minneapolis, MN

Pins show hospitals with price-transparency data (colored by vs. state average) and nearby ambulatory surgery centers, imaging centers, and other facilities (colored by type). Click any pin for facility name and estimated cost range.

Hospital (below avg) Hospital (above avg) Click a pin for details.

26+ people checked prices near them this month.

Hospital MRI costs run 2–5× more than independent imaging centers. Most patients never knew they had a choice.

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Cheapest MRI Providers in Minneapolis, MN

Based on declared cash/self-pay prices from CMS hospital price transparency files.

# Facility City Price vs Median
1 GILLETTE CHILDREN'S SPECIALTY HEALTHCARE MN $100 -$70
2 Childrens MN Hospital Minneapolis, MN $162 -$8
3 Allina Health Systems River Falls, MN $170 +$0
4 Allina Health Systems Cambridge, MN $170 +$0
5 Allina Health Systems Buffalo, MN $170 +$0
6 Allina Health Systems Shakopee, MN $170 +$0
7 Greenway Surgical Suites MN $553 +$383

Prices are declared self-pay rates. Contact each facility for a formal quote before scheduling.

Quick take

  • GILLETTE CHILDREN'S SPECIALTY HEALTHCARE is the lowest-cost option at $100 - $70 below the state median, just by choosing where you go.
  • Ask for the cash price if your deductible isn't met - the median cash price here is $170, and it's often lower than what insurance pays before your deductible is satisfied.
  • Ask whether this procedure can be done at a freestanding ambulatory surgical center - they're typically 30-60% cheaper than a hospital for identical care, and most aren't in this hospital-only dataset.

Mayo Clinic anchors Rochester and draws referral patients from across the Upper Midwest, with pricing that reflects its tertiary-care market position. Allina Health and M Health Fairview (University of Minnesota) compete in the Twin Cities. Minnesota has a reputation for efficient care delivery, but that efficiency doesn't necessarily translate to lower commercial prices in a concentrated market. MRI pricing has some of the widest site-of-service spreads in all of imaging - hospital outpatient MRIs often cost 4–8× more than the same scan at a freestanding imaging center. With vs. without contrast and body part scanned are separate CPT codes with meaningfully different prices; confirm exactly what was ordered before scheduling. For non-urgent imaging, independent imaging centers offer the same diagnostic quality at a fraction of hospital prices.

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Why prices vary - and what it means for your coverage

Facility classification matters as much as the hospital itself - a hospital-owned outpatient center adds a facility fee that a freestanding clinic does not. Whether the scan happens in a hospital outpatient department (which adds a separate facility fee) or a freestanding imaging center is usually the single biggest driver of price for this procedure.

None of the prices above are what you'll necessarily owe: your deductible, out-of-pocket maximum, and each provider's network status all still apply.

Your situation Estimated out-of-pocket
Deductible not yet met ~$170
Deductible met - 20% coinsurance ~$34
Out-of-network provider $374+

Frequently asked questions: MRI costs in Minneapolis, MN

How much does an MRI cost in Minneapolis, MN?

Across 10 Minneapolis, MN hospitals that publish prices, an MRI ranges from $88 to $719, with a median of $170. Most facilities fall between $162 and $553. What you pay depends on the facility, your insurance, and whether you have met your deductible.

Where is the cheapest place to get an MRI in Minneapolis, MN?

Based on declared prices, the lowest-cost facility in our Minneapolis, MN data is Allina Health Systems at about $88. By metro, Minneapolis has the lowest median ($162). Freestanding ambulatory surgery and imaging centers are often cheaper still and may not appear in hospital price data - ask your doctor whether one is an option.

Why is an MRI so much cheaper at some Minneapolis, MN hospitals?

Prices vary up to 8.2× because each hospital sets its own list price, cash discount, and insurer-negotiated rates. In Minneapolis, MN, the median cash (self-pay) price is $170 versus a median negotiated rate of $202 - about 0.8× higher. Asking for the cash price or your insurer's negotiated rate is often the single biggest lever on what you pay.

How much will I actually pay out of pocket for an MRI in Minneapolis, MN?

Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your deductible, coinsurance, out-of-pocket maximum, and whether the facility is in-network - not just the sticker price. If you have not met your deductible, you will typically pay the negotiated rate in full until you do. Use the CostKits cost forecaster to estimate your specific out-of-pocket amount before you go.

Before you book

Other procedures in Minneapolis, MN

MRI, elsewhere

What matters before you schedule

ASC vs. hospital

Hospital outpatient departments typically charge 2-4x more than ASCs or independent centers for the same mri - same outcome, very different bill. The ER charges the most of any setting and should only be used when the situation is medically urgent. Call ahead and ask for a self-pay or cash quote at each setting you're considering.

With vs. without contrast

Which type your doctor orders for this mri changes the billing code, and what you pay. For example: A standard mri with no contrast dye - the most common and lowest-cost version.

This is shoppable

MRI is elective and schedulable, so you have time to compare facilities before booking - hospital outpatient prices often run 2-4x higher than alternative settings for the identical clinical outcome.

What to ask before you book

Get the CPT code from your doctor, confirm every provider involved (not just the facility) is in-network, ask for the cash-pay rate if you're uninsured or haven't met your deductible, and request a written estimate for mri before you schedule.


CostKits compiles hospital price transparency data to help families make informed decisions. Track and manage your healthcare costs (free account).

Other Procedure Costs in Minneapolis, MN

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About the Author

John Caruso, FSA, MAAA

Healthcare actuary with 20+ years of experience in insurance pricing, medical billing systems, and healthcare cost analytics.

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Published June 12, 2026

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