If you're pursuing surrogacy in California, one of the first questions you’re likely to ask is: How much does surrogacy cost in California? The answer depends on several factors — including the type of surrogacy program you choose, medical costs, surrogate compensation, and whether your insurance covers any part of the process.
This guide explains everything you need to know about the costs of surrogacy in California, specifically with American Surrogacy.
How Much Does Surrogacy Cost in California?
On average, a complete surrogacy journey in California costs between $100,000 and $200,000+. That range reflects variations in medical needs, agency services, legal fees, and your surrogate’s location and experience.
California is one of the most surrogacy-friendly states in the country. Its clear legal framework and supportive culture make it a top destination for hopeful parents across the U.S. and beyond. With the right guidance, your journey can be secure, empowering, and successful.
American Surrogacy’s Programs in California
American Surrogacy offers three flexible programs to meet the diverse needs of intended parents in California:
- Limited Risk Program ($169,900 - $179,000+): A full-service option that includes financial protections for events like failed embryo transfers, rematches, and early complications. Most intended parents are matched with a surrogate in 1 to 4 months.
- Foundation Program ($115,400 - $170,000+): A pay-as-you-go model that includes full coordination but fewer financial safeguards. This is ideal for families who want to manage payments over time
- Independent Program ($17,000+): Ideal for families who already have a surrogate and simply need expert support managing the journey. Variable costs not included in the $17,000 base estimate typically bring total independent journey costs to $100,000+.
We help you become a parent faster by keeping wait times short (1-4 months on average) and maintaining a rigorous surrogate screening process. This ensures you are matched quickly with a qualified surrogate, helping you avoid risks as you proceed with his life-changing process.
Learn more about our Full-Service Programs, or explore our Independent Program for a streamlined, low-cost option.
Surrogacy Cost Breakdown
A typical surrogacy journey in California includes the following major cost categories:
- Agency Fees: Cover professional case management, surrogate screening and matching, legal coordination, and 24/7 support.
- Surrogate Compensation: Includes base pay plus reimbursements for pregnancy-related expenses.
- Medical Expenses: IVF, embryo transfer, fertility medications, prenatal monitoring, and delivery.
- Legal Services: Includes contract drafting, pre-birth or post-birth orders, and coordination with California’s family courts.
Each of these elements plays an essential role in creating a smooth, ethical, and legally secure surrogacy journey.
Understanding Agency Fees and Surrogate Compensation
Surrogacy is a highly personalized process, and agency fees reflect the range of services that guide you through it. With American Surrogacy, this includes full case management, ongoing support, financial tracking, emotional guidance, and legal coordination.
When it comes to how much a surrogate costs in California, the base compensation typically starts around 55,000 for a first-time surrogate, and can go as high as $75,000 or more for experienced surrogates. In addition to base pay, compensation packages usually include:
- Maternity clothing and wellness expenses
- Lost wages during recovery and appointments
- Travel, childcare, and housekeeping
- Insurance premiums and medical co-pays
- Emotional support and counseling
In total, surrogate compensation in California often ranges between 70,000 and 90,000, making it one of the higher-compensated states — but also one of the most experienced, with many qualified surrogates available.
Avoiding Hidden and Unexpected Surrogacy Costs
Surrogacy comes with financial uncertainty — and unexpected costs can be stressful. That’s why American Surrogacy developed our Limited Risk Program, which builds in financial safeguards to cover failed embryo transfers, rematches, and other unplanned challenges.
This program is ideal for intended parents who want greater predictability in what is otherwise a very dynamic and emotional journey.
How Much Does a Surrogate Cost in California?
Because of California’s high cost of living and strong surrogacy demand, surrogate compensation here tends to be higher than the national average.
- Base pay generally starts at $55,000
- Total compensation (including benefits) often ranges from $70,000 to $90,000+
Experienced surrogates and those with strong previous outcomes may command even higher compensation. All payments are clearly outlined in your agreement and managed through a secure escrow system.
For families who already have a known surrogate, our Independent Program offers a cost-efficient path. Just remember: while it starts at $17,000, the full journey — including legal, medical, and compensation — will likely still exceed $100,000.
How Much Does Surrogacy Cost with Insurance in California?
California is one of the few states with a mandate requiring many insurance plans to offer fertility treatment coverage — but this doesn’t always apply to surrogacy.
How much does surrogacy cost with insurance in California depends on:
- Whether your policy covers IVF (many plans do)
- Whether the surrogate’s maternity care is covered under her plan or yours
- Any exclusions or surcharges related to third-party reproduction
Common California insurance providers include Blue Shield of California, Anthem, Kaiser Permanente, and Covered California marketplace options. Our specialists will review your insurance coverage during the intake process to help you identify what’s included — and what needs supplemental coverage.
How Much Does IVF and Surrogacy Cost?
For families planning both IVF and surrogacy, understanding the combined costs is essential. How much does IVF and surrogacy cost in California? The total can exceed 200,000 depending on the services you use.
Here’s typical IVF costs:
- IVF cycle
- Fertility medications
- Egg or sperm donors
- Monitoring, testing, and lab work:
Fertility costs can vary widely between clinics. California has some of the most advanced IVF centers in the nation, which can increase access — but also pricing.
Affording Surrogacy
Even with careful planning, affording surrogacy can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, there are many options available for hopeful parents in California.
American Surrogacy offers affordable surrogacy programs and financing solutions through trusted partners. You may also explore:
- Baby Quest Foundation: Offers grants for IVF and surrogacy.
- Men Having Babies’ GPAP Program: Financial support for gay men building families through surrogacy.
- Pay It Forward Fertility Foundation: Helps cover treatment costs for eligible families.
- Journey to Parenthood: Awards grants to offset fertility and surrogacy expenses.
Many California-based companies now offer fertility and family-building benefits through providers like:
- Carrot Fertility
- Progyny
Other families use personal savings, retirement funds, or home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) to help manage upfront costs.
Affording Surrogacy: Fertility Financing Options
To help ensure you work with a trusted service provider, we have a surrogacy financing partner who provides excellent services that help make surrogacy more affordable:
Sunfish: Sunfish offers low-interest fertility loans for IVF, surrogacy, and egg donors for American Surrogacy. They make parenthood attainable for all types of families through financial solutions, support, and guidance.
Learn more about financing your surrogacy through Sunfish here.
Why Choose American Surrogacy?
California is filled with surrogacy agencies — so why work with American Surrogacy?
- Short wait times: We match intended parents in as little as 1–4 months
- Built-in financial protections: Designed to reduce risk and uncertainty
- Legal expertise: Our team works with experienced attorneys in California surrogacy law
- Transparent pricing: No hidden fees or last-minute surprises
We walk with you through every step — from your first consultation to finalizing your parentage.
Next Steps in Your Surrogacy Journey
California is one of the most surrogacy-friendly states in the country. With clear laws that support both intended parents and gestational carriers, it’s an ideal place to build your family through surrogacy.
Whether you live in California or are considering working with a California-based surrogate, American Surrogacy can help you navigate every step of the process with confidence, compassion, and clarity. Ready to get started? Reach out to speak with a surrogacy specialist today.