Every family’s budget is different, so we give each family a written estimate after the first consultation. The table below shows what makes up the total.
| Cost item | What it covers | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Surrogate base compensation | Paid monthly after pregnancy is confirmed | $50,000–$80,000+ |
| Surrogate benefits and expenses | Monthly allowance, transfer fee, lost wages, childcare, travel, maternity clothing | Varies by agreement |
| IVF and embryo transfer | Egg retrieval, embryo creation, medications, transfer | Varies by clinic |
| Legal fees | Attorneys for both parties, contract, parentage order | Varies by state |
| Agency fee | Screening, matching, case management, coordination | Quoted at consultation |
| Insurance | Surrogacy-friendly health insurance and life insurance for the surrogate | Varies |
| Escrow management | Third-party account that pays the surrogate and expenses | Varies |
| Estimated total (California) | $120,000–$180,000+ |
Ranges reflect Royal's experience with journeys in California. Your written estimate will list every line item.
What affects your total
- Your surrogate’s experience. First-time surrogates receive $50,000–$60,000 in base pay; experienced surrogates $60,000–$80,000 or more. See surrogate pay and benefits.
- Embryos. If you already have tested embryos, IVF costs drop sharply. If you need an egg donor, add donor compensation and clinic fees.
- Insurance. A surrogate whose own health plan covers surrogacy lowers your insurance cost.
- Number of transfers. Each additional embryo transfer adds medical and surrogate fees.
- Where the baby is born. State law determines the parentage process and legal cost. See surrogacy law by state.
Surrogacy compared with adoption
Surrogacy usually costs more than domestic adoption, but it can give one or both parents a genetic connection to the child and a more predictable timeline once a surrogate is matched. Our guide on surrogacy vs. adoption compares the two side by side.