How Much Does Surrogacy Cost?
Complete Breakdown by Country
Surrogacy costs range from $40,000 in Georgia to $200,000+ in the United States. Understanding exactly what you will pay and what is included helps you make the right choice for your family and budget.
$40K
Lowest Option (Georgia)
$200K+
Premium USA Programs
5
Countries Compared
60-70%
International Savings
Surrogacy Cost Comparison by Country
All costs in USD. Ranges reflect typical programs in 2026. Your actual costs may vary based on specific circumstances.
| Country | Total Cost | LGBTQ+ | Timeline | vs. USA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
USAUnited States | $120,000 - $200,000 | Yes | 18-24 months | - | Details |
UKRUkraine | $45,000 - $65,000 | No | 14-18 months | Save 66% | Details |
GEOGeorgia | $40,000 - $55,000 | No | 13-16 months | Save 70% | Details |
COLColombia | $50,000 - $70,000 | Yes | 16-20 months | Save 63% | Details |
MEXMexico | $55,000 - $80,000 | No | 17-21 months | Save 58% | Details |
United States Surrogacy Costs
Total: $120,000 - $200,000
Detailed Cost Breakdown
| Agency/Coordination Fee | $20,000 - $35,000 |
| Surrogate Compensation | $35,000 - $60,000 |
| Medical/IVF Procedures | $25,000 - $50,000 |
| Legal Services | $10,000 - $20,000 |
| Travel & Accommodation | $3,000 - $10,000 |
| Insurance | $15,000 - $40,000 |
| Egg Donation (if needed) | $10,000 - $20,000 |
| Total Estimated Range | $120,000 - $200,000 |
Typically Included
- Pre-birth parentage orders in surrogacy-friendly states
- Highest medical standards and success rates
- Largest pool of experienced surrogates
- US citizenship for baby by birthright
- Full LGBTQ+ legal protections
- Comprehensive surrogate health insurance
Additional Costs to Budget
- Psychological counseling for IPs (varies)
- Embryo storage fees (annual)
- Newborn care before travel home
- Multiple embryo transfer attempts (if needed)
Important Note
Costs vary significantly by state. California and Connecticut are premium markets. Consider Nevada or Oregon for more affordable options with similar protections.
Ukraine Surrogacy Costs
Total: $45,000 - $65,000
Detailed Cost Breakdown
| Agency/Coordination Fee | $15,000 - $25,000 |
| Surrogate Compensation | $15,000 - $20,000 |
| Medical/IVF Procedures | $10,000 - $15,000 |
| Legal Services | $3,000 - $5,000 |
| Travel & Accommodation | $5,000 - $10,000 |
| Insurance | Included in program |
| Egg Donation (if needed) | $5,000 - $7,000 |
| Total Estimated Range | $45,000 - $65,000 |
Typically Included
- Intended parents on birth certificate from day one
- All medical procedures and prenatal care
- Surrogate health insurance during pregnancy
- Local coordination and translation
- Embassy appointment assistance
Additional Costs to Budget
- Flight costs for intended parents
- Extended hotel stays (beyond 2 weeks)
- Additional IVF cycles if first fails
- Courier services for documents
Important Note
Requires married heterosexual couples with medical indication. Western Ukraine and Kyiv are safe for travel as of 2026. 60-70% savings vs USA.
Georgia Surrogacy Costs
Total: $40,000 - $55,000
Detailed Cost Breakdown
| Agency/Coordination Fee | $12,000 - $18,000 |
| Surrogate Compensation | $12,000 - $16,000 |
| Medical/IVF Procedures | $6,000 - $10,000 |
| Legal Services | $2,000 - $4,000 |
| Travel & Accommodation | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Insurance | Included in program |
| Egg Donation (if needed) | $4,000 - $6,000 |
| Total Estimated Range | $40,000 - $55,000 |
Typically Included
- Legal parentage from conception (not birth)
- All IVF and medical procedures
- Surrogate compensation and support
- Birth certificate with parents names
- Local legal and translation services
Additional Costs to Budget
- International flights
- Personal travel insurance
- DNA testing (if required by embassy)
- Extra hotel nights beyond package
Important Note
Most affordable destination globally. Open to single women with medical indication. European medical standards in a safe, welcoming country.
Colombia Surrogacy Costs
Total: $50,000 - $70,000
Detailed Cost Breakdown
| Agency/Coordination Fee | $18,000 - $28,000 |
| Surrogate Compensation | $18,000 - $25,000 |
| Medical/IVF Procedures | $10,000 - $15,000 |
| Legal Services | $8,000 - $13,000 |
| Travel & Accommodation | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| Insurance | Included in program |
| Egg Donation (if needed) | $6,000 - $9,000 |
| Total Estimated Range | $50,000 - $70,000 |
Typically Included
- Full LGBTQ+ inclusion and legal protection
- Court parentage order (both parents named)
- World-class fertility clinics
- Double donation permitted
- Single parents welcome
Additional Costs to Budget
- Court filing fees (included in legal)
- International flights
- Extended stays for court process
- Apostille services for home country
Important Note
Most inclusive affordable destination. Same time zones as North America. Requires post-birth court process (adds 2-6 weeks). No genetic link required.
Mexico Surrogacy Costs
Total: $55,000 - $80,000
Detailed Cost Breakdown
| Agency/Coordination Fee | $20,000 - $30,000 |
| Surrogate Compensation | $18,000 - $25,000 |
| Medical/IVF Procedures | $12,000 - $18,000 |
| Legal Services | $11,000 - $17,000 |
| Travel & Accommodation | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| Insurance | $3,000 - $5,000 |
| Egg Donation (if needed) | $7,000 - $10,000 |
| Total Estimated Range | $55,000 - $80,000 |
Typically Included
- Close proximity to USA (short flights)
- Familiar culture for North Americans
- Sinaloa state legal framework
- Spanish-speaking coordination
- Pre-authorization court process
Additional Costs to Budget
- Flights and ground transportation
- Extended accommodation
- Additional court appearances
- Document translation/apostille
Important Note
Legal in Sinaloa state. Requires court approval before embryo transfer. Primarily serves married heterosexual couples. 40-50% savings vs USA.
USA vs. International Surrogacy: Which is Right for You?
Both paths lead to your family. Here is an honest comparison to help you decide.
United States
$120,000 - $200,000
Best For:
- LGBTQ+ families wanting maximum protection
- Those prioritizing highest success rates
- Families wanting baby to be US citizen
- Intended parents who prefer minimal travel
Considerations:
- Highest cost option (2-4x international)
- Insurance costs can vary significantly
- State laws vary - choose location carefully
International
$40,000 - $80,000
Best For:
- Budget-conscious families (save $80K+)
- LGBTQ+ families (Colombia option)
- Heterosexual couples with clear legal path
- Those comfortable with international travel
Considerations:
- Requires international travel (2-4 trips)
- Embassy/citizenship process varies
- Some countries restrict LGBTQ+/singles
Why Do Surrogacy Costs Vary So Much?
Several factors influence the total cost of your surrogacy journey.
Location
Cost of living dramatically affects surrogate compensation and medical costs. US surrogates earn $35-60K vs. $12-20K internationally.
Legal Complexity
Countries with established surrogacy laws (Ukraine, Georgia) have streamlined processes. Others require court proceedings that add time and cost.
Surrogate Experience
First-time surrogates typically have lower compensation than experienced surrogates with proven track records.
Twins/Multiples
Twin pregnancies increase surrogate compensation (typically $5-10K more), medical costs, and sometimes insurance requirements.
Egg/Sperm Donation
Using an egg or sperm donor adds $5-20K depending on country and whether you use fresh or frozen donor material.
IVF Cycles Needed
Most programs include one IVF/transfer cycle. Additional cycles (if first does not succeed) add $5-15K per attempt.
Financing Your Surrogacy Journey
Surrogacy is a significant investment. Here are options families use to make it possible.
Fertility-Specific Loans
Several lenders specialize in fertility financing with competitive rates and flexible terms. These loans are designed specifically for IVF and surrogacy expenses.
- Loans from $10,000 to $100,000+
- Terms typically 2-7 years
- No penalty for early payoff
Home Equity Options
Homeowners may access equity through HELOCs or home equity loans, often at lower interest rates than personal loans.
- Lower interest rates (5-8% typical)
- Interest may be tax-deductible
- Draw funds as needed
Employer Benefits
A growing number of employers offer fertility benefits that cover some surrogacy expenses. Check your HR policies.
- Some cover up to $25,000-$50,000
- Tech companies leading adoption
- Ask about surrogacy-specific coverage
Grants & Fundraising
Several organizations offer grants for intended parents. Crowdfunding platforms also help families raise support from their communities.
- LGBTQ+ family building grants
- Military family assistance programs
- GoFundMe and similar platforms
Frequently Asked Questions About Surrogacy Costs
Why is surrogacy in the USA so much more expensive?
US costs reflect higher surrogate compensation (due to cost of living), expensive medical care, comprehensive legal requirements, and insurance costs. However, you receive maximum legal protection and world-class medical care. Many families consider it worth the premium.
Are there hidden costs I should know about?
Common additional costs include: multiple IVF cycles if needed, extended travel/hotel stays, newborn care and supplies, embassy/passport fees, and post-birth legal documentation. Always ask for a complete itemized estimate and budget an additional 10-15% for contingencies.
What is included in surrogate compensation?
Base compensation covers the pregnancy itself. Additional payments typically include: monthly allowance, maternity clothing, lost wages, childcare for surrogates own children, C-section bonus (if applicable), and multiples bonus. International programs often include housing and living expenses during pregnancy.
How do payment schedules typically work?
Most programs require phased payments: initial deposit (10-25%), payment before matching, payment before IVF, and final payments during pregnancy. Escrow accounts protect both parties. Never pay the full amount upfront to any agency.
What happens if the first IVF cycle does not work?
Most program fees cover one IVF/transfer cycle. Additional cycles cost $5,000-15,000 each depending on location. Some agencies offer packages with multiple-cycle pricing. Ask about this upfront when comparing programs.
Is international surrogacy safe and legal?
Yes, in established destinations with clear legal frameworks (Ukraine, Georgia, Colombia, Mexico-Sinaloa). The key is working with reputable agencies that have proven track records, proper legal counsel, and ethical standards. GlobalStork only partners with vetted agencies in each country.
Can I get a refund if the surrogacy does not work out?
Refund policies vary significantly by agency and country. Some offer partial refunds for unused services, others have all-inclusive packages with guarantees. Always review the contract carefully and understand what happens in various scenarios before signing.
Are surrogacy costs tax-deductible?
In the US, some medical expenses related to surrogacy may be deductible if they exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. However, surrogate compensation and agency fees are typically not deductible. Consult a tax professional familiar with family-building expenses.
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