The cost per graft for a hair transplant in California ranges from $5 to $8 in 2026, making it one of the more expensive states for hair restoration. California has the highest concentration of hair transplant clinics in the US, with major hubs in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego. This large market means more choices but also premium pricing driven by high operating costs and demand.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or medical advice.
California Cost Per Graft Breakdown
California's pricing reflects the state's high cost of living, expensive real estate for medical offices, and the premium that comes with practicing in cities like Beverly Hills and San Francisco. However, the large number of clinics also creates competition that keeps prices from climbing even higher.
| Factor | California | US National Average | Turkey |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per graft (FUE) | $5-8 | $4-6 | $1-2 |
| Cost per graft (FUT) | $4-6 | $3-5 | $0.80-1.50 |
| Average procedure (2,500 grafts) | $12,500-20,000 | $10,000-15,000 | $2,500-4,500 |
| Consultation fee | $0-250 | $0-150 | Usually free |
| Follow-up visits | Included at most clinics | Varies | Virtual (included) |
Pricing by California City
Pricing varies significantly by city within California:
| City | FUE Cost Per Graft | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Beverly Hills / West LA | $7-8 | Highest in state, luxury market |
| Los Angeles (other areas) | $5-7 | Wide range, many options |
| San Francisco | $6-8 | High cost of living drives pricing |
| San Diego | $5-6.50 | More competitive, proximity to Mexico |
| Sacramento | $5-6 | Below LA/SF pricing |
| Orange County | $6-7.50 | Cosmetic surgery hub |
Cost by Norwood Stage in California
| Norwood Stage | Grafts Needed | California Cost (FUE) | Turkey Cost (All-Inclusive) |
|---|---|---|---|
| NW2 | 800-1,500 | $4,000-12,000 | $2,500-3,000 |
| NW3 | 1,500-2,200 | $7,500-17,600 | $2,500-4,000 |
| NW4 | 2,500-3,500 | $12,500-28,000 | $2,500-4,500 |
| NW5 | 3,000-4,500 | $15,000-36,000 | $3,000-4,500 |
| NW6 | 4,000-6,000 | $20,000-48,000 | $3,000-4,500 |
| NW7 | 5,500-7,500 | $27,500-60,000 | $3,500-4,500 |
California vs Turkey vs Mexico
California patients have a unique advantage: proximity to Mexico, which offers a middle-ground option between US pricing and Turkey pricing.
| Option | Cost Per Graft | Travel from LA | Total Cost (3,000 grafts) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $5-7 | None | $15,000-21,000 |
| San Diego | $5-6.50 | 2-hour drive | $15,000-19,500 |
| Tijuana, Mexico | $2-4 | 2.5-hour drive from LA | $6,000-12,000 |
| Istanbul, Turkey | $1-2 | 13-hour flight | $2,500-4,500 (all-inclusive) |
Choose California if:
- You want access to some of the most experienced surgeons in the US
- Local follow-up matters to you during the 7-10 day FUE recovery
- You can use CareCredit, HSA/FSA funds, or clinic financing plans
- You value the legal protections of California's strong consumer rights laws
Consider Mexico if:
- You want significant savings without a long flight
- You are near San Diego or Southern California
- You have researched a specific clinic in Tijuana or Mexico City
Consider Turkey if:
- Maximum savings is the priority ($2,500-4,500 all-inclusive)
- You are comfortable with long-distance travel
- You have verified the specific clinic through independent reviews
For detailed international pricing, see our Turkey vs USA cost comparison.
How to Estimate Your California Cost
- Determine your Norwood stage for free at myhairline.ai/analyze
- Look up your graft range in the table above
- Multiply by California's per-graft rate ($5-8 depending on city)
- Add any recommended extras (PRP at $500-2,000/session)
- Check if your clinic offers package pricing that reduces the per-graft rate for larger sessions
Use our graft cost calculator for a personalized breakdown.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost per graft in California?
The average cost per graft in California ranges from $5 to $8 for FUE in 2026. Los Angeles and San Francisco sit at the top of this range ($6-8), while San Diego, Sacramento, and inland cities offer more competitive pricing at $5-6 per graft.
Is it worth going to Turkey instead of California?
Turkey offers FUE at $1 to $2 per graft versus $5 to $8 in California. A 3,000-graft procedure costs $15,000 to $24,000 in California versus $2,500 to $4,500 in Turkey (all-inclusive). California patients also have Mexico as a closer international option at $2-4 per graft.
How do I calculate my total hair transplant cost?
Multiply your estimated graft count by the per-graft rate. A Norwood 4 patient needing 3,000 grafts at $6.50 per graft in California pays approximately $19,500. Use the free AI tool at myhairline.ai to estimate your graft count before any consultation.
Not sure how many grafts you need? Get a free AI hairline analysis at myhairline.ai/analyze to estimate your Norwood stage and projected graft count in under 60 seconds.