A hair transplant in California costs between $12,000 and $20,000 on average in 2026, with per-graft pricing ranging from $5 to $8. California is one of the most expensive states for hair restoration, driven by high real estate costs, a concentration of elite surgeons, and strong demand in major metros like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or medical advice.
California Hair Transplant Pricing Breakdown
California has the largest hair transplant market in the US by total procedure volume. Los Angeles alone has over 50 clinics offering FUE, ranging from high-volume practices to boutique Beverly Hills offices where celebrity surgeons perform a handful of cases per week. That spectrum creates one of the widest price ranges in the country.
Beverly Hills and West Los Angeles represent the premium tier, with per-graft pricing of $6 to $8 and total procedures routinely exceeding $20,000 for moderate Norwood stages. The San Francisco Bay Area follows closely, with clinics in Palo Alto, San Jose, and San Francisco charging $5 to $7 per graft.
San Diego offers a slightly more accessible price point at $5 to $6 per graft, and Sacramento sits at a similar level. Inland Empire and Central Valley clinics are the most affordable in the state, sometimes matching national average pricing of $4 to $6 per graft.
FUE dominates California's market at roughly 85% of all procedures in 2026. Robotic FUE (using ARTAS or similar systems) is more widely available in California than most states, though it adds $1,000 to $3,000 to the total cost.
Cost by Norwood Stage in California
| Norwood Stage | Grafts Needed | California Cost | Turkey Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| NW2 | 800 to 1,500 | $4,000 to $12,000 | $1,600 to $3,000 |
| NW3 | 1,500 to 2,200 | $7,500 to $17,600 | $2,500 to $4,000 |
| NW4 | 2,500 to 3,500 | $12,500 to $28,000 | $2,500 to $4,500 |
| NW5 | 3,000 to 4,500 | $15,000 to $36,000 | $2,500 to $4,500 |
| NW6 | 4,000 to 6,000 | $20,000 to $48,000 | $3,000 to $4,500 |
| NW7 | 5,500 to 7,500 | $27,500 to $60,000 | $3,500 to $4,500 |
Most California patients fall between Norwood 3 and Norwood 5, placing the typical total in the $12,000 to $20,000 range.
California vs Turkey vs National Average
| Factor | California | National Average (US) | Turkey (All-Inclusive) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per graft | $5 to $8 | $4 to $6 | $1 to $2 |
| Total procedure (2,500 grafts) | $12,500 to $20,000 | $10,000 to $15,000 | $2,500 to $4,500 |
| Travel required | No (local) | Varies | Yes (flights + 5 to 7 days) |
| Hotel included | No | No | Yes |
| Follow-up visits | Easy (local surgeon) | Easy | Remote/virtual |
| Financing available | Yes (most clinics) | Yes | Rarely |
The savings from choosing Turkey over California are among the largest in the US. A Norwood 4 patient needing 3,000 grafts at $6 per graft would pay $18,000 in California versus $2,500 to $4,500 all-inclusive in Turkey. Nonstop flights from LAX to Istanbul run approximately $700 to $1,200 round trip, still leaving total Turkey costs under $6,000. For the full analysis, see our Turkey vs USA cost comparison.
Why California Prices Are Higher Than Average
Three factors drive California's premium pricing. First, commercial real estate in Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and downtown San Francisco is among the most expensive in the world, and clinics pass those costs through to patients. Second, California has the highest concentration of ISHRS-certified hair transplant surgeons in the US, and those with celebrity clientele or media profiles command higher fees. Third, demand is exceptionally strong in image-conscious markets like Los Angeles, sustaining premium pricing even as supply has grown.
Use our graft cost calculator to estimate your total graft needs and compare costs across locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a hair transplant cost in California?
A hair transplant in California typically costs between $12,000 and $20,000 for a full procedure. The cost per graft ranges from $5 to $8, which is above the national average. Los Angeles and Beverly Hills clinics charge at the top of this range, while San Diego and Sacramento offer slightly lower pricing.
Is Turkey cheaper than California for hair transplants?
Yes, Turkey is substantially cheaper than California for hair transplants. All-inclusive packages in Turkey range from $2,500 to $4,500, covering the procedure, hotel, airport transfers, and aftercare. That compares to $12,000 to $20,000 in California for the procedure alone, making Turkey roughly 75% to 85% less expensive.
What is the average cost per graft in California?
The average cost per graft in California ranges from $5 to $8. Los Angeles and Beverly Hills clinics often charge $6 to $8 per graft. San Francisco Bay Area clinics range from $5 to $7. San Diego and Sacramento clinics tend to fall in the $5 to $6 range. Your total cost depends on how many grafts your Norwood stage requires.
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.