Birth control comes in many forms, from pills and IUDs to condoms and vasectomies. But how much does birth control cost? The price varies based on the method, brand, insurance coverage, and availability of free options.
So, let’s break down the cost of different birth control methods—for both men and women—and explore ways to save money! 👇
💲 Average Cost of Birth Control in the U.S.
Birth Control Method |
Cost Per Month (Without Insurance) |
Cost Per Month (With Insurance) |
|---|---|---|
Birth Control Pills |
$15 – $50 |
$0 – $10 |
Birth Control Patch (Xulane, Twirla) |
$30 – $150 |
$0 – $30 |
Birth Control Shot (Depo-Provera, Every 3 Months) |
$50 – $150 |
$0 – $30 |
Birth Control Ring (NuvaRing, Annovera) |
$50 – $200 |
$0 – $30 |
Birth Control Implant (Nexplanon, Lasts 3-5 Years) |
$800 – $1,500 |
$0 – $300 |
IUD (Hormonal, Lasts 3-7 Years) |
$1,000 – $1,500 |
$0 – $300 |
IUD (Copper, Lasts 10+ Years) |
$1,000 – $1,500 |
$0 – $300 |
Condoms (Male) |
$0.50 – $3 each |
Not covered by insurance |
Internal Condoms (Female) |
$2 – $5 each |
Not covered by insurance |
Spermicide & Sponges |
$3 – $15 per use |
Not covered by insurance |
Diaphragm & Cervical Cap |
$50 – $150 |
$0 – $30 |
Morning-After Pill (Plan B, Ella) |
$10 – $50 per dose |
Not covered by insurance |
Vasectomy (Permanent, Male) |
$500 – $3,000 |
$0 – $1,000 |
Tubal Ligation (Permanent, Female) |
$1,500 – $6,000 |
$0 – $3,000 |
🔹 Key Takeaways:
- Short-term birth control (pills, patches, rings) costs $15 – $200 per month.
- Long-term options (IUDs, implants) cost more upfront but last for years.
- Insurance can cover most birth control for $0 – $50.
- Male birth control options (condoms, vasectomy) are cheaper than female sterilization.
🏥 What Affects the Cost of Birth Control?
✅ Type of Birth Control – Pills and condoms are cheap, but IUDs and sterilization cost more upfront.
✅ Insurance Coverage – Many health plans cover birth control for free under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
✅ Brand vs. Generic – Generic birth control pills cost 50-70% less than brand-name versions.
✅ Pharmacy or Clinic Choice – Planned Parenthood, state clinics, and university health centers offer low-cost or free birth control.
✅ Location – Urban areas have more options for free or discounted birth control.
📍 Birth Control Costs by U.S. State
State |
Average Cost of Birth Control Pills (Without Insurance) |
IUD Cost (Without Insurance) |
|---|---|---|
California |
$20 – $60 |
$1,200 – $1,500 |
Texas |
$15 – $50 |
$1,000 – $1,400 |
New York |
$20 – $70 |
$1,300 – $1,600 |
Florida |
$15 – $55 |
$1,000 – $1,500 |
Illinois |
$18 – $60 |
$1,100 – $1,400 |
💡 Pro Tip: Many states require insurance to cover birth control with no copay.
🌎 How Much Does Birth Control Cost in Other Countries?
Country |
Birth Control Pills (Per Month) |
IUD Cost |
Government Coverage? |
|---|---|---|---|
United States 🇺🇸 |
$15 – $50 |
$1,000 – $1,500 |
✅ Some insurance covers it |
United Kingdom 🇬🇧 |
$0 |
$0 |
✅ Free under NHS |
Canada 🇨🇦 |
$0 – $25 |
$0 – $500 |
✅ Some public plans cover it |
Australia 🇦🇺 |
$0 – $30 |
$100 – $600 |
✅ Some subsidized options |
Germany 🇩🇪 |
$0 – $20 |
$0 – $500 |
✅ Public health insurance covers it |
France 🇫🇷 |
$0 – $10 |
$0 – $200 |
✅ Mostly free |
🔹 Key Takeaways:
- Many countries provide free or low-cost birth control through public healthcare.
- The U.S. has higher birth control costs compared to most other developed nations.
- Some Americans travel to Mexico or Canada for cheaper birth control options.
🏦 Birth Control Costs With and Without Insurance
Insurance Type |
Coverage for Birth Control? |
Out-of-Pocket Cost |
|---|---|---|
Private Insurance (Employer or Marketplace Plan) |
✅ Covers most forms for free |
$0 – $50 |
Medicare (Part D, for those under 65 with disabilities) |
❌ Not Covered |
Full cost |
Medicaid |
✅ Covers most birth control |
$0 – $10 |
No Insurance (Self-Pay) |
❌ Not Covered |
$15 – $1,500+ |
🔥 Pro Tip: Many community health clinics offer free or low-cost birth control, even without insurance.
🛠 Male Birth Control Options & Their Costs
Male Birth Control Method |
Cost (Without Insurance) |
Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|
Condoms |
$0.50 – $3 each |
85% – 98% |
Internal Condoms |
$2 – $5 each |
79% – 95% |
Vasectomy (Permanent) |
$500 – $3,000 |
99.9% |
Withdrawal (“Pull-Out”) |
Free |
78% |
Male Birth Control Pill (Future Option) |
TBD (Not Yet Available) |
TBD |
💡 Vasectomies are cheaper and safer than female sterilization (tubal ligation).
🚀 Ways to Save Money on Birth Control
💡 Here’s how to lower birth control costs:
✅ Use Insurance – Most plans cover birth control for free.
✅ Visit Planned Parenthood or Community Clinics – Many offer free or low-cost birth control.
✅ Use a Prescription Discount Card – GoodRx, SingleCare, and Optum Perks cut birth control costs by 20-80%.
✅ Ask for Generic Options – Generic birth control pills cost up to 70% less than brand names.
✅ Consider a Long-Term Option – IUDs and implants cost more upfront but save money over time.
💡 Example: A $1,500 IUD that lasts 7 years costs just $18 per month over time—cheaper than birth control pills!
🎯 Final Thoughts: Is Birth Control Too Expensive?
Birth control costs vary widely, but most methods are affordable—especially with insurance, government programs, or clinic discounts.
💡 Key Takeaways:
✅ Short-term birth control (pills, patches, rings) costs $15 – $200 per month.
✅ Long-term options (IUDs, implants) cost $1,000+ upfront but last for years.
✅ Insurance covers most birth control for free or low cost.
✅ Male birth control options are cheaper than female options.
✅ Community health clinics and discount programs can help lower costs.
💬 Do you think birth control should be free? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 👇
🚀 For real-world medical pricing insights, bookmark CostHowMuch.com!
