Healthcare is a crucial part of our lives, but the financial impact of seeking care can be overwhelming, especially when a hospital stay becomes necessary.
According to a recent studies, the average American earning a standard wage would need to work a staggering 384 hours just to cover the cost of a typical hospital stay.
Of course, these costs aren’t uniform across the country—they vary significantly from state to state.
Curious about where residents face the highest and lowest workloads to afford hospital care?
Keep reading to discover the state-by-state breakdown, along with tips on how to make the most of your health insurance to help manage these costs.
State-by-State Analysis
| State | Average Cost per Inpatient Day |
| United States | $3,025 |
| Alabama | $1,899 |
| Alaska | $2,230 |
| Arizona | $3,243 |
| Arkansas | $2,266 |
| California | $4,337 |
| Colorado | $3,567 |
| Connecticut | $3,266 |
| Delaware | $3,359 |
| District of Columbia | $4,068 |
| Florida | $2,826 |
| Georgia | $2,282 |
| Hawaii | $3,117 |
| Idaho | $3,666 |
| Illinois | $3,181 |
| Indiana | $3,175 |
| Iowa | $1,880 |
| Kansas | $2,340 |
| Kentucky | $2,612 |
| Louisiana | $2,632 |
| Maine | $2,887 |
| Maryland | $3,609 |
| Massachusetts | $3,529 |
| Michigan | $2,475 |
| Minnesota | $2,745 |
| Mississippi | $1,425 |
| Missouri | $2,743 |
| Montana | $2,198 |
| Nebraska | $2,729 |
| Nevada | $2,410 |
| New Hampshire | $3,000 |
| New Jersey | $3,296 |
| New Mexico | $3,054 |
| New York | $3,714 |
| North Carolina | $2,677 |
| North Dakota | $2,329 |
| Ohio | $3,392 |
| Oklahoma | $2,379 |
| Oregon | $4,003 |
| Pennsylvania | $2,989 |
| Rhode Island | $3,102 |
| South Carolina | $2,390 |
| South Dakota | $1,719 |
| Tennessee | $2,590 |
| Texas | $3,060 |
| Utah | $3,500 |
| Vermont | $3,079 |
| Virginia | $2,871 |
| Washington | $3,843 |
| West Virginia | $2,240 |
| Wisconsin | $2,804 |
| Wyoming | $1,761 |
KFF notes thatHospital costs per inpatient day vary significantly across the United States, with the national average sitting at $3,025.
States like California and Oregon report the highest expenses, exceeding $4,000 per day, driven by high living costs and advanced medical facilities.
Conversely, states like Mississippi and South Dakota, with costs below $1,800, reflect lower operational and wage expenses.
Regional differences are influenced by factors such as healthcare infrastructure, economic conditions, and state policies.
Hospital Stay Costs in the U.S. (1999 – 2022)
The cost of a hospital stay per day in the United States has experienced a sharp upward trend over the past two decades.
According to data from ConsumerShields from 1999 to 2022, the average daily hospital cost has risen from $1,101 in 1999 to $3,025 in 2022, marking a staggering increase of approximately 175% over 23 years.
This growth is driven by a combination of factors such as inflation, advancements in medical technology, and changes in healthcare regulations.
Changes in Hospital Costs Over Time
The table below highlights the year-by-year increase in average hospital stay costs:
| Year | Cost per Day (USD) | Yearly Percentage Increase (%) |
| 1999 | $1,101.80 | – |
| 2000 | $1,148.47 | 4.24% |
| 2005 | $1,522.42 | 6.80% |
| 2010 | $1,909.64 | 3.08% |
| 2015 | $2,270.51 | 4.05% |
| 2020 | $2,873.01 | 6.11% |
| 2022 | $3,025.23 | 5.30% |
Key Trends:
- From 1999 to 2005, costs rose steadily, reaching $1,522, with annual increases averaging about 5.8%.
- Between 2010 and 2020, hospital costs saw a more rapid climb, averaging 5% annually.
- The most significant jump occurred between 2020 and 2022, when costs increased by over $150 per day.
Factors That Affect Hospital Stay Costs
Hospital costs are influenced by a variety of factors, including:
- Type of Hospital: Costs vary depending on ownership—state, non-profit, or for-profit.
- Location: Hospitals in urban areas often have higher operational costs than rural ones.
- Medical Condition: Complex conditions requiring specialized care drive up costs.
- Length of Stay: Longer stays naturally accumulate higher charges.
Hospital Costs by Ownership Type
Ownership plays a critical role in determining hospital stay costs:
- For-Profit Hospitals: Typically offer lower costs due to streamlined operations.
- State/Local Government Hospitals: Competitive pricing, though these hospitals often balance care quality with cost control.
- Non-Profit Hospitals: Tend to have the highest costs due to their broader service offerings and investments in community health programs.
Rising Costs and What Do They Mean?
The consistent rise in hospital costs underscores the growing financial burden on patients according to NCBI study. For example:
- In 1999, a patient might pay around $1,100 per day for hospital care.
- In 2022, the same patient would face a cost of over $3,000—an almost threefold increase.
To manage these costs, individuals should:
- Understand Their Insurance: Ensure adequate coverage for inpatient stays.
- Negotiate Bills: Many hospitals offer payment plans or discounts for uninsured patients.
- Plan Ahead: Discuss estimated costs with providers before elective hospitalizations
How Infections Drive Up Expenses
Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) significantly impact hospital stay costs in the United States.
According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), in 2019 and 2021, inpatient stays involving HAIs had longer median lengths of stay, higher in-hospital mortality rates, and increased median hospital costs compared to stays without HAIs.
These infections not only affect patient health outcomes but also contribute to the escalating expenses associated with hospital care. Implementing stringent infection control measures is essential to mitigate these costs and improve patient safety.
Conclusion
Hospital stay costs in the U.S. have surged dramatically over the past 23 years, fueled by inflation, technological advancements, and other economic factors.
Getting to know these trends and the role of hospital ownership in pricing can help patients navigate healthcare costs more effectively.
By planning ahead and leveraging resources like insurance and financial assistance programs, individuals can better manage the financial impact of hospital stays.
