Independent surrogacy costs between $80,000-$130,000 compared to $130,000-$180,000 for agency surrogacy, offering potential savings of $20,000-$50,000. This comprehensive cost breakdown covers surrogate compensation ($35,000-$60,000), legal fees ($8,000-$15,000), medical expenses ($12,000-$40,000), insurance costs ($8,000-$35,000), and hidden expenses like time investment and emergency funds. While agency fees are eliminated, independent surrogacy requires intended parents to manage screening, coordination, and problem-solving themselves.
