Pedicure Cost Guide 2026: Spa, Gel, Russian, and Medical Pricing in the US

Pedicure prices in 2026 cover an unexpectedly wide range — anywhere from $30 for a basic polish change at a strip-mall salon to $250+ for a medical pedicure at a podiatry-affiliated nail studio in Manhattan. Picking the right service for your feet (and your budget) starts with understanding what each tier actually includes. This guide breaks down every category, what to ask for, and what each one costs across the United States this year.

How Much Does a Pedicure Cost in 2026?

A standard salon pedicure costs $35 to $65 in 2026, with the national average sitting at $50 for a 45- to 60-minute service. Gel and dip pedicures run $50 to $90. Medical and Russian pedicures, performed dry with surgical-grade tools, cost $90 to $250 depending on the city, and luxury hotel-spa pedicures with extended massage and aromatherapy hit $130 to $200.

In Zoca's mynailartists directory of 1,300+ verified salons across 80 US cities, the median pedicure check including tip is $58 in 2026, up roughly 9% from 2024 — a result of the FDA crackdown on unauthorized acetone-soak nail products and rising labor costs in major metros.

Pedicure Tiers Explained

Basic / Express Pedicure ($30–$45)

A basic pedicure includes a soak, nail trim, cuticle care, light callus filing, a quick foot rub, and standard polish. Most appointments last 30 to 45 minutes. Best for: maintenance between full pedicures, men who want clean nails without polish, and tight time windows. Tip on a $35 basic pedicure typically runs $7 to $9.

Spa / Deluxe Pedicure ($55–$95)

The spa pedicure is the most-booked service in our network, accounting for 41% of total pedicure appointments. It adds a sugar or salt scrub, a hydrating mask, paraffin or hot stone treatment, and a longer 15-to-20-minute massage. Best for: monthly self-care, gift cards, and dry-skin sufferers who want softer feet through summer.

Gel Pedicure ($50–$90)

Gel pedicures use UV- or LED-cured polish that lasts 4 to 8 weeks without chipping. The trade-off is a more involved removal — you cannot just file gel off, and acetone soak-off should always be done by a licensed tech. Best for: vacations, weddings, and busy professionals who do not want to re-do polish weekly. Add $5 to $10 for designs.

Dip Powder Pedicure ($55–$80)

Dip powder bonds powder pigment to the natural nail with a bonding resin and lasts 3 to 5 weeks. It does not require UV light, which appeals to clients concerned about cumulative UV exposure. Removal is similar to gel — acetone soak-off only.

Russian / Dry Pedicure ($90–$160)

A Russian pedicure is performed without water using e-files, electric burrs, and surgical-grade nippers. The tech works on dry skin, which gives a precise, long-lasting cuticle line and a smoother callus reduction than a standard wet pedicure. Sessions run 75 to 120 minutes. Best for: clients with persistent calluses, ingrown toenails, or anyone who wants results that last 5 to 6 weeks. Expect to pay $130 to $180 in NYC, LA, and Miami; $90 to $130 in Houston, Atlanta, Denver, and Chicago.

Medical Pedicure ($120–$250)

A medical pedicure, sometimes called a med-pedi, is performed by a licensed podologist or a podiatry-affiliated nail technician using sterilized, single-use tools in a clinical setting. It treats fungal nails, ingrown toenails, diabetic foot care, and severe calluses. No polish is applied unless requested. Sessions last 60 to 90 minutes and are widely available in cities like New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Boston.

Factors That Affect Pedicure Price

City of residence is the biggest variable — a deluxe pedicure in San Francisco averages $85, while the same service in Indianapolis averages $50. Salon overhead matters too: a hotel-spa pedicure includes valet, robe, and lounge access, all priced into your check. Single-use tools and EPA-registered pipeless pedicure chairs add $5 to $15 per service but also signal a much lower infection risk.

Add-ons add up. CBD or magnesium foot soaks run $10 to $25, callus shaving (where legal) runs $10 to $20, and nail art is typically $5 to $25 depending on complexity. French tip pedicures cost $5 to $15 above the base service. Tipping is standard at 18% to 22% in 2026, up from 15% to 20% in 2022.

How to Save on Pedicures Without Cutting Corners

Book mid-week, ideally Tuesday through Thursday, for off-peak rates. Many salons run a $5 to $15 mid-week discount that is not advertised online. Bring your own polish if you have a specific shade you love — some salons offer a $3 to $5 BYO discount. Ask whether the salon offers a punch card or membership; a 6-pedicure card typically saves 10 to 15%.

Skip add-ons that are mostly aroma or marketing — a longer massage and a quality scrub matter more for your feet than a fancy mask. And avoid ultra-cheap walk-in salons charging less than $25 for a pedicure. The math does not work out for licensed labor, single-use tools, and proper sanitation, and the CDC has linked outbreaks of Mycobacterium fortuitum infections to unsanitary pedicure foot baths.

More Ways to Look and Feel Your Best

Beyond nail salons, there is a whole world of beauty and wellness waiting for you: