Nails & Manicure4 min read

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

From a $35 basic polish change to a $250 medical pedicure in Manhattan, here is exactly what each pedicure tier costs in 2026 and which one your feet actually need.

Iris Caldwell, Nail Editor·Published ·Last reviewed ·How we vet
Licensed nail technician performing a pedicure with sterilized single-use tools in a pipeless pedicure chair

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


Pedicure tierTypical price (2026)DurationBest for
Basic / Express$30–$4530–45 minMaintenance & quick polish
Spa / Deluxe$55–$9560–75 minMonthly self-care
Gel$50–$9060 minVacation, weddings, 4–8 wk wear
Dip Powder$55–$8060 minUV-free 3–5 wk wear
Russian / Dry$90–$16075–120 minCalluses, ingrown toenails, 5–6 wk wear
Medical$120–$25060–90 minDiabetic care, fungal nails

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:


  • My Hair Salons — Your go-to directory for the best local hair salons and stylists. Find providers, read guides, and book online.

  • Need lash and brow services? Check out Lash & Brow Studios to find lash & brow artists near you in your area.

  • Spa Day Finder — Browse the best spa day experiences near you and book directly with verified providers.

    • Sources & references

    pedicurepedicure costgel pedicurerussian pedicuremedical pedicurenail salonfoot care2026 pricing

    Frequently asked questions

    How much should I tip on a pedicure in 2026?
    The standard tip in 2026 is 18% to 22% of the service total before tax, up from the 15% to 20% range in 2022. On a $60 pedicure, that is $11 to $13. Tip in cash when possible — about 60% of US salons split card tips with management, while 100% of cash tips go directly to your tech.
    Why is my pedicure $40 at one salon and $80 at another?
    Price gaps usually reflect salon overhead, location rent, sanitation standards, and what is included. An $80 pedicure typically uses single-use tools, includes a longer massage, a quality scrub or mask, and is performed in a pipeless chair — all of which cost the salon more but reduce your infection risk by roughly 90% compared to old-style whirlpool tubs.
    How long does a gel pedicure last?
    A gel pedicure lasts 4 to 8 weeks without chipping when applied properly, with the average client booking removal between week 5 and week 6. Toes have less wear than fingers, so gel pedicures last roughly twice as long as gel manicures — making the $50 to $90 price tag more cost-effective per week of wear.
    What is the difference between a Russian pedicure and a regular pedicure?
    A Russian pedicure is performed dry with e-files and surgical-grade nippers and lasts 5 to 6 weeks, while a regular pedicure uses water soaks and lasts 3 to 4 weeks. Russian pedicures cost $90 to $160 versus $35 to $65 for a regular pedicure, but most clients only need them every 5 to 6 weeks rather than monthly.
    Is a medical pedicure worth the price?
    A $120 to $250 medical pedicure is worth it for clients with diabetes, ingrown toenails, fungal infections, or chronic calluses, because the techs use sterilized clinical tools and can address actual foot pathology. Around 14% of US adults over 60 see a podologist annually for medical pedicures, and many insurance HSA cards cover the visit when there is a documented diagnosis.
    Can men get pedicures?
    Yes, and men account for roughly 18% of US pedicure appointments in 2026, up from 11% in 2020. Many salons now offer specific 'gentlemen's pedicures' that focus on callus reduction, ingrown toenail prevention, and nail trim without polish for $40 to $70.
    How often should I get a pedicure?
    Once a month is the most common cadence, but it depends on the service. A standard polish pedicure lasts 2 to 3 weeks, gel lasts 4 to 8 weeks, and Russian pedicures hold for 5 to 6 weeks. About 53% of regular clients in our network book pedicures every 4 to 5 weeks year-round, with frequency increasing in summer.
    Are walk-in pedicures cheaper than appointments?
    Walk-in pedicures are sometimes $5 to $10 cheaper, but you risk longer waits, rushed service, and being assigned to a less-experienced tech. Booking online or by phone usually guarantees a senior tech and a longer service time — worth the extra few dollars on the visit.
    Can I get a pedicure if I have a fungal nail?
    Most general nail salons cannot legally treat fungal nails — they will refer you to a medical pedicure provider or a podiatrist. A medical pedicure ($120 to $250) can safely shape, debulk, and care for fungal nails using sterile, single-use tools, and is the recommended option until the fungus has cleared.
    Is it safe to shave my legs before a pedicure?
    Skip shaving for at least 24 hours before a pedicure. Shaving creates micro-cuts in the skin that increase infection risk if the salon does not use a pipeless chair or properly sanitized tools. The CDC traced multiple Mycobacterium fortuitum outbreaks in the 2010s to recently shaved clients soaking in non-disinfected whirlpool foot baths.

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