How much is a pedicure?
A basic pedicure typically costs $35 to $50, a deluxe or spa pedicure runs $60 to $100, and a gel pedicure averages $45 to $80 in 2026. Prices climb 30 to 50 percent higher in major cities, and tips usually add 15 to 20 percent.
Cost breakdown
| Option | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic pedicure | $35 - $50 | Soak, trim, cuticle care, callus removal, brief massage, polish; 30 - 45 min |
| Gel pedicure | $45 - $80 | Adds long-lasting gel polish cured under a lamp |
| Deluxe / spa pedicure | $60 - $100 | Extended massage, exfoliating scrub, foot mask, hot towel; 60 - 90 min |
| Major cities (NYC, LA) | +30% to +50% | Premium over national averages for the same service |
| Tip (customary) | +15% to +20% | Added on top of the service price |
What a pedicure costs
A basic pedicure usually costs $35 to $50 in 2026 and covers the core steps: a foot soak, nail trim and shaping, cuticle care, callus removal, a short massage, and polish, typically in 30 to 45 minutes. It is the standard option at most nail salons.
Upgrades cost more. A gel pedicure averages $45 to $80 because it uses longer-lasting gel polish cured under a lamp, while a deluxe or spa pedicure runs $60 to $100 and adds an extended massage, exfoliating scrub, moisturizing mask, and hot-towel wrap over 60 to 90 minutes.
What drives the price
Location is the biggest factor. In major cities such as New York or Los Angeles, the same service can cost 30 to 50 percent more than the national average, while suburban and small-town salons sit at the lower end of each range.
Service level and add-ons also matter. Gel polish, paraffin treatments, extended massage, and premium spa packages all raise the total. Tipping is customary in most places and usually adds another 15 to 20 percent on top of the listed price.
Ways to save
Choosing a basic pedicure over a spa package is the simplest way to keep costs down, since the core foot care is the same and the upgrades are mainly comfort and pampering. Deal sites such as Groupon often list pedicures starting around $20 to $40, saving 35 to 50 percent off walk-in prices.
Skipping gel in favor of regular polish lowers the price and avoids removal fees later. Going on weekdays or during off-peak hours and building a relationship with one salon can also lead to better pricing over time.
Frequently asked questions
- How much is a basic pedicure?
- Usually $35 to $50 in 2026, covering a soak, nail trim, cuticle care, callus removal, a short massage, and polish in about 30 to 45 minutes.
- How much more is a gel or spa pedicure?
- A gel pedicure averages $45 to $80 for longer-lasting polish, and a deluxe or spa pedicure runs $60 to $100 with extended massage, scrub, mask, and hot-towel treatment.
- Should I tip on a pedicure?
- Yes. Tipping is customary in most salons and usually adds 15 to 20 percent on top of the service price.
Researched and edited by Calvin Lauderdale, Lead Researcher & Editor. Figures on this page were verified against the sources above as of June 23, 2026.