A do-it-yourself radon test usually costs $10 to $50, depending on whether it’s short-term or long-term, and some state programs offer kits free or at a discount. A test by a professional generally costs about $50 to $200. Michigan puts it at $50 to $150 (Michigan EGLE) and Virginia at $100 to $200 (Virginia Department of Health).
The costs at a glance
| Test | Typical cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Short-term home kit | $10 to $20; many kits are under $25 | Michigan EGLE; EPA |
| Long-term home kit | $20 to $50 | Michigan EGLE |
| Kit from National Radon Program Services | $20 short-term, $30 long-term, lab analysis and return included | sosradon.org, November 2026 |
| Professional test | $50 to $150 in Michigan; $100 to $200 in Virginia | Michigan EGLE; Virginia |
Free and low-cost kits
Check your state program before you buy. A few examples of what’s on offer:
- New York: $12.25, including the kit, analysis and return postage (New York State Department of Health).
- Virginia: a limited supply of short-term kits for a $4 shipping fee (Virginia Department of Health).
- Wisconsin: about $15 at a Radon Information Center or an affiliated local health department, including lab analysis, compared with about $30 for kits found online or at hardware stores (Wisconsin DHS).
We keep a list of free and discounted radon test kits by state.
What to check when you buy a kit
Most kits include the postage and lab analysis in the price, but a few companies charge extra for them, so check before you buy. Kits also have an expiry date, and an expired kit won’t give you an accurate result (Michigan EGLE). See where to buy a radon test kit.
Budget for a second test if the first short-term test comes back high. CDC says to fix a home if the average of two short-term tests, or a long-term test, is 4 pCi/L or more (CDC). See how to test for radon.
What changes the price of a professional test
The price depends on the device or instrument the tester uses, travel costs and similar factors (Michigan EGLE). Active devices, such as continuous monitors, may cost more, but they may give a more reliable result because they record changes during the test, and some are designed to detect interference (EPA, Home Buyer’s and Seller’s Guide).
How much is a radon inspection during a home sale?
A radon inspection is a radon test, so the ranges above are the best official guide. We didn’t find an official figure for adding one to a home inspection, so ask the inspector for a price. Check that whoever does it holds a state or national credential: see radon inspections.
People buying or selling often prefer a professional (Michigan EGLE). EPA suggests the purchase contract say how the buyer and seller share the test costs (EPA, Home Buyer’s and Seller’s Guide).
Is radon testing worth it?
Testing is the only way to know whether your home has a radon problem, and EPA recommends testing all homes (EPA, Basic Radon Facts). If you’re testing your own home and not selling it, a low-cost kit is usually enough. If you want to watch your level over time, compare radon test kits and monitors.
If your result is high, see what radon mitigation costs.