OBJECTIVES: There is no published study about the direct costs linked to the procedure of the EC in Brazil.  Our aim was to determine a base price of a single procedure of EC. METHODS: Based on a micro cost approach, we first determined the individual items that compose an EC procedure. Then we conducted a market price search for each of them in order to compose the final total cost. For the permanent equipment needed we considered an amortization time of 24 months and a 1% monthly interest percent rate RESULTS: An EC procedure requires an initial investment in one computer and in one receiver, which is attached to the patient to capture the capsule’s signal, known as “belt”. Included in the analysis there are also the cost of the capsule per si, some medicines, the physician’s and the room fee. The initial investment is US$19,411. Each capsule cost US$647 (single use). A medical fee of US$380 was set, that include the administration of the capsule, the supervision of the patient during the length of the procedure and the interpretation of the exam. Considering a service that performs three exams a month, a cost of US$1645 would be necessary to cover the expenses with material, personnel (doctors included) and to pay the amortization costs , insurance and interests for a 24 months period. CONCLUSIONS: In Brazil, the cost of EC procedure may be set at US$1645 in order to cover the expenses of the services