Vet Cost: Albuquerque vs Colorado Springs (2026)
Albuquerque annual vet spending averages $699/year — $170/year less than Colorado Springs's $869/year.
Albuquerque, NM
$699
annual avg
-$111 vs national avg
Colorado Springs, CO
$869
annual avg
+$59 vs national avg
Albuquerque vs Colorado Springs — All Procedures
Annual or per-visit costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Procedure / Category | Albuquerque | Colorado Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Spending | $699 ✓ | $869 |
| Wellness Exam | $56 ✓ | $70 |
| Dog Spay/Neuter | $259 ✓ | $322 |
| Dental Cleaning | $431 ✓ | $537 |
| Emergency Exam | $142 ✓ | $177 |
Source: AVMA economic research + metro cost-of-living adjustment. Annual avg = routine preventive care for one adult dog. 2026 estimates.
Annual Cost Impact
Annual vet spending in Albuquerque is $699/year vs Colorado Springs's $869/year.
Annual savings
$170
5-year savings
$850
10-year savings
$1,700
% difference
24%
Savings = Colorado Springs cost minus Albuquerque cost. Annual vet spending for one adult dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vet care cheaper in Albuquerque or Colorado Springs?
Albuquerque is cheaper for annual vet spending at $699/year, vs. $869/year in Colorado Springs — a $170/year gap. Albuquerque wins on 5 of 5 cost categories.
How much can I save on vet bills moving from Colorado Springs to Albuquerque?
Annual vet spending in Albuquerque runs $170/year less than in Colorado Springs. Over a typical 10-year lifespan of a dog, that's $1,700 saved on routine and preventive care — not counting emergencies or specialist visits.
How do both cities compare to the national average?
The national average for annual vet spending is $810/year. Albuquerque is $111 below the national average, and Colorado Springs is $59 above.
Related Comparisons
See full cost breakdown: Vet costs in Albuquerque · Vet costs in Colorado Springs · All city comparisons