Vet Cost: Albuquerque vs Houston (2026)
Albuquerque annual vet spending averages $699/year — $61/year less than Houston's $760/year.
Albuquerque, NM
$699
annual avg
-$111 vs national avg
Houston, TX
$760
annual avg
-$50 vs national avg
Albuquerque vs Houston — All Procedures
Annual or per-visit costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Procedure / Category | Albuquerque | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Spending | $699 ✓ | $760 |
| Wellness Exam | $56 ✓ | $61 |
| Dog Spay/Neuter | $259 ✓ | $281 |
| Dental Cleaning | $431 ✓ | $469 |
| Emergency Exam | $142 ✓ | $155 |
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 Houston's $760/year.
Annual savings
$61
5-year savings
$305
10-year savings
$610
% difference
9%
Savings = Houston cost minus Albuquerque cost. Annual vet spending for one adult dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vet care cheaper in Albuquerque or Houston?
Albuquerque is cheaper for annual vet spending at $699/year, vs. $760/year in Houston — a $61/year gap. Albuquerque wins on 5 of 5 cost categories.
How much can I save on vet bills moving from Houston to Albuquerque?
Annual vet spending in Albuquerque runs $61/year less than in Houston. Over a typical 10-year lifespan of a dog, that's $610 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 Houston is $50 below.
Related Comparisons
See full cost breakdown: Vet costs in Albuquerque · Vet costs in Houston · All city comparisons