Vet Cost: Austin vs Chicago (2026)
Austin annual vet spending averages $813/year — $96/year less than Chicago's $909/year.
Austin, TX
$813
annual avg
+$3 vs national avg
Chicago, IL
$909
annual avg
+$99 vs national avg
Austin vs Chicago — All Procedures
Annual or per-visit costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Procedure / Category | Austin | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Spending | $813 ✓ | $909 |
| Wellness Exam | $65 ✓ | $73 |
| Dog Spay/Neuter | $301 ✓ | $337 |
| Dental Cleaning | $502 ✓ | $562 |
| Emergency Exam | $166 ✓ | $185 |
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 Austin is $813/year vs Chicago's $909/year.
Annual savings
$96
5-year savings
$480
10-year savings
$960
% difference
12%
Savings = Chicago cost minus Austin cost. Annual vet spending for one adult dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vet care cheaper in Austin or Chicago?
Austin is cheaper for annual vet spending at $813/year, vs. $909/year in Chicago — a $96/year gap. Austin wins on 5 of 5 cost categories.
How much can I save on vet bills moving from Chicago to Austin?
Annual vet spending in Austin runs $96/year less than in Chicago. Over a typical 10-year lifespan of a dog, that's $960 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. Austin is $3 above the national average, and Chicago is $99 above.
Related Comparisons
See full cost breakdown: Vet costs in Austin · Vet costs in Chicago · All city comparisons