Vet Cost: Austin vs Raleigh (2026)
Raleigh annual vet spending averages $779/year — $34/year less than Austin's $813/year.
Austin, TX
$813
annual avg
+$3 vs national avg
Raleigh, NC
$779
annual avg
-$31 vs national avg
Austin vs Raleigh — All Procedures
Annual or per-visit costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Procedure / Category | Austin | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Spending | $813 | $779 ✓ |
| Wellness Exam | $65 | $63 ✓ |
| Dog Spay/Neuter | $301 | $288 ✓ |
| Dental Cleaning | $502 | $481 ✓ |
| Emergency Exam | $166 | $159 ✓ |
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 Raleigh is $779/year vs Austin's $813/year.
Annual savings
$34
5-year savings
$170
10-year savings
$340
% difference
4%
Savings = Austin cost minus Raleigh cost. Annual vet spending for one adult dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vet care cheaper in Austin or Raleigh?
Raleigh is cheaper for annual vet spending at $779/year, vs. $813/year in Austin — a $34/year gap. Raleigh wins on 5 of 5 cost categories.
How much can I save on vet bills moving from Austin to Raleigh?
Annual vet spending in Raleigh runs $34/year less than in Austin. Over a typical 10-year lifespan of a dog, that's $340 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 Raleigh is $31 below.
Related Comparisons
See full cost breakdown: Vet costs in Austin · Vet costs in Raleigh · All city comparisons