Vet Cost: Austin vs Seattle (2026)
Austin annual vet spending averages $813/year — $174/year less than Seattle's $987/year.
Austin, TX
$813
annual avg
+$3 vs national avg
Seattle, WA
$987
annual avg
+$177 vs national avg
Austin vs Seattle — All Procedures
Annual or per-visit costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Procedure / Category | Austin | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Spending | $813 ✓ | $987 |
| Wellness Exam | $65 ✓ | $79 |
| Dog Spay/Neuter | $301 ✓ | $366 |
| Dental Cleaning | $502 ✓ | $610 |
| Emergency Exam | $166 ✓ | $201 |
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 Seattle's $987/year.
Annual savings
$174
5-year savings
$870
10-year savings
$1,740
% difference
21%
Savings = Seattle cost minus Austin cost. Annual vet spending for one adult dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vet care cheaper in Austin or Seattle?
Austin is cheaper for annual vet spending at $813/year, vs. $987/year in Seattle — a $174/year gap. Austin wins on 5 of 5 cost categories.
How much can I save on vet bills moving from Seattle to Austin?
Annual vet spending in Austin runs $174/year less than in Seattle. Over a typical 10-year lifespan of a dog, that's $1,740 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 Seattle is $177 above.
Related Comparisons
See full cost breakdown: Vet costs in Austin · Vet costs in Seattle · All city comparisons