Vet Cost: Baltimore vs Boston (2026)
Baltimore annual vet spending averages $971/year — $125/year less than Boston's $1,096/year.
Baltimore, MD
$971
annual avg
+$161 vs national avg
Boston, MA
$1,096
annual avg
+$286 vs national avg
Baltimore vs Boston — All Procedures
Annual or per-visit costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Procedure / Category | Baltimore | Boston |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Spending | $971 ✓ | $1,096 |
| Wellness Exam | $78 ✓ | $88 |
| Dog Spay/Neuter | $360 ✓ | $406 |
| Dental Cleaning | $600 ✓ | $677 |
| Emergency Exam | $198 ✓ | $223 |
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 Baltimore is $971/year vs Boston's $1,096/year.
Annual savings
$125
5-year savings
$625
10-year savings
$1,250
% difference
13%
Savings = Boston cost minus Baltimore cost. Annual vet spending for one adult dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vet care cheaper in Baltimore or Boston?
Baltimore is cheaper for annual vet spending at $971/year, vs. $1,096/year in Boston — a $125/year gap. Baltimore wins on 5 of 5 cost categories.
How much can I save on vet bills moving from Boston to Baltimore?
Annual vet spending in Baltimore runs $125/year less than in Boston. Over a typical 10-year lifespan of a dog, that's $1,250 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. Baltimore is $161 above the national average, and Boston is $286 above.
Related Comparisons
See full cost breakdown: Vet costs in Baltimore · Vet costs in Boston · All city comparisons