Vet Cost: Baltimore vs Chicago (2026)
Chicago annual vet spending averages $909/year — $62/year less than Baltimore's $971/year.
Baltimore, MD
$971
annual avg
+$161 vs national avg
Chicago, IL
$909
annual avg
+$99 vs national avg
Baltimore vs Chicago — All Procedures
Annual or per-visit costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Procedure / Category | Baltimore | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Spending | $971 | $909 ✓ |
| Wellness Exam | $78 | $73 ✓ |
| Dog Spay/Neuter | $360 | $337 ✓ |
| Dental Cleaning | $600 | $562 ✓ |
| Emergency Exam | $198 | $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 Chicago is $909/year vs Baltimore's $971/year.
Annual savings
$62
5-year savings
$310
10-year savings
$620
% difference
7%
Savings = Baltimore cost minus Chicago cost. Annual vet spending for one adult dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vet care cheaper in Baltimore or Chicago?
Chicago is cheaper for annual vet spending at $909/year, vs. $971/year in Baltimore — a $62/year gap. Chicago wins on 5 of 5 cost categories.
How much can I save on vet bills moving from Baltimore to Chicago?
Annual vet spending in Chicago runs $62/year less than in Baltimore. Over a typical 10-year lifespan of a dog, that's $620 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 Chicago is $99 above.
Related Comparisons
See full cost breakdown: Vet costs in Baltimore · Vet costs in Chicago · All city comparisons