Vet Cost: Baltimore vs Columbus (2026)
Columbus annual vet spending averages $758/year — $213/year less than Baltimore's $971/year.
Baltimore, MD
$971
annual avg
+$161 vs national avg
Columbus, OH
$758
annual avg
-$52 vs national avg
Baltimore vs Columbus — All Procedures
Annual or per-visit costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Procedure / Category | Baltimore | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Spending | $971 | $758 ✓ |
| Wellness Exam | $78 | $61 ✓ |
| Dog Spay/Neuter | $360 | $281 ✓ |
| Dental Cleaning | $600 | $468 ✓ |
| Emergency Exam | $198 | $154 ✓ |
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 Columbus is $758/year vs Baltimore's $971/year.
Annual savings
$213
5-year savings
$1,065
10-year savings
$2,130
% difference
28%
Savings = Baltimore cost minus Columbus cost. Annual vet spending for one adult dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vet care cheaper in Baltimore or Columbus?
Columbus is cheaper for annual vet spending at $758/year, vs. $971/year in Baltimore — a $213/year gap. Columbus wins on 5 of 5 cost categories.
How much can I save on vet bills moving from Baltimore to Columbus?
Annual vet spending in Columbus runs $213/year less than in Baltimore. Over a typical 10-year lifespan of a dog, that's $2,130 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 Columbus is $52 below.
Related Comparisons
See full cost breakdown: Vet costs in Baltimore · Vet costs in Columbus · All city comparisons