Vet Cost: Baltimore vs Houston (2026)
Houston annual vet spending averages $760/year — $211/year less than Baltimore's $971/year.
Baltimore, MD
$971
annual avg
+$161 vs national avg
Houston, TX
$760
annual avg
-$50 vs national avg
Baltimore vs Houston — All Procedures
Annual or per-visit costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Procedure / Category | Baltimore | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Spending | $971 | $760 ✓ |
| Wellness Exam | $78 | $61 ✓ |
| Dog Spay/Neuter | $360 | $281 ✓ |
| Dental Cleaning | $600 | $469 ✓ |
| Emergency Exam | $198 | $155 ✓ |
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 Houston is $760/year vs Baltimore's $971/year.
Annual savings
$211
5-year savings
$1,055
10-year savings
$2,110
% difference
28%
Savings = Baltimore cost minus Houston cost. Annual vet spending for one adult dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vet care cheaper in Baltimore or Houston?
Houston is cheaper for annual vet spending at $760/year, vs. $971/year in Baltimore — a $211/year gap. Houston wins on 5 of 5 cost categories.
How much can I save on vet bills moving from Baltimore to Houston?
Annual vet spending in Houston runs $211/year less than in Baltimore. Over a typical 10-year lifespan of a dog, that's $2,110 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 Houston is $50 below.
Related Comparisons
See full cost breakdown: Vet costs in Baltimore · Vet costs in Houston · All city comparisons