Vet Cost: Baltimore vs San Diego (2026)
Baltimore annual vet spending averages $971/year — $144/year less than San Diego's $1,115/year.
Baltimore, MD
$971
annual avg
+$161 vs national avg
San Diego, CA
$1,115
annual avg
+$305 vs national avg
Baltimore vs San Diego — All Procedures
Annual or per-visit costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Procedure / Category | Baltimore | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Spending | $971 ✓ | $1,115 |
| Wellness Exam | $78 ✓ | $90 |
| Dog Spay/Neuter | $360 ✓ | $413 |
| Dental Cleaning | $600 ✓ | $689 |
| Emergency Exam | $198 ✓ | $227 |
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 San Diego's $1,115/year.
Annual savings
$144
5-year savings
$720
10-year savings
$1,440
% difference
15%
Savings = San Diego cost minus Baltimore cost. Annual vet spending for one adult dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vet care cheaper in Baltimore or San Diego?
Baltimore is cheaper for annual vet spending at $971/year, vs. $1,115/year in San Diego — a $144/year gap. Baltimore wins on 5 of 5 cost categories.
How much can I save on vet bills moving from San Diego to Baltimore?
Annual vet spending in Baltimore runs $144/year less than in San Diego. Over a typical 10-year lifespan of a dog, that's $1,440 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 San Diego is $305 above.
Related Comparisons
See full cost breakdown: Vet costs in Baltimore · Vet costs in San Diego · All city comparisons