Vet Cost: Boston vs Chicago (2026)
Chicago annual vet spending averages $909/year — $187/year less than Boston's $1,096/year.
Boston, MA
$1,096
annual avg
+$286 vs national avg
Chicago, IL
$909
annual avg
+$99 vs national avg
Boston vs Chicago — All Procedures
Annual or per-visit costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Procedure / Category | Boston | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Spending | $1,096 | $909 ✓ |
| Wellness Exam | $88 | $73 ✓ |
| Dog Spay/Neuter | $406 | $337 ✓ |
| Dental Cleaning | $677 | $562 ✓ |
| Emergency Exam | $223 | $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 Boston's $1,096/year.
Annual savings
$187
5-year savings
$935
10-year savings
$1,870
% difference
21%
Savings = Boston cost minus Chicago cost. Annual vet spending for one adult dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vet care cheaper in Boston or Chicago?
Chicago is cheaper for annual vet spending at $909/year, vs. $1,096/year in Boston — a $187/year gap. Chicago wins on 5 of 5 cost categories.
How much can I save on vet bills moving from Boston to Chicago?
Annual vet spending in Chicago runs $187/year less than in Boston. Over a typical 10-year lifespan of a dog, that's $1,870 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. Boston is $286 above the national average, and Chicago is $99 above.
Related Comparisons
See full cost breakdown: Vet costs in Boston · Vet costs in Chicago · All city comparisons