Vet Cost: Chicago vs Colorado Springs (2026)
Colorado Springs annual vet spending averages $869/year — $40/year less than Chicago's $909/year.
Chicago, IL
$909
annual avg
+$99 vs national avg
Colorado Springs, CO
$869
annual avg
+$59 vs national avg
Chicago vs Colorado Springs — All Procedures
Annual or per-visit costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Procedure / Category | Chicago | Colorado Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Spending | $909 | $869 ✓ |
| Wellness Exam | $73 | $70 ✓ |
| Dog Spay/Neuter | $337 | $322 ✓ |
| Dental Cleaning | $562 | $537 ✓ |
| Emergency Exam | $185 | $177 ✓ |
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 Colorado Springs is $869/year vs Chicago's $909/year.
Annual savings
$40
5-year savings
$200
10-year savings
$400
% difference
5%
Savings = Chicago cost minus Colorado Springs cost. Annual vet spending for one adult dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vet care cheaper in Chicago or Colorado Springs?
Colorado Springs is cheaper for annual vet spending at $869/year, vs. $909/year in Chicago — a $40/year gap. Colorado Springs wins on 5 of 5 cost categories.
How much can I save on vet bills moving from Chicago to Colorado Springs?
Annual vet spending in Colorado Springs runs $40/year less than in Chicago. Over a typical 10-year lifespan of a dog, that's $400 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. Chicago is $99 above the national average, and Colorado Springs is $59 above.
Related Comparisons
See full cost breakdown: Vet costs in Chicago · Vet costs in Colorado Springs · All city comparisons