Vet Cost: Chicago vs Denver (2026)
Chicago annual vet spending averages $909/year — $26/year less than Denver's $935/year.
Chicago, IL
$909
annual avg
+$99 vs national avg
Denver, CO
$935
annual avg
+$125 vs national avg
Chicago vs Denver — All Procedures
Annual or per-visit costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Procedure / Category | Chicago | Denver |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Spending | $909 ✓ | $935 |
| Wellness Exam | $73 ✓ | $75 |
| Dog Spay/Neuter | $337 ✓ | $347 |
| Dental Cleaning | $562 ✓ | $578 |
| Emergency Exam | $185 ✓ | $190 |
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 Denver's $935/year.
Annual savings
$26
5-year savings
$130
10-year savings
$260
% difference
3%
Savings = Denver cost minus Chicago cost. Annual vet spending for one adult dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vet care cheaper in Chicago or Denver?
Chicago is cheaper for annual vet spending at $909/year, vs. $935/year in Denver — a $26/year gap. Chicago wins on 5 of 5 cost categories.
How much can I save on vet bills moving from Denver to Chicago?
Annual vet spending in Chicago runs $26/year less than in Denver. Over a typical 10-year lifespan of a dog, that's $260 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 Denver is $125 above.
Related Comparisons
See full cost breakdown: Vet costs in Chicago · Vet costs in Denver · All city comparisons