Vet Cost: Chicago vs Fort Worth (2026)
Fort Worth annual vet spending averages $748/year — $161/year less than Chicago's $909/year.
Chicago, IL
$909
annual avg
+$99 vs national avg
Fort Worth, TX
$748
annual avg
-$62 vs national avg
Chicago vs Fort Worth — All Procedures
Annual or per-visit costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Procedure / Category | Chicago | Fort Worth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Spending | $909 | $748 ✓ |
| Wellness Exam | $73 | $60 ✓ |
| Dog Spay/Neuter | $337 | $277 ✓ |
| Dental Cleaning | $562 | $462 ✓ |
| Emergency Exam | $185 | $152 ✓ |
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 Fort Worth is $748/year vs Chicago's $909/year.
Annual savings
$161
5-year savings
$805
10-year savings
$1,610
% difference
22%
Savings = Chicago cost minus Fort Worth cost. Annual vet spending for one adult dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vet care cheaper in Chicago or Fort Worth?
Fort Worth is cheaper for annual vet spending at $748/year, vs. $909/year in Chicago — a $161/year gap. Fort Worth wins on 5 of 5 cost categories.
How much can I save on vet bills moving from Chicago to Fort Worth?
Annual vet spending in Fort Worth runs $161/year less than in Chicago. Over a typical 10-year lifespan of a dog, that's $1,610 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 Fort Worth is $62 below.
Related Comparisons
See full cost breakdown: Vet costs in Chicago · Vet costs in Fort Worth · All city comparisons