Vet Cost: Chicago vs Fresno (2026)
Chicago annual vet spending averages $909/year — $19/year less than Fresno's $928/year.
Chicago, IL
$909
annual avg
+$99 vs national avg
Fresno, CA
$928
annual avg
+$118 vs national avg
Chicago vs Fresno — All Procedures
Annual or per-visit costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Procedure / Category | Chicago | Fresno |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Spending | $909 ✓ | $928 |
| Wellness Exam | $73 ✓ | $75 |
| Dog Spay/Neuter | $337 ✓ | $344 |
| Dental Cleaning | $562 ✓ | $573 |
| Emergency Exam | $185 ✓ | $189 |
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 Fresno's $928/year.
Annual savings
$19
5-year savings
$95
10-year savings
$190
% difference
2%
Savings = Fresno cost minus Chicago cost. Annual vet spending for one adult dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vet care cheaper in Chicago or Fresno?
Chicago is cheaper for annual vet spending at $909/year, vs. $928/year in Fresno — a $19/year gap. Chicago wins on 5 of 5 cost categories.
How much can I save on vet bills moving from Fresno to Chicago?
Annual vet spending in Chicago runs $19/year less than in Fresno. Over a typical 10-year lifespan of a dog, that's $190 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 Fresno is $118 above.
Related Comparisons
See full cost breakdown: Vet costs in Chicago · Vet costs in Fresno · All city comparisons