Vet Cost: Chicago vs Houston (2026)
Houston annual vet spending averages $760/year — $149/year less than Chicago's $909/year.
Chicago, IL
$909
annual avg
+$99 vs national avg
Houston, TX
$760
annual avg
-$50 vs national avg
Chicago vs Houston — All Procedures
Annual or per-visit costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Procedure / Category | Chicago | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Spending | $909 | $760 ✓ |
| Wellness Exam | $73 | $61 ✓ |
| Dog Spay/Neuter | $337 | $281 ✓ |
| Dental Cleaning | $562 | $469 ✓ |
| Emergency Exam | $185 | $155 ✓ |
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 Houston is $760/year vs Chicago's $909/year.
Annual savings
$149
5-year savings
$745
10-year savings
$1,490
% difference
20%
Savings = Chicago cost minus Houston cost. Annual vet spending for one adult dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vet care cheaper in Chicago or Houston?
Houston is cheaper for annual vet spending at $760/year, vs. $909/year in Chicago — a $149/year gap. Houston wins on 5 of 5 cost categories.
How much can I save on vet bills moving from Chicago to Houston?
Annual vet spending in Houston runs $149/year less than in Chicago. Over a typical 10-year lifespan of a dog, that's $1,490 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 Houston is $50 below.
Related Comparisons
See full cost breakdown: Vet costs in Chicago · Vet costs in Houston · All city comparisons