Vet Cost: Chicago vs Minneapolis (2026)
Minneapolis annual vet spending averages $878/year — $31/year less than Chicago's $909/year.
Chicago, IL
$909
annual avg
+$99 vs national avg
Minneapolis, MN
$878
annual avg
+$68 vs national avg
Chicago vs Minneapolis — All Procedures
Annual or per-visit costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Procedure / Category | Chicago | Minneapolis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Spending | $909 | $878 ✓ |
| Wellness Exam | $73 | $71 ✓ |
| Dog Spay/Neuter | $337 | $325 ✓ |
| Dental Cleaning | $562 | $542 ✓ |
| Emergency Exam | $185 | $179 ✓ |
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 Minneapolis is $878/year vs Chicago's $909/year.
Annual savings
$31
5-year savings
$155
10-year savings
$310
% difference
4%
Savings = Chicago cost minus Minneapolis cost. Annual vet spending for one adult dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vet care cheaper in Chicago or Minneapolis?
Minneapolis is cheaper for annual vet spending at $878/year, vs. $909/year in Chicago — a $31/year gap. Minneapolis wins on 5 of 5 cost categories.
How much can I save on vet bills moving from Chicago to Minneapolis?
Annual vet spending in Minneapolis runs $31/year less than in Chicago. Over a typical 10-year lifespan of a dog, that's $310 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 Minneapolis is $68 above.
Related Comparisons
See full cost breakdown: Vet costs in Chicago · Vet costs in Minneapolis · All city comparisons