Vet Cost: Chicago vs Sacramento (2026)
Chicago annual vet spending averages $909/year — $49/year less than Sacramento's $958/year.
Chicago, IL
$909
annual avg
+$99 vs national avg
Sacramento, CA
$958
annual avg
+$148 vs national avg
Chicago vs Sacramento — All Procedures
Annual or per-visit costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Procedure / Category | Chicago | Sacramento |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Spending | $909 ✓ | $958 |
| Wellness Exam | $73 ✓ | $77 |
| Dog Spay/Neuter | $337 ✓ | $355 |
| Dental Cleaning | $562 ✓ | $592 |
| Emergency Exam | $185 ✓ | $195 |
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 Sacramento's $958/year.
Annual savings
$49
5-year savings
$245
10-year savings
$490
% difference
5%
Savings = Sacramento cost minus Chicago cost. Annual vet spending for one adult dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vet care cheaper in Chicago or Sacramento?
Chicago is cheaper for annual vet spending at $909/year, vs. $958/year in Sacramento — a $49/year gap. Chicago wins on 5 of 5 cost categories.
How much can I save on vet bills moving from Sacramento to Chicago?
Annual vet spending in Chicago runs $49/year less than in Sacramento. Over a typical 10-year lifespan of a dog, that's $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 Sacramento is $148 above.
Related Comparisons
See full cost breakdown: Vet costs in Chicago · Vet costs in Sacramento · All city comparisons