Vet Cost: Chicago vs San Antonio (2026)
San Antonio annual vet spending averages $715/year — $194/year less than Chicago's $909/year.
Chicago, IL
$909
annual avg
+$99 vs national avg
San Antonio, TX
$715
annual avg
-$95 vs national avg
Chicago vs San Antonio — All Procedures
Annual or per-visit costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Procedure / Category | Chicago | San Antonio |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Spending | $909 | $715 ✓ |
| Wellness Exam | $73 | $58 ✓ |
| Dog Spay/Neuter | $337 | $265 ✓ |
| Dental Cleaning | $562 | $442 ✓ |
| Emergency Exam | $185 | $146 ✓ |
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 San Antonio is $715/year vs Chicago's $909/year.
Annual savings
$194
5-year savings
$970
10-year savings
$1,940
% difference
27%
Savings = Chicago cost minus San Antonio cost. Annual vet spending for one adult dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vet care cheaper in Chicago or San Antonio?
San Antonio is cheaper for annual vet spending at $715/year, vs. $909/year in Chicago — a $194/year gap. San Antonio wins on 5 of 5 cost categories.
How much can I save on vet bills moving from Chicago to San Antonio?
Annual vet spending in San Antonio runs $194/year less than in Chicago. Over a typical 10-year lifespan of a dog, that's $1,940 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 San Antonio is $95 below.
Related Comparisons
See full cost breakdown: Vet costs in Chicago · Vet costs in San Antonio · All city comparisons