Vet Cost: Chicago vs San Diego (2026)
Chicago annual vet spending averages $909/year — $206/year less than San Diego's $1,115/year.
Chicago, IL
$909
annual avg
+$99 vs national avg
San Diego, CA
$1,115
annual avg
+$305 vs national avg
Chicago vs San Diego — All Procedures
Annual or per-visit costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Procedure / Category | Chicago | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Spending | $909 ✓ | $1,115 |
| Wellness Exam | $73 ✓ | $90 |
| Dog Spay/Neuter | $337 ✓ | $413 |
| Dental Cleaning | $562 ✓ | $689 |
| Emergency Exam | $185 ✓ | $227 |
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 San Diego's $1,115/year.
Annual savings
$206
5-year savings
$1,030
10-year savings
$2,060
% difference
23%
Savings = San Diego cost minus Chicago cost. Annual vet spending for one adult dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vet care cheaper in Chicago or San Diego?
Chicago is cheaper for annual vet spending at $909/year, vs. $1,115/year in San Diego — a $206/year gap. Chicago wins on 5 of 5 cost categories.
How much can I save on vet bills moving from San Diego to Chicago?
Annual vet spending in Chicago runs $206/year less than in San Diego. Over a typical 10-year lifespan of a dog, that's $2,060 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 Diego is $305 above.
Related Comparisons
See full cost breakdown: Vet costs in Chicago · Vet costs in San Diego · All city comparisons