Vet Cost: Chicago vs Virginia Beach (2026)
Virginia Beach annual vet spending averages $810/year — $99/year less than Chicago's $909/year.
Chicago, IL
$909
annual avg
+$99 vs national avg
Virginia Beach, VA
$810
annual avg
+$0 vs national avg
Chicago vs Virginia Beach — All Procedures
Annual or per-visit costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Procedure / Category | Chicago | Virginia Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Spending | $909 | $810 ✓ |
| Wellness Exam | $73 | $65 ✓ |
| Dog Spay/Neuter | $337 | $300 ✓ |
| Dental Cleaning | $562 | $500 ✓ |
| Emergency Exam | $185 | $165 ✓ |
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 Virginia Beach is $810/year vs Chicago's $909/year.
Annual savings
$99
5-year savings
$495
10-year savings
$990
% difference
12%
Savings = Chicago cost minus Virginia Beach cost. Annual vet spending for one adult dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vet care cheaper in Chicago or Virginia Beach?
Virginia Beach is cheaper for annual vet spending at $810/year, vs. $909/year in Chicago — a $99/year gap. Virginia Beach wins on 5 of 5 cost categories.
How much can I save on vet bills moving from Chicago to Virginia Beach?
Annual vet spending in Virginia Beach runs $99/year less than in Chicago. Over a typical 10-year lifespan of a dog, that's $990 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 Virginia Beach is $0 above.
Related Comparisons
See full cost breakdown: Vet costs in Chicago · Vet costs in Virginia Beach · All city comparisons