Vet Cost: Denver vs Raleigh (2026)
Raleigh annual vet spending averages $779/year — $156/year less than Denver's $935/year.
Denver, CO
$935
annual avg
+$125 vs national avg
Raleigh, NC
$779
annual avg
-$31 vs national avg
Denver vs Raleigh — All Procedures
Annual or per-visit costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Procedure / Category | Denver | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Spending | $935 | $779 ✓ |
| Wellness Exam | $75 | $63 ✓ |
| Dog Spay/Neuter | $347 | $288 ✓ |
| Dental Cleaning | $578 | $481 ✓ |
| Emergency Exam | $190 | $159 ✓ |
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 Raleigh is $779/year vs Denver's $935/year.
Annual savings
$156
5-year savings
$780
10-year savings
$1,560
% difference
20%
Savings = Denver cost minus Raleigh cost. Annual vet spending for one adult dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vet care cheaper in Denver or Raleigh?
Raleigh is cheaper for annual vet spending at $779/year, vs. $935/year in Denver — a $156/year gap. Raleigh wins on 5 of 5 cost categories.
How much can I save on vet bills moving from Denver to Raleigh?
Annual vet spending in Raleigh runs $156/year less than in Denver. Over a typical 10-year lifespan of a dog, that's $1,560 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. Denver is $125 above the national average, and Raleigh is $31 below.
Related Comparisons
See full cost breakdown: Vet costs in Denver · Vet costs in Raleigh · All city comparisons