Vet Cost: Denver vs San Antonio (2026)
San Antonio annual vet spending averages $715/year — $220/year less than Denver's $935/year.
Denver, CO
$935
annual avg
+$125 vs national avg
San Antonio, TX
$715
annual avg
-$95 vs national avg
Denver vs San Antonio — All Procedures
Annual or per-visit costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Procedure / Category | Denver | San Antonio |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Spending | $935 | $715 ✓ |
| Wellness Exam | $75 | $58 ✓ |
| Dog Spay/Neuter | $347 | $265 ✓ |
| Dental Cleaning | $578 | $442 ✓ |
| Emergency Exam | $190 | $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 Denver's $935/year.
Annual savings
$220
5-year savings
$1,100
10-year savings
$2,200
% difference
31%
Savings = Denver cost minus San Antonio cost. Annual vet spending for one adult dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vet care cheaper in Denver or San Antonio?
San Antonio is cheaper for annual vet spending at $715/year, vs. $935/year in Denver — a $220/year gap. San Antonio wins on 5 of 5 cost categories.
How much can I save on vet bills moving from Denver to San Antonio?
Annual vet spending in San Antonio runs $220/year less than in Denver. Over a typical 10-year lifespan of a dog, that's $2,200 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 San Antonio is $95 below.
Related Comparisons
See full cost breakdown: Vet costs in Denver · Vet costs in San Antonio · All city comparisons