Vet Cost: Denver vs San Francisco (2026)
Denver annual vet spending averages $935/year — $398/year less than San Francisco's $1,333/year.
Denver, CO
$935
annual avg
+$125 vs national avg
San Francisco, CA
$1,333
annual avg
+$523 vs national avg
Denver vs San Francisco — All Procedures
Annual or per-visit costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Procedure / Category | Denver | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Spending | $935 ✓ | $1,333 |
| Wellness Exam | $75 ✓ | $107 |
| Dog Spay/Neuter | $347 ✓ | $494 |
| Dental Cleaning | $578 ✓ | $824 |
| Emergency Exam | $190 ✓ | $272 |
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 Denver is $935/year vs San Francisco's $1,333/year.
Annual savings
$398
5-year savings
$1,990
10-year savings
$3,980
% difference
43%
Savings = San Francisco cost minus Denver cost. Annual vet spending for one adult dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vet care cheaper in Denver or San Francisco?
Denver is cheaper for annual vet spending at $935/year, vs. $1,333/year in San Francisco — a $398/year gap. Denver wins on 5 of 5 cost categories.
How much can I save on vet bills moving from San Francisco to Denver?
Annual vet spending in Denver runs $398/year less than in San Francisco. Over a typical 10-year lifespan of a dog, that's $3,980 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 Francisco is $523 above.
Related Comparisons
See full cost breakdown: Vet costs in Denver · Vet costs in San Francisco · All city comparisons