Vet Cost: Fresno vs Raleigh (2026)
Raleigh annual vet spending averages $779/year — $149/year less than Fresno's $928/year.
Fresno, CA
$928
annual avg
+$118 vs national avg
Raleigh, NC
$779
annual avg
-$31 vs national avg
Fresno vs Raleigh — All Procedures
Annual or per-visit costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Procedure / Category | Fresno | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Spending | $928 | $779 ✓ |
| Wellness Exam | $75 | $63 ✓ |
| Dog Spay/Neuter | $344 | $288 ✓ |
| Dental Cleaning | $573 | $481 ✓ |
| Emergency Exam | $189 | $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 Fresno's $928/year.
Annual savings
$149
5-year savings
$745
10-year savings
$1,490
% difference
19%
Savings = Fresno cost minus Raleigh cost. Annual vet spending for one adult dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vet care cheaper in Fresno or Raleigh?
Raleigh is cheaper for annual vet spending at $779/year, vs. $928/year in Fresno — a $149/year gap. Raleigh wins on 5 of 5 cost categories.
How much can I save on vet bills moving from Fresno to Raleigh?
Annual vet spending in Raleigh runs $149/year less than in Fresno. Over a typical 10-year lifespan of a dog, that's $1,490 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. Fresno is $118 above the national average, and Raleigh is $31 below.
Related Comparisons
See full cost breakdown: Vet costs in Fresno · Vet costs in Raleigh · All city comparisons