Vet Cost: Houston vs Raleigh (2026)
Houston annual vet spending averages $760/year — $19/year less than Raleigh's $779/year.
Houston, TX
$760
annual avg
-$50 vs national avg
Raleigh, NC
$779
annual avg
-$31 vs national avg
Houston vs Raleigh — All Procedures
Annual or per-visit costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Procedure / Category | Houston | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Spending | $760 ✓ | $779 |
| Wellness Exam | $61 ✓ | $63 |
| Dog Spay/Neuter | $281 ✓ | $288 |
| Dental Cleaning | $469 ✓ | $481 |
| Emergency Exam | $155 ✓ | $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 Houston is $760/year vs Raleigh's $779/year.
Annual savings
$19
5-year savings
$95
10-year savings
$190
% difference
3%
Savings = Raleigh cost minus Houston cost. Annual vet spending for one adult dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vet care cheaper in Houston or Raleigh?
Houston is cheaper for annual vet spending at $760/year, vs. $779/year in Raleigh — a $19/year gap. Houston wins on 5 of 5 cost categories.
How much can I save on vet bills moving from Raleigh to Houston?
Annual vet spending in Houston runs $19/year less than in Raleigh. Over a typical 10-year lifespan of a dog, that's $190 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. Houston is $50 below the national average, and Raleigh is $31 below.
Related Comparisons
See full cost breakdown: Vet costs in Houston · Vet costs in Raleigh · All city comparisons