Vet Cost: Houston vs San Antonio (2026)
San Antonio annual vet spending averages $715/year — $45/year less than Houston's $760/year.
Houston, TX
$760
annual avg
-$50 vs national avg
San Antonio, TX
$715
annual avg
-$95 vs national avg
Houston vs San Antonio — All Procedures
Annual or per-visit costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Procedure / Category | Houston | San Antonio |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Spending | $760 | $715 ✓ |
| Wellness Exam | $61 | $58 ✓ |
| Dog Spay/Neuter | $281 | $265 ✓ |
| Dental Cleaning | $469 | $442 ✓ |
| Emergency Exam | $155 | $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 Houston's $760/year.
Annual savings
$45
5-year savings
$225
10-year savings
$450
% difference
6%
Savings = Houston cost minus San Antonio cost. Annual vet spending for one adult dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vet care cheaper in Houston or San Antonio?
San Antonio is cheaper for annual vet spending at $715/year, vs. $760/year in Houston — a $45/year gap. San Antonio wins on 5 of 5 cost categories.
How much can I save on vet bills moving from Houston to San Antonio?
Annual vet spending in San Antonio runs $45/year less than in Houston. Over a typical 10-year lifespan of a dog, that's $450 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 San Antonio is $95 below.
Related Comparisons
See full cost breakdown: Vet costs in Houston · Vet costs in San Antonio · All city comparisons