Vet Cost: Houston vs Seattle (2026)
Houston annual vet spending averages $760/year — $227/year less than Seattle's $987/year.
Houston, TX
$760
annual avg
-$50 vs national avg
Seattle, WA
$987
annual avg
+$177 vs national avg
Houston vs Seattle — All Procedures
Annual or per-visit costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Procedure / Category | Houston | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Spending | $760 ✓ | $987 |
| Wellness Exam | $61 ✓ | $79 |
| Dog Spay/Neuter | $281 ✓ | $366 |
| Dental Cleaning | $469 ✓ | $610 |
| Emergency Exam | $155 ✓ | $201 |
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 Seattle's $987/year.
Annual savings
$227
5-year savings
$1,135
10-year savings
$2,270
% difference
30%
Savings = Seattle cost minus Houston cost. Annual vet spending for one adult dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vet care cheaper in Houston or Seattle?
Houston is cheaper for annual vet spending at $760/year, vs. $987/year in Seattle — a $227/year gap. Houston wins on 5 of 5 cost categories.
How much can I save on vet bills moving from Seattle to Houston?
Annual vet spending in Houston runs $227/year less than in Seattle. Over a typical 10-year lifespan of a dog, that's $2,270 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 Seattle is $177 above.
Related Comparisons
See full cost breakdown: Vet costs in Houston · Vet costs in Seattle · All city comparisons