Vet Cost: Los Angeles vs Philadelphia (2026)
Philadelphia annual vet spending averages $867/year — $280/year less than Los Angeles's $1,147/year.
Los Angeles, CA
$1,147
annual avg
+$337 vs national avg
Philadelphia, PA
$867
annual avg
+$57 vs national avg
Los Angeles vs Philadelphia — All Procedures
Annual or per-visit costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Procedure / Category | Los Angeles | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Spending | $1,147 | $867 ✓ |
| Wellness Exam | $92 | $70 ✓ |
| Dog Spay/Neuter | $425 | $321 ✓ |
| Dental Cleaning | $709 | $535 ✓ |
| Emergency Exam | $234 | $177 ✓ |
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 Philadelphia is $867/year vs Los Angeles's $1,147/year.
Annual savings
$280
5-year savings
$1,400
10-year savings
$2,800
% difference
32%
Savings = Los Angeles cost minus Philadelphia cost. Annual vet spending for one adult dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vet care cheaper in Los Angeles or Philadelphia?
Philadelphia is cheaper for annual vet spending at $867/year, vs. $1,147/year in Los Angeles — a $280/year gap. Philadelphia wins on 5 of 5 cost categories.
How much can I save on vet bills moving from Los Angeles to Philadelphia?
Annual vet spending in Philadelphia runs $280/year less than in Los Angeles. Over a typical 10-year lifespan of a dog, that's $2,800 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. Los Angeles is $337 above the national average, and Philadelphia is $57 above.
Related Comparisons
See full cost breakdown: Vet costs in Los Angeles · Vet costs in Philadelphia · All city comparisons