Vet Cost: Los Angeles vs Raleigh (2026)
Raleigh annual vet spending averages $779/year — $368/year less than Los Angeles's $1,147/year.
Los Angeles, CA
$1,147
annual avg
+$337 vs national avg
Raleigh, NC
$779
annual avg
-$31 vs national avg
Los Angeles vs Raleigh — All Procedures
Annual or per-visit costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Procedure / Category | Los Angeles | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Spending | $1,147 | $779 ✓ |
| Wellness Exam | $92 | $63 ✓ |
| Dog Spay/Neuter | $425 | $288 ✓ |
| Dental Cleaning | $709 | $481 ✓ |
| Emergency Exam | $234 | $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 Los Angeles's $1,147/year.
Annual savings
$368
5-year savings
$1,840
10-year savings
$3,680
% difference
47%
Savings = Los Angeles cost minus Raleigh cost. Annual vet spending for one adult dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vet care cheaper in Los Angeles or Raleigh?
Raleigh is cheaper for annual vet spending at $779/year, vs. $1,147/year in Los Angeles — a $368/year gap. Raleigh wins on 5 of 5 cost categories.
How much can I save on vet bills moving from Los Angeles to Raleigh?
Annual vet spending in Raleigh runs $368/year less than in Los Angeles. Over a typical 10-year lifespan of a dog, that's $3,680 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 Raleigh is $31 below.
Related Comparisons
See full cost breakdown: Vet costs in Los Angeles · Vet costs in Raleigh · All city comparisons