Vet Cost: Los Angeles vs San Diego (2026)
San Diego annual vet spending averages $1,115/year — $32/year less than Los Angeles's $1,147/year.
Los Angeles, CA
$1,147
annual avg
+$337 vs national avg
San Diego, CA
$1,115
annual avg
+$305 vs national avg
Los Angeles vs San Diego — All Procedures
Annual or per-visit costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Procedure / Category | Los Angeles | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Spending | $1,147 | $1,115 ✓ |
| Wellness Exam | $92 | $90 ✓ |
| Dog Spay/Neuter | $425 | $413 ✓ |
| Dental Cleaning | $709 | $689 ✓ |
| Emergency Exam | $234 | $227 ✓ |
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 Diego is $1,115/year vs Los Angeles's $1,147/year.
Annual savings
$32
5-year savings
$160
10-year savings
$320
% difference
3%
Savings = Los Angeles cost minus San Diego cost. Annual vet spending for one adult dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vet care cheaper in Los Angeles or San Diego?
San Diego is cheaper for annual vet spending at $1,115/year, vs. $1,147/year in Los Angeles — a $32/year gap. San Diego wins on 5 of 5 cost categories.
How much can I save on vet bills moving from Los Angeles to San Diego?
Annual vet spending in San Diego runs $32/year less than in Los Angeles. Over a typical 10-year lifespan of a dog, that's $320 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 San Diego is $305 above.
Related Comparisons
See full cost breakdown: Vet costs in Los Angeles · Vet costs in San Diego · All city comparisons