Vet Cost: Los Angeles vs Seattle (2026)
Seattle annual vet spending averages $987/year — $160/year less than Los Angeles's $1,147/year.
Los Angeles, CA
$1,147
annual avg
+$337 vs national avg
Seattle, WA
$987
annual avg
+$177 vs national avg
Los Angeles vs Seattle — All Procedures
Annual or per-visit costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Procedure / Category | Los Angeles | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Spending | $1,147 | $987 ✓ |
| Wellness Exam | $92 | $79 ✓ |
| Dog Spay/Neuter | $425 | $366 ✓ |
| Dental Cleaning | $709 | $610 ✓ |
| Emergency Exam | $234 | $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 Seattle is $987/year vs Los Angeles's $1,147/year.
Annual savings
$160
5-year savings
$800
10-year savings
$1,600
% difference
16%
Savings = Los Angeles cost minus Seattle cost. Annual vet spending for one adult dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vet care cheaper in Los Angeles or Seattle?
Seattle is cheaper for annual vet spending at $987/year, vs. $1,147/year in Los Angeles — a $160/year gap. Seattle wins on 5 of 5 cost categories.
How much can I save on vet bills moving from Los Angeles to Seattle?
Annual vet spending in Seattle runs $160/year less than in Los Angeles. Over a typical 10-year lifespan of a dog, that's $1,600 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 Seattle is $177 above.
Related Comparisons
See full cost breakdown: Vet costs in Los Angeles · Vet costs in Seattle · All city comparisons