Vet Cost: Philadelphia vs San Jose (2026)
Philadelphia annual vet spending averages $867/year — $381/year less than San Jose's $1,248/year.
Philadelphia, PA
$867
annual avg
+$57 vs national avg
San Jose, CA
$1,248
annual avg
+$438 vs national avg
Philadelphia vs San Jose — All Procedures
Annual or per-visit costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Procedure / Category | Philadelphia | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Spending | $867 ✓ | $1,248 |
| Wellness Exam | $70 ✓ | $100 |
| Dog Spay/Neuter | $321 ✓ | $462 |
| Dental Cleaning | $535 ✓ | $770 |
| Emergency Exam | $177 ✓ | $254 |
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 San Jose's $1,248/year.
Annual savings
$381
5-year savings
$1,905
10-year savings
$3,810
% difference
44%
Savings = San Jose cost minus Philadelphia cost. Annual vet spending for one adult dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vet care cheaper in Philadelphia or San Jose?
Philadelphia is cheaper for annual vet spending at $867/year, vs. $1,248/year in San Jose — a $381/year gap. Philadelphia wins on 5 of 5 cost categories.
How much can I save on vet bills moving from San Jose to Philadelphia?
Annual vet spending in Philadelphia runs $381/year less than in San Jose. Over a typical 10-year lifespan of a dog, that's $3,810 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. Philadelphia is $57 above the national average, and San Jose is $438 above.
Related Comparisons
See full cost breakdown: Vet costs in Philadelphia · Vet costs in San Jose · All city comparisons