Vet Cost: San Diego vs Seattle (2026)
Seattle annual vet spending averages $987/year — $128/year less than San Diego's $1,115/year.
San Diego, CA
$1,115
annual avg
+$305 vs national avg
Seattle, WA
$987
annual avg
+$177 vs national avg
San Diego vs Seattle — All Procedures
Annual or per-visit costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Procedure / Category | San Diego | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Spending | $1,115 | $987 ✓ |
| Wellness Exam | $90 | $79 ✓ |
| Dog Spay/Neuter | $413 | $366 ✓ |
| Dental Cleaning | $689 | $610 ✓ |
| Emergency Exam | $227 | $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 San Diego's $1,115/year.
Annual savings
$128
5-year savings
$640
10-year savings
$1,280
% difference
13%
Savings = San Diego cost minus Seattle cost. Annual vet spending for one adult dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vet care cheaper in San Diego or Seattle?
Seattle is cheaper for annual vet spending at $987/year, vs. $1,115/year in San Diego — a $128/year gap. Seattle wins on 5 of 5 cost categories.
How much can I save on vet bills moving from San Diego to Seattle?
Annual vet spending in Seattle runs $128/year less than in San Diego. Over a typical 10-year lifespan of a dog, that's $1,280 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. San Diego is $305 above the national average, and Seattle is $177 above.
Related Comparisons
See full cost breakdown: Vet costs in San Diego · Vet costs in Seattle · All city comparisons