Vet Cost: San Francisco vs Los Angeles (2026)
Los Angeles annual vet spending averages $1,147/year — $186/year less than San Francisco's $1,333/year.
San Francisco, CA
$1,333
annual avg
+$523 vs national avg
Los Angeles, CA
$1,147
annual avg
+$337 vs national avg
San Francisco vs Los Angeles — All Procedures
Annual or per-visit costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Procedure / Category | San Francisco | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Spending | $1,333 | $1,147 ✓ |
| Wellness Exam | $107 | $92 ✓ |
| Dog Spay/Neuter | $494 | $425 ✓ |
| Dental Cleaning | $824 | $709 ✓ |
| Emergency Exam | $272 | $234 ✓ |
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 Los Angeles is $1,147/year vs San Francisco's $1,333/year.
Annual savings
$186
5-year savings
$930
10-year savings
$1,860
% difference
16%
Savings = San Francisco cost minus Los Angeles cost. Annual vet spending for one adult dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vet care cheaper in San Francisco or Los Angeles?
Los Angeles is cheaper for annual vet spending at $1,147/year, vs. $1,333/year in San Francisco — a $186/year gap. Los Angeles wins on 5 of 5 cost categories.
How much can I save on vet bills moving from San Francisco to Los Angeles?
Annual vet spending in Los Angeles runs $186/year less than in San Francisco. Over a typical 10-year lifespan of a dog, that's $1,860 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 Francisco is $523 above the national average, and Los Angeles is $337 above.
Related Comparisons
See full cost breakdown: Vet costs in San Francisco · Vet costs in Los Angeles · All city comparisons