Vet Cost: San Francisco vs Seattle (2026)
Seattle annual vet spending averages $987/year — $346/year less than San Francisco's $1,333/year.
San Francisco, CA
$1,333
annual avg
+$523 vs national avg
Seattle, WA
$987
annual avg
+$177 vs national avg
San Francisco vs Seattle — All Procedures
Annual or per-visit costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Procedure / Category | San Francisco | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Spending | $1,333 | $987 ✓ |
| Wellness Exam | $107 | $79 ✓ |
| Dog Spay/Neuter | $494 | $366 ✓ |
| Dental Cleaning | $824 | $610 ✓ |
| Emergency Exam | $272 | $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 Francisco's $1,333/year.
Annual savings
$346
5-year savings
$1,730
10-year savings
$3,460
% difference
35%
Savings = San Francisco cost minus Seattle cost. Annual vet spending for one adult dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vet care cheaper in San Francisco or Seattle?
Seattle is cheaper for annual vet spending at $987/year, vs. $1,333/year in San Francisco — a $346/year gap. Seattle wins on 5 of 5 cost categories.
How much can I save on vet bills moving from San Francisco to Seattle?
Annual vet spending in Seattle runs $346/year less than in San Francisco. Over a typical 10-year lifespan of a dog, that's $3,460 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 Seattle is $177 above.
Related Comparisons
See full cost breakdown: Vet costs in San Francisco · Vet costs in Seattle · All city comparisons