The Most Expensive Cities In America To Own a Dog

Adorable pug dog sitting in his owner's lap in cafe bar. Selective focus on dog.
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Written by Patrick MacFarland

Published: May 2, 2024

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If there’s anything that 2024 has taught us, it’s that life is expensive. Things all over the world have become much more expensive in the past few years. Whether it’s inflation or the post-COVID economy, the prices aren’t what they used to be. Housing has been expensive for quite some time now, but now we’re seeing food prices going up and essential items cost more than before. When it comes to owning a dog, things can get quite pricey. Between dog food, trips to the vet, and a myriad of other things, you can bet your bottom dollar that you will pay a pretty penny for things. But some cities are more expensive than others. Let’s take a look at the most expensive cities in America to own a dog.

Santa Monica, CA

Owner with dog on field

Located in Southern California, it’s no surprise Santa Monica is on the list of the most expensive cities to own a dog.

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The routine vet visit in Santa Monica costs an average of $181. Pet food can run about $50 per month, but the premium and healthier pet food can be more expensive. Pet insurance can cost from $20 to $50. Dog daycare can run around $40 per day.

Pasadena, CA

Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz dog walking in the park with its owner

Pasadena is considered one of the priciest cities in California to own a dog.

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Just east of Los Angeles sits Pasadena and pet prices are costly! The routine vet visit in Pasadena costs an average of $182. Pet food can run about $50 per month, but the healthier pet food will be more expensive. Pet insurance can cost an average of $50 to $60 per month. Dog daycare can run around $45 per day.

San Francisco, CA

australian shepherd puppy playing with owner and other dogs on the beach and in the grass

Overall it can cost about $10,000 for owning a dog in San Francisco.

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San Francisco is one of the most expensive cities to live in the country. So it’s no surprise it’s on the list. The routine vet visit in San Francisco costs an average of $210. Pet food can run about $50 per month, but the healthier stuff will be more expensive. Pet insurance can cost from $30 to $60. Dog daycare can run around $700 per month.

Oakland, CA

Owner plays with his dog, making him smiling

California is the

most expensive state

to own a dog.

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If you’re in San Francisco, just cross the Oakland Bay Bridge and you’ll end up in Oakland, which is slightly less expensive. The routine vet visit in Oakland costs an average of $151. Pet food can run about $50 per month, but the healthier pet food will be more expensive. Pet insurance can cost from $30 to $50. Dog daycare can run around $70 per day.

San Jose, CA

The pharaoh breed greyhound dog with the female owner plays and walks in nature. Seaside. Daytime blue sky. Friendship between animal and human.

San Jose is less expensive to own a pet than its neighbor to the north, San Francisco, but still quite pricey than the rest of the country.

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Going south from San Francisco, the routine vet visit in San Jose costs an average of $165. Pet food can run about $50 per month, but the healthier pet food will be more expensive. Pet insurance can cost around $50 to $60 per month. Dog daycare can run around $50 per day.

Bellevue, WA

South African Mastiff begetters

Although less expensive than California cities, Bellevue is still more expensive than the average.

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The routine vet visit in Bellevue costs an average of $80, which is considerably less expensive than California cities. Pet food can run about $50 per month, but the healthier pet food will be more expensive. Pet insurance can cost around $30 per month. Dog daycare can run around $240 per week.

Seattle, WA

Veterinarian, Dog, Animal, Customer, Office

Owning a dog can be quite expensive in Seattle.

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The routine vet visit in Seattle costs an average of $150. Pet food can run about $50 per month, but the healthier pet food will be more expensive. Moreover, pet insurance can cost an average of $60 per month. Dog daycare can run around $45 per day.

New York, NY

Dog, Dog Biscuit, Candy, Indulgence, Eating

The Big Apple is known for its expensive housing, but it can also be expensive to own a dog.

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The routine vet visit in New York City costs an average of $85. Pet food can run about $50 per month, but the healthier pet food will be more expensive. Pet insurance can cost an average of $77 per month. Dog daycare can run around $51 per day.

Los Angeles, CA

Portrait of Asian woman playing with Pomeranian dog at pets friendly restaurant.

The City of Angels is one of the priciest places to own a dog in the country.

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Rounding out this list is LA, the City of Stars is an expensive one to live and own a pet. The routine vet visit in Los Angeles costs an average of $150. Pet food can run about $50 per month, but the healthier pet food will be more expensive. Furthermore, pet insurance can cost an average of $30 to $70 per month. Dog daycare can run around $50 per day.


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About the Author

Patrick Macfarland is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering travel, geography, and history. Patrick has been writing for more than 10 years. In the past, he has been a teacher and a political candidate. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from SDSU and a Master's Degree in European Union Studies from CIFE. From San Diego, California, Patrick loves to travel and try new recipes to cook.

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