PlainPetCare rankings
Most Expensive Metro Areas for Pet Care
All metro areas ranked by pet care price index, where grooming, boarding, and training services cost the most.
- 1.50x
- #1 · New York
- 121
- metros ranked
- 0.76x
- #121 · Laredo
The verdict
According to PlainPetCare regional price model, national base rates adjusted by a metro cost-of-living index calibrated to BLS regional cost-of-living differences, across 121 U.S. metro areas, New York tops the list at 1.50x; the #121 cutoff to make this list is 0.76x (Laredo).
- 1.50x
- #1 · New York
- 0.76x
- #121, the cutoff to make this list
- 121
- entries ranked
Where the #12 cutoff sits
Price Index across all 121 ranked metro areas, not just the 12 shown above
133% 12th of 121 higher than 109 of 121 metro areas
all ranked metro areas, bucketed by value
Each bar is a band; taller bars hold more metro areas. The dashed line + filled bar mark this entry. Hover or tap any bar for its full count and share, and where it sits relative to this entry.
Source PlainPetCare regional price model, national base rates adjusted by a metro cost-of-living index calibrated to BLS regional cost-of-living differences, across 121 U.S. metro areas · Apr 2026
The full ranking
Source: PlainPetCare regional price model, national base rates adjusted by a metro cost-of-living index calibrated to BLS regional cost-of-living differences, across 121 U.S. metro areas.
How to read this ranking
This table ranks 121 entries in the PlainPetCare dataset by price index. The gap between the top and bottom of this list spans 0.74x, wide enough that a mid-list entry rarely tracks either pole closely. Rankings like this are most useful read alongside the underlying price ranges on each breed or metro page, the aggregate score hides detail that matters for individual budgeting.
To get the most out of this ranking, click through to any row for the full service-by-service breakdown. Each metro page shows a complete pricing table by size and service type, where real budgeting decisions actually get made. Aggregated ranks are useful for scanning the market; itemised tables are where you plan spend.
Frequently asked questions
What does the price index measure?
The price index compares local pet care costs to the national average (1.0x). A metro with a 1.5x index means pet grooming, boarding, and training services run approximately 50% more than the national average. The index blends multiple service types and dog sizes for a comprehensive cost comparison.
Why is pet care so expensive in some cities?
The biggest cost drivers are labor (groomer wages follow local wage levels), commercial rent (grooming salons in high-rent areas pass costs to customers), cost of living, and local demand. Cities with high concentrations of pet owners and disposable income also see premium pricing. New York, San Francisco, and other coastal metros consistently rank highest.
Can I save money by choosing a cheaper metro for pet care?
While relocating for pet care savings alone is unlikely, pet owners in expensive metros can save by scheduling services during off-peak times, choosing mobile groomers (lower overhead), learning basic grooming at home, and booking package deals rather than individual appointments.
Explore more rankings
- Compare against the opposite end of the market. See the other side
- Drill into a single entry for the full service-by-service price table. All metros
- Estimate a full annual pet-care budget for your situation. Annual cost estimator
Related guides
Every figure on PlainPetCare is rendered directly from AKC breed data and industry pet-service pricing surveys, no number is typed in by an editor. This page draws directly on AKC breed data and industry pet-service pricing surveys, no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error.
Sources: PlainPetCare regional price model, national base rates adjusted by a metro cost-of-living index calibrated to BLS regional cost-of-living differences, across 121 U.S. metro areas; the regional index is calibrated to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics regional cost-of-living data (verify with BLS →). Read our methodology.
Disclaimer: Prices are modelled estimates for informational budgeting only and do not constitute professional advice. Confirm with a local provider before making decisions.