Evansville ranks as one of the most affordable cities for pet owners

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The cost of owning a pet is skyrocketing, but a new report says a city in the Hoosier state is one of the most affordable places to own a cat or dog. 

Citing inflation and newly-enacted tariffs, Rover’s “2025 True Cost of Pet Parenthood Report” forecasts the cost of owning a cat to spike 10%, while dog owners will see a 7% hike. 

According to the report, The average lifetime care for a 10-year-old dog costs roughly $34,550. For a 16-year-old cat, it’s roughly $32,170. 

But the bite out of your budget can vary based on breed, life span, and a number of variables, including where you live. 

Rover ranks Evansville, Indiana, as the sixth most affordable city in the US to own a pet, based on cost-of-living estimates and consumer data.
The most affordable is Parsons, Kansas, while Manhattan, New York, ranks as the costliest. 

A survey of 1,000 American pet parents shows 48% are concerned about the rising cost of pet care.

Top 10 most affordable cities for pet parents

1. Parsons, Kansas
2. Lawton, Oklahoma
3. Anniston, Alabama
4. Springfield, Missouri
5. Tupelo, Mississippi
6. Evansville, Indiana
7. Jonesboro, Arkansas
8. McAllen, Texas
9. Beckley, West Virginia
10. Dayton, Ohio