Where you live changes what you pay for pet insurance, sometimes by a factor of two. The same dog can cost twice as much to insure in Alaska as in Mississippi. This guide shows state-level numbers from one published data set, explains what is behind the differences, and tells you how to use them when you shop.
State figures come from an Insurify report published June 18, 2026, based on one-year rolling medians of more than 250,000 quotes through the end of May 2026. Sources are listed at the end.
The Most and Least Expensive States
Insurify reports national median rates of $43 a month for dogs and $23 for cats. By state:
| Highest-cost states | Dogs per month | Cats per month |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $66 | $30 |
| Massachusetts | $64 | $31 |
| Washington, D.C. | $60 | $34 |
| Delaware | $57 | $32 |
| New York | $56 | $28 |
| Lowest-cost states | Dogs per month | Cats per month |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | $32 | $11 |
| Alabama | $32 | $15 |
| Oklahoma | $33 | $15 |
| Arkansas | $34 | $20 |
| Ohio | $35 | $18 |
For dogs, Alaska at $66 is about twice Mississippi’s $32. Over a year, that is $792 against $384, or $408 more. For cats the gap is larger in relative terms: $30 in Alaska against $11 in Mississippi. Some states are close to the national median, so only a few are far from it in either direction.
Why Location Moves the Price
- Local vet costs. Insurers price to the cost of care in your area, so premiums tend to follow regional prices for exams, surgery and emergency care.
- Claims in the area. Insurers set rates using their own experience in each state.
- State rules. Insurance is regulated state by state, so product features and approved rates differ.
These are general reasons, not a breakdown of any one insurer’s pricing. The report itself does not give a cause for each state’s rate.
Why Different Reports Show Different Numbers
The numbers above are much lower than the MoneyGeek figures used elsewhere on this site, where the average dog costs $61 a month and the average cat $32. The reason is the method:
| Insurify (state data) | MoneyGeek (breed and age data) | |
|---|---|---|
| Method | Median of real quotes, over 250,000 | Modeled standard policy across 67,000 pet profiles |
| Policy assumed | Quotes as customers request them | $5,000 limit, $500 deductible, 80% reimbursement |
| National dog figure | $43 a month | $61 a month |
| National cat figure | $23 a month | $32 a month |
The figures are not meant to match, since they measure different things. Use Insurify’s to compare states and MoneyGeek’s to compare breeds and ages. MoneyGeek’s New York page, for example, gives $69 a month for dogs on its standard policy, while Insurify’s New York median is $56.
How to Use This When You Shop
- Treat the state average as a rough guide. Your breed, age and settings matter more. See how much pet insurance costs and our breed guides.
- Quote with your zip code. Rates can differ inside a state, especially between cities and rural areas.
- Compare the same settings. A low state average can still hide a high deductible. See our cheapest companies guide.
- Recheck after you move. A move can change your premium at renewal.
What Does Not Change by State
- Pre-existing conditions are excluded everywhere. See how that works.
- Waiting periods apply everywhere, though the lengths vary by insurer. See waiting periods explained.
- Younger pets cost less to insure than older ones in every state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state has the most expensive pet insurance? In Insurify’s June 2026 data, Alaska and Massachusetts are at the top for dogs, at $66 and $64 a month.
Which is the cheapest? Mississippi, at $32 for dogs and $11 for cats.
Is it worth moving insurers if I relocate? Usually not just for the price. A new insurer treats your pet’s existing conditions as pre-existing.
The Bottom Line
State matters, but less than your pet’s breed and age. Use the state numbers to set expectations, then get quotes with your zip code and compare them setting by setting.
Sources
- Insurify, Average Pet Insurance Rates as of June 2026, published June 18, 2026.
- MoneyGeek, Average Pet Insurance Cost in New York, updated September 17, 2026.
- MoneyGeek, Average Pet Insurance Cost for Dogs, updated September 17, 2026.
This article is general information, not insurance advice. Premiums vary by company, pet and policy date.