Maltese Cost: What You'll Actually Pay in 2026
$1,650 to buy (breeders charge $800 to $2,500). Then $1,720/year to keep them healthy, fed, and insured. Over a 14-year lifespan, that's $26,680 total.
First Year: $4,320
The first year hits hardest. You're paying the purchase price plus one-time setup costs (spay/neuter, initial vaccines, crate, bed, bowls) on top of regular annual expenses.
Annual Cost: $1,720/Year
After year one, ongoing costs settle into a rhythm. Here's where the money goes each year.
That's $112/year more than the average small-sized breed ($1,608/yr). Grooming is the big driver here.
Health Issues & Insurance
Pet insurance for a Maltese runs $24-$50/month. Worth knowing what you're insuring against.
Common Health Issues
Lifetime Cost: $26,680
Over 14 years, a Maltese will cost you roughly $26,680. Here's the math.
Cost by Region
Where you live changes what you pay. West Coast and Northeast are 10-20% more expensive across the board. Midwest and Southeast save you real money.
| Region | Est. Annual | vs. National |
|---|---|---|
| West | $1,962 | +$242 |
| Northeast | $1,954 | +$234 |
| Southwest | $1,653 | $-67 |
| Midwest | $1,569 | $-151 |
| Southeast | $1,583 | $-137 |
Other Small Breeds to Compare
Get a personalized estimate
The numbers above are national averages. Costs vary by region, lifestyle, and where you buy. Use the calculator to dial in your specific situation.
Open Cost Calculator