BreedCost

Alaskan Malamute vs Labrador Retriever Cost Comparison 2026

Alaskan Malamute costs $2,670/yr vs $2,100/yr for Labrador Retriever. Over a lifetime: $32,770 vs $27,800. Here's where the money goes.

Alaskan Malamute

$32,770

lifetime (11 yrs)

Lifetime Difference

$4,970

Labrador Retriever costs less

Labrador Retriever

$27,800

lifetime (12 yrs)

Cost Breakdown

Category Alaskan Malamute Labrador Retriever Winner
Purchase Price $1,000–$3,000 $800–$2,000 Labrador Retriever
Annual Food $840 $660 Labrador Retriever
Routine Vet Care $600 $550 Labrador Retriever
Grooming $180 $60 Labrador Retriever
Pet Insurance $38–$72/mo $35–$65/mo Labrador Retriever
Supplies & Training $510 $350 Labrador Retriever
Total Annual Cost $2,670 $2,100 Labrador Retriever
Lifetime Cost $32,770 $27,800 Labrador Retriever

Alaskan Malamute Cost Profile

Size
giant
Lifespan
11 years
Purchase Price
$1,000–$3,000
Annual Cost
$2,670/yr
Lifetime Total
$32,770
Full Alaskan Malamute Cost Breakdown →

Labrador Retriever Cost Profile

Size
large
Lifespan
12 years
Purchase Price
$800–$2,000
Annual Cost
$2,100/yr
Lifetime Total
$27,800
Full Labrador Retriever Cost Breakdown →

Bottom Line

Labrador Retriever costs $570/yr less than Alaskan Malamute ($2,100 vs $2,670). Over a lifetime, that gap compounds to a $4,970 difference.