Is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Labrador Retriever more expensive to own?

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is less expensive over a lifetime. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel costs approximately $24,180 over its 11-year lifespan vs $27,800 for a Labrador Retriever over 12 years. Annual costs: $1,880/yr for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs $2,100/yr for Labrador Retriever.

How much does a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel cost per year?

A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel costs $1,880/year on average. This includes food ($300), routine vet care ($600), grooming ($180), pet insurance ($540), supplies ($160), and training ($100).

How much does a Labrador Retriever cost per year?

A Labrador Retriever costs $2,100/year on average. This includes food ($660), routine vet care ($550), grooming ($60), pet insurance ($480), supplies ($200), and training ($150).

What is the purchase price difference between Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Labrador Retriever?

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel purchase price from a reputable breeder: $1,200–$3,500. Labrador Retriever: $800–$2,000. Labrador Retriever costs less upfront by roughly $950.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever Cost Comparison 2026

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel costs $1,880/yr vs $2,100/yr for Labrador Retriever. Over a lifetime: $24,180 vs $27,800. Here's where the money goes.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

$24,180

lifetime (11 yrs)

Lifetime Difference

$3,620

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel costs less

Labrador Retriever

$27,800

lifetime (12 yrs)

Cost Breakdown

Category	Cavalier King Charles Spaniel	Labrador Retriever	Winner
Purchase Price	$1,200–$3,500	$800–$2,000	Labrador Retriever
Annual Food	$300	$660	Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Routine Vet Care	$600	$550	Labrador Retriever
Grooming	$180	$60	Labrador Retriever
Pet Insurance	$40–$80/mo	$35–$65/mo	Labrador Retriever
Supplies & Training	$260	$350	Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Total Annual Cost	$1,880	$2,100	Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Lifetime Cost	$24,180	$27,800	Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Cost Profile

Size: small
Lifespan: 11 years
Purchase Price: $1,200–$3,500
Annual Cost: $1,880/yr
Lifetime Total: $24,180

Full Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 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

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel costs $220/yr less than Labrador Retriever ($1,880 vs $2,100). Over a lifetime, that gap compounds to a $3,620 difference.

Compare With Other Breeds

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Afghan Hound Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Beagle Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Belgian Malinois Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Bichon Frise Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Bloodhound Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Boston Terrier Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Boxer Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Chihuahua

Labrador Retriever vs Chow Chow Labrador Retriever vs Collie Labrador Retriever vs Dalmatian Labrador Retriever vs Doberman Pinscher

← All Breed Costs · Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Full Breakdown · Labrador Retriever Full Breakdown