Golden Retriever vs Irish Setter Cost Comparison 2026
Golden Retriever costs $2,280/yr vs $2,060/yr for Irish Setter. Over a lifetime: $28,580 vs $27,170. Here's where the money goes.
Golden Retriever
$28,580
lifetime (11 yrs)
Lifetime Difference
$1,410
Irish Setter costs less
Irish Setter
$27,170
lifetime (12 yrs)
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Golden Retriever | Irish Setter | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $1,000–$3,500 | $800–$1,800 | Irish Setter |
| Annual Food | $660 | $600 | Irish Setter |
| Routine Vet Care | $550 | $480 | Irish Setter |
| Grooming | $180 | $180 | Golden Retriever |
| Pet Insurance | $38–$70/mo | $28–$58/mo | Irish Setter |
| Supplies & Training | $370 | $400 | Golden Retriever |
| Total Annual Cost | $2,280 | $2,060 | Irish Setter |
| Lifetime Cost | $28,580 | $27,170 | Irish Setter |
Golden Retriever Cost Profile
- Size
- large
- Lifespan
- 11 years
- Purchase Price
- $1,000–$3,500
- Annual Cost
- $2,280/yr
- Lifetime Total
- $28,580
Irish Setter Cost Profile
- Size
- large
- Lifespan
- 12 years
- Purchase Price
- $800–$1,800
- Annual Cost
- $2,060/yr
- Lifetime Total
- $27,170
Bottom Line
Irish Setter costs $220/yr less than Golden Retriever ($2,060 vs $2,280). Over a lifetime, that gap compounds to a $1,410 difference.