Golden Retriever vs Maltese Cost Comparison 2026
Golden Retriever costs $2,280/yr vs $1,720/yr for Maltese. Over a lifetime: $28,580 vs $26,680. Here's where the money goes.
Golden Retriever
$28,580
lifetime (11 yrs)
Lifetime Difference
$1,900
Maltese costs less
Maltese
$26,680
lifetime (14 yrs)
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Golden Retriever | Maltese | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $1,000–$3,500 | $800–$2,500 | Maltese |
| Annual Food | $660 | $220 | Maltese |
| Routine Vet Care | $550 | $450 | Maltese |
| Grooming | $180 | $480 | Golden Retriever |
| Pet Insurance | $38–$70/mo | $24–$50/mo | Maltese |
| Supplies & Training | $370 | $230 | Maltese |
| Total Annual Cost | $2,280 | $1,720 | Maltese |
| Lifetime Cost | $28,580 | $26,680 | Maltese |
Golden Retriever Cost Profile
- Size
- large
- Lifespan
- 11 years
- Purchase Price
- $1,000–$3,500
- Annual Cost
- $2,280/yr
- Lifetime Total
- $28,580
Maltese Cost Profile
- Size
- small
- Lifespan
- 14 years
- Purchase Price
- $800–$2,500
- Annual Cost
- $1,720/yr
- Lifetime Total
- $26,680
Bottom Line
Maltese costs $560/yr less than Golden Retriever ($1,720 vs $2,280). Over a lifetime, that gap compounds to a $1,900 difference.