Labrador Retriever vs Maltese Cost Comparison 2026
Labrador Retriever costs $2,100/yr vs $1,720/yr for Maltese. Over a lifetime: $27,800 vs $26,680. Here's where the money goes.
Labrador Retriever
$27,800
lifetime (12 yrs)
Lifetime Difference
$1,120
Maltese costs less
Maltese
$26,680
lifetime (14 yrs)
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Labrador Retriever | Maltese | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $800–$2,000 | $800–$2,500 | Labrador Retriever |
| Annual Food | $660 | $220 | Maltese |
| Routine Vet Care | $550 | $450 | Maltese |
| Grooming | $60 | $480 | Labrador Retriever |
| Pet Insurance | $35–$65/mo | $24–$50/mo | Maltese |
| Supplies & Training | $350 | $230 | Maltese |
| Total Annual Cost | $2,100 | $1,720 | Maltese |
| Lifetime Cost | $27,800 | $26,680 | Maltese |
Labrador Retriever Cost Profile
- Size
- large
- Lifespan
- 12 years
- Purchase Price
- $800–$2,000
- Annual Cost
- $2,100/yr
- Lifetime Total
- $27,800
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 $380/yr less than Labrador Retriever ($1,720 vs $2,100). Over a lifetime, that gap compounds to a $1,120 difference.