Australian Terrier vs Chihuahua (Smooth Coat): Full Cost Comparison
Side-by-side cost breakdown — first year, annual ongoing expenses, and lifetime totals.
Bottom line
The Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) is cheaper by $15 in the first year. Over a full lifetime, the difference is $2,865.
| Cost Factor | Australian Terrier | Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) |
|---|---|---|
| Size | small | small |
| Lifespan | 16 yrs | 16 yrs |
| Adoption/Purchase fee | $305 | $470 |
| Initial vet costs | $455 | $490 |
| Annual food | $420 | $370 |
| Annual vet | $455 | $490 |
| Annual grooming | $410 | $210 |
| Annual insurance | $510 | $545 |
| First year total (est.) | $3,580 | $3,565 |
| Annual ongoing (est.) | $2,035 | $1,845 |
| Lifetime total (est.) | $34,105 | $31,240 |
Australian Terrier vs Chihuahua (Smooth Coat): which costs more?
Over a typical lifespan, owning a Australian Terrier works out to roughly $34,105, while a Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) comes to about $31,240 — a difference of $2,865 (8%). The Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) is the more budget-friendly choice over the long run, though the gap is driven by a few specific expenses rather than across-the-board savings.
The biggest single difference is grooming: a Australian Terrier costs about $410 a year for grooming, versus $210 for the other breed. Both are small-sized breeds, so food and supply costs are broadly comparable.
Which should you choose? If upfront budget matters most, the Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) wins the first year by $15. If you're planning for the long haul, the Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) saves about $2,865 over its lifetime. Neither breed is cheap to own, so budget for an emergency fund of at least $2,000 either way, and use the cost calculator to tailor these figures to your city and lifestyle.
Key Differences
Australian Terrier
Chihuahua (Smooth Coat)
More small-breed comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Is an Australian Terrier or a Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) cheaper to own?
The Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) is cheaper in the first year ($3,565 vs $3,580). Over a full lifetime the Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) works out cheaper overall — about $31,240 versus $34,105, a difference of roughly $2,865.
How much does an Australian Terrier cost per month compared to a Chihuahua (Smooth Coat)?
After the first year, an Australian Terrier costs about $170/month in ongoing expenses, while a Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) costs about $154/month. These figures cover food, routine vet care, grooming, insurance and supplies, based on US national averages.
What's the biggest cost difference between an Australian Terrier and a Chihuahua (Smooth Coat)?
The largest single difference is grooming: an Australian Terrier costs about $410 a year versus $210 for the other breed. Both breeds share a similar 16-year lifespan, so lifetime totals come down mainly to annual costs.
Do Australian Terriers or Chihuahua (Smooth Coat)s cost more at the vet?
Routine annual vet care runs about $455 for an Australian Terrier and $490 for a Chihuahua (Smooth Coat). Either way, we recommend an emergency fund of at least $2,000, since a single emergency procedure can cost several thousand dollars regardless of breed.