Golden Retriever vs Maltese: Full Cost Comparison
Side-by-side cost breakdown — first year, annual ongoing expenses, and lifetime totals.
Bottom line
The Maltese is cheaper by $1,185 in the first year. Over a full lifetime, the difference is $2,685.
| Cost Factor | Golden Retriever | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Size | large | small |
| Lifespan | 12 yrs | 15 yrs |
| Adoption/Purchase fee | $640 | $730 |
| Initial vet costs | $545 | $425 |
| Annual food | $820 | $395 |
| Annual vet | $590 | $425 |
| Annual grooming | $600 | $730 |
| Annual insurance | $690 | $470 |
| First year total (est.) | $5,220 | $4,035 |
| Annual ongoing (est.) | $2,930 | $2,195 |
| Lifetime total (est.) | $37,450 | $34,765 |
Golden Retriever vs Maltese: which costs more?
Over a typical lifespan, owning a Golden Retriever works out to roughly $37,450, while a Maltese comes to about $34,765 — a difference of $2,685 (7%). The Maltese 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 food: a Golden Retriever costs about $820 a year for food, versus $395 for the other breed. The larger Golden Retriever generally needs more food and carries higher medication and insurance costs.
Which should you choose? If upfront budget matters most, the Maltese wins the first year by $1,185. If you're planning for the long haul, the Maltese saves about $2,685 over its lifetime. Neither breed is cheap to own, so budget for an emergency fund of at least $3,000 either way, and use the cost calculator to tailor these figures to your city and lifestyle.
Key Differences
Golden Retriever
Maltese
More large-breed comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Is a Golden Retriever or a Maltese cheaper to own?
The Maltese is cheaper in the first year ($4,035 vs $5,220). Over a full lifetime the Maltese works out cheaper overall — about $34,765 versus $37,450, a difference of roughly $2,685.
How much does a Golden Retriever cost per month compared to a Maltese?
After the first year, a Golden Retriever costs about $244/month in ongoing expenses, while a Maltese costs about $183/month. These figures cover food, routine vet care, grooming, insurance and supplies, based on US national averages.
What's the biggest cost difference between a Golden Retriever and a Maltese?
The largest single difference is food: a Golden Retriever costs about $820 a year versus $395 for the other breed. Lifespan also matters — the Maltese typically lives longer (15 vs 12 years), which adds more years of ongoing costs.
Do Golden Retrievers or Malteses cost more at the vet?
Routine annual vet care runs about $590 for a Golden Retriever and $425 for a Maltese. Either way, we recommend an emergency fund of at least $3,000, since a single emergency procedure can cost several thousand dollars regardless of breed.