Persian vs Selkirk Rex Longhair: Full Cost Comparison
Side-by-side cost breakdown — first year, annual ongoing expenses, and lifetime totals.
Bottom line
The Selkirk Rex Longhair is cheaper by $750 in the first year. Over a full lifetime, the difference is $910.
| Cost Factor | Persian | Selkirk Rex Longhair |
|---|---|---|
| Size | medium | medium |
| Lifespan | 13 yrs | 15 yrs |
| Adoption/Purchase fee | $485 | $180 |
| Initial vet costs | $470 | $350 |
| Annual food | $395 | $415 |
| Annual vet | $470 | $350 |
| Annual grooming | $445 | $395 |
| Annual insurance | $405 | $300 |
| First year total (est.) | $3,105 | $2,355 |
| Annual ongoing (est.) | $1,880 | $1,600 |
| Lifetime total (est.) | $25,665 | $24,755 |
Persian vs Selkirk Rex Longhair: which costs more?
Over a typical lifespan, owning a Persian works out to roughly $25,665, while a Selkirk Rex Longhair comes to about $24,755 — a difference of $910 (4%). The Selkirk Rex Longhair 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 vet care: a Persian costs about $470 a year for vet care, versus $350 for the other breed. Both are medium-sized breeds, so food and supply costs are broadly comparable.
Which should you choose? If upfront budget matters most, the Selkirk Rex Longhair wins the first year by $750. If you're planning for the long haul, the Selkirk Rex Longhair saves about $910 over its lifetime. Neither breed is cheap to own, so budget for an emergency fund of at least $2,500 either way, and use the cost calculator to tailor these figures to your city and lifestyle.
Key Differences
Persian
Selkirk Rex Longhair
More medium-breed comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Is a Persian or a Selkirk Rex Longhair cheaper to own?
The Selkirk Rex Longhair is cheaper in the first year ($2,355 vs $3,105). Over a full lifetime the Selkirk Rex Longhair works out cheaper overall — about $24,755 versus $25,665, a difference of roughly $910.
How much does a Persian cost per month compared to a Selkirk Rex Longhair?
After the first year, a Persian costs about $157/month in ongoing expenses, while a Selkirk Rex Longhair costs about $133/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 Persian and a Selkirk Rex Longhair?
The largest single difference is vet care: a Persian costs about $470 a year versus $350 for the other breed. Lifespan also matters — the Selkirk Rex Longhair typically lives longer (15 vs 13 years), which adds more years of ongoing costs.
Do Persians or Selkirk Rex Longhairs cost more at the vet?
Routine annual vet care runs about $470 for a Persian and $350 for a Selkirk Rex Longhair. Either way, we recommend an emergency fund of at least $2,500, since a single emergency procedure can cost several thousand dollars regardless of breed.