How Much Does a Balinese Cost?
Annual ownership cost, first-year expenses, lifetime total, health cost profile, and state-by-state cost comparison.
Balinese get underrated as a low-maintenance alternative to full long-haired breeds. Despite the silky, flowing coat, the single-layer structure without undercoat means grooming is minimal — twice-weekly brushing and an occasional bath, no professional grooming required for most cats. They are essentially Siamese in personality — highly social, vocal, and bond intensely to their owners — with a slightly softer voice and slightly different coat. The health profile mirrors Siamese: the primary concerns are HCM (cardiac screening of breeding cats is important) and PRA (DNA testable). The practical ownership experience is: a deeply interactive, demanding-in-a-good-way companion with lower medical costs than most pedigreed breeds and almost no grooming cost relative to their appearance.
Cost Breakdown — Balinese
National average estimates. Adjust for your state using the table below.
| Expense Category | Annual Cost (Mid) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary Care | $650/yr | Routine exams, vaccinations, dental cleanings, preventatives |
| Food | $500/yr | $42/month for quality cat food |
| Grooming | $100/yr | Professional grooming appointments; varies by coat type |
| Supplies & Misc | $0/yr | Toys, treats, bedding, leash/collar replacement, licenses |
| Annual Total | $1,250/yr | Year 2+ ongoing costs |
Purchase & First-Year Cost
Acquisition Cost
$800 – $2,000
Reputable breeders: $800-$2,000. Rescues and shelters often have Balineses available at $50-$300.
First Year Total Estimate
$2,850 – $4,250
Includes mid-range purchase price, annual ongoing costs, initial supplies (crate/carrier, bed, bowls, toys), and first vet visit series.
Health Cost Profile — Balinese
Balinese cats are essentially Siamese with a semi-longhaired gene. They share the Siamese breed's health profile: crossed eyes (now much rarer through selective breeding) and kinked tails are historical but largely bred out. Amyloidosis occurs in some Siamese-derived breeds. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) affects the breed. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) occurs at above-average rates. Their plume-like semi-long coat is a single layer without undercoat, which means it doesn't mat the way double-coated long breeds do — brushing twice a week is sufficient for most cats.
Lifespan & Lifetime Cost
Lifetime estimate is based on 14 years of ongoing costs ($1,250/yr × 14) and does not include the purchase price or variable emergency veterinary costs.
Balinese Cost by State
Annual cost estimates adjusted for state cost-of-living. Click any state for a full pet cost breakdown.
Most Affordable States
- Mississippi — $1,025/yr (18% below avg)
- Arkansas — $1,050/yr (16% below avg)
- West Virginia — $1,050/yr (16% below avg)
- Oklahoma — $1,075/yr (14% below avg)
- Alabama — $1,088/yr (13% below avg)
Most Expensive States
- Hawaii — $2,125/yr (+70% above avg)
- District of Columbia — $1,850/yr (+48% above avg)
- California — $1,725/yr (+38% above avg)
- Massachusetts — $1,625/yr (+30% above avg)
- Alaska — $1,575/yr (+26% above avg)
| State | Est. Annual Cost | vs. National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | $1,025/yr | -18% |
| Arkansas | $1,050/yr | -16% |
| West Virginia | $1,050/yr | -16% |
| Oklahoma | $1,075/yr | -14% |
| Alabama | $1,088/yr | -13% |
| Kansas | $1,088/yr | -13% |
| Iowa | $1,100/yr | -12% |
| Kentucky | $1,100/yr | -12% |
| Missouri | $1,100/yr | -12% |
| South Dakota | $1,100/yr | -12% |
| Indiana | $1,113/yr | -11% |
| Nebraska | $1,113/yr | -11% |
| North Dakota | $1,125/yr | -10% |
| Ohio | $1,125/yr | -10% |
| Tennessee | $1,125/yr | -10% |
| Louisiana | $1,138/yr | -9% |
| Michigan | $1,138/yr | -9% |
| South Carolina | $1,150/yr | -8% |
| Texas | $1,150/yr | -8% |
| Georgia | $1,163/yr | -7% |
| New Mexico | $1,163/yr | -7% |
| Wisconsin | $1,163/yr | -7% |
| Wyoming | $1,163/yr | -7% |
| Idaho | $1,188/yr | -5% |
| North Carolina | $1,188/yr | -5% |
| Illinois | $1,200/yr | -4% |
| Montana | $1,200/yr | -4% |
| Arizona | $1,213/yr | -3% |
| Minnesota | $1,213/yr | -3% |
| Utah | $1,213/yr | -3% |
| Pennsylvania | $1,238/yr | -1% |
| Florida | $1,263/yr | +1% |
| Delaware | $1,288/yr | +3% |
| Nevada | $1,300/yr | +4% |
| Virginia | $1,300/yr | +4% |
| Colorado | $1,313/yr | +5% |
| Maine | $1,325/yr | +6% |
| New Hampshire | $1,350/yr | +8% |
| Oregon | $1,375/yr | +10% |
| Rhode Island | $1,375/yr | +10% |
| Maryland | $1,400/yr | +12% |
| Vermont | $1,400/yr | +12% |
| Washington | $1,438/yr | +15% |
| New Jersey | $1,475/yr | +18% |
| Connecticut | $1,500/yr | +20% |
| New York | $1,563/yr | +25% |
| Alaska | $1,575/yr | +26% |
| Massachusetts | $1,625/yr | +30% |
| California | $1,725/yr | +38% |
| District of Columbia | $1,850/yr | +48% |
| Hawaii | $2,125/yr | +70% |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Balinese cost per year?
A Balinese costs approximately $1,250/year in ongoing expenses including veterinary care ($650/yr), food ($500/yr), and grooming ($100/yr). This estimate covers year-2+ costs and does not include the purchase price or one-time setup supplies.
How much does it cost to buy a Balinese?
Purchase prices for Balineses range from $800 to $2,000 from reputable breeders. Rescue organizations and breed-specific rescues often have Balineses available for $150-$400.
What is the lifetime cost of a Balinese?
The estimated lifetime cost of a Balinese is $17,500, based on a 12-16 year typical lifespan and ongoing annual costs of $1,250. This does not include the purchase price (add $800-$2,000) or variable emergency veterinary costs.
Is a Balinese expensive to own?
At $1,250/year, Balineses are below average in annual cost compared to similar cats. The key cost consideration: Semi-longhaired but minimal matting; shares Siamese health profile.