How Much Does a Boston Terrier Cost?
Annual ownership cost, first-year expenses, lifetime total, health cost profile, and state-by-state cost comparison.
Boston Terriers occupy a middle ground in the brachycephalic world: more breathing issues than a non-flat-faced breed, but typically less severe than Pugs or French Bulldogs. The practical upshot is that a respiratory exam at 12–18 months is worthwhile, but many Boston owners never face BOAS surgery. The realistic recurring costs are eye care (prominent eyes scratch easily; $100–$300 per incident is common) and potential IVDD treatment if the dog develops back problems. Pet insurance covers both if purchased before symptoms appear. Bostons are genuinely lower-maintenance than Pugs in terms of skin fold care — the facial structure is less extreme — but the same core principle applies: buy from a breeder who health-tests and produces dogs with open nostrils and adequate airway, not the most extreme flat face. Reputable Boston breeders perform OFA patella and cardiac certifications; BAER testing for deafness in heavily-white-marked dogs is a mark of extra diligence.
Cost Breakdown — Boston Terrier
National average estimates. Adjust for your state using the table below.
| Expense Category | Annual Cost (Mid) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary Care | $1,100/yr | Routine exams, vaccinations, dental cleanings, preventatives |
| Food | $400/yr | $33/month for quality small/medium-breed food |
| Grooming | $200/yr | Professional grooming appointments; varies by coat type |
| Supplies & Misc | $0/yr | Toys, treats, bedding, leash/collar replacement, licenses |
| Annual Total | $1,700/yr | Year 2+ ongoing costs |
Purchase & First-Year Cost
Acquisition Cost
$600 – $1,500
Reputable breeders: $600-$1,500. Rescues and shelters often have Boston Terriers available at $50-$300.
First Year Total Estimate
$3,050 – $4,200
Includes mid-range purchase price, annual ongoing costs, initial supplies (crate/carrier, bed, bowls, toys), and first vet visit series.
Health Cost Profile — Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are brachycephalic, but their respiratory restriction is typically less severe than Pugs or French Bulldogs — many Bostons do not require BOAS surgery, though a veterinary evaluation by 12–18 months is advisable. Their prominent eyes are vulnerable to corneal ulcers and scratches — the most common Boston Terrier emergency room visit. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is a meaningful risk, particularly in screw-tailed variants; severe cases require surgery at $2,000–$5,000. Deafness occurs at above-average rates, particularly in dogs with white pigmentation on the head. Patellar luxation and early-onset cataracts are breed concerns. Hemivertebrae (malformed spinal vertebrae) affects some dogs.
Lifespan & Lifetime Cost
Lifetime estimate is based on 12 years of ongoing costs ($1,700/yr × 12) and does not include the purchase price or variable emergency veterinary costs.
Boston Terrier 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 — $1,394/yr (18% below avg)
- Arkansas — $1,428/yr (16% below avg)
- West Virginia — $1,428/yr (16% below avg)
- Oklahoma — $1,462/yr (14% below avg)
- Alabama — $1,479/yr (13% below avg)
Most Expensive States
- Hawaii — $2,890/yr (+70% above avg)
- District of Columbia — $2,516/yr (+48% above avg)
- California — $2,346/yr (+38% above avg)
- Massachusetts — $2,210/yr (+30% above avg)
- Alaska — $2,142/yr (+26% above avg)
| State | Est. Annual Cost | vs. National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | $1,394/yr | -18% |
| Arkansas | $1,428/yr | -16% |
| West Virginia | $1,428/yr | -16% |
| Oklahoma | $1,462/yr | -14% |
| Alabama | $1,479/yr | -13% |
| Kansas | $1,479/yr | -13% |
| Iowa | $1,496/yr | -12% |
| Kentucky | $1,496/yr | -12% |
| Missouri | $1,496/yr | -12% |
| South Dakota | $1,496/yr | -12% |
| Indiana | $1,513/yr | -11% |
| Nebraska | $1,513/yr | -11% |
| North Dakota | $1,530/yr | -10% |
| Ohio | $1,530/yr | -10% |
| Tennessee | $1,530/yr | -10% |
| Louisiana | $1,547/yr | -9% |
| Michigan | $1,547/yr | -9% |
| South Carolina | $1,564/yr | -8% |
| Texas | $1,564/yr | -8% |
| Georgia | $1,581/yr | -7% |
| New Mexico | $1,581/yr | -7% |
| Wisconsin | $1,581/yr | -7% |
| Wyoming | $1,581/yr | -7% |
| Idaho | $1,615/yr | -5% |
| North Carolina | $1,615/yr | -5% |
| Illinois | $1,632/yr | -4% |
| Montana | $1,632/yr | -4% |
| Arizona | $1,649/yr | -3% |
| Minnesota | $1,649/yr | -3% |
| Utah | $1,649/yr | -3% |
| Pennsylvania | $1,683/yr | -1% |
| Florida | $1,717/yr | +1% |
| Delaware | $1,751/yr | +3% |
| Nevada | $1,768/yr | +4% |
| Virginia | $1,768/yr | +4% |
| Colorado | $1,785/yr | +5% |
| Maine | $1,802/yr | +6% |
| New Hampshire | $1,836/yr | +8% |
| Oregon | $1,870/yr | +10% |
| Rhode Island | $1,870/yr | +10% |
| Maryland | $1,904/yr | +12% |
| Vermont | $1,904/yr | +12% |
| Washington | $1,955/yr | +15% |
| New Jersey | $2,006/yr | +18% |
| Connecticut | $2,040/yr | +20% |
| New York | $2,125/yr | +25% |
| Alaska | $2,142/yr | +26% |
| Massachusetts | $2,210/yr | +30% |
| California | $2,346/yr | +38% |
| District of Columbia | $2,516/yr | +48% |
| Hawaii | $2,890/yr | +70% |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Boston Terrier cost per year?
A Boston Terrier costs approximately $1,700/year in ongoing expenses including veterinary care ($1,100/yr), food ($400/yr), and grooming ($200/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 Boston Terrier?
Purchase prices for Boston Terriers range from $600 to $1,500 from reputable breeders. Rescue organizations and breed-specific rescues often have Boston Terriers available for $150-$400.
What is the lifetime cost of a Boston Terrier?
The estimated lifetime cost of a Boston Terrier is $20,400, based on a 11-13 year typical lifespan and ongoing annual costs of $1,700. This does not include the purchase price (add $600-$1,500) or variable emergency veterinary costs.
Is a Boston Terrier expensive to own?
At $1,700/year, Boston Terriers are close to average in annual cost compared to similar dogs. The key cost consideration: Brachycephalic; lower severity than Pugs but same category of risks.