How Much Does a Maltese Cost?
Annual ownership cost, first-year expenses, lifetime total, health cost profile, and state-by-state cost comparison.
Maltese grooming costs rival Shih Tzus for the highest among small dogs. The breed's single-layer, floor-length white coat requires professional grooming every 4 weeks (for full coat) or every 5-6 weeks (for a shorter maintenance cut) at $80-$150 per appointment. That works out to $960-$1,800 annually for professional maintenance alone — grooming represents the single largest line item in Maltese ownership costs, exceeding food by 3-4x. Tear staining is the daily visible cost: the white coat around the eyes picks up the reddish-brown discoloration from porphyrins in tear secretions, requiring daily face cleaning with tear stain remover wipes. Some owners use commercial stain prevention supplements or filtered water to reduce production, with inconsistent results. The purchase price from responsible breeders has climbed substantially — $1,500-$2,500 is typical, with show-prospect dogs reaching $4,000 — because the breed's companion-dog suitability drives demand. Teacup Maltese marketed at $3,000-$6,000 from puppy mill-adjacent sellers carry dramatically amplified health risks and should be avoided on both welfare and financial grounds: a 2-pound adult Maltese is fragile enough to be seriously injured by being dropped, and their hypoglycemia and bone density risks generate vet costs that rapidly exceed the premium purchase price.
Cost Breakdown — Maltese
National average estimates. Adjust for your state using the table below.
| Expense Category | Annual Cost (Mid) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary Care | $900/yr | Routine exams, vaccinations, dental cleanings, preventatives |
| Food | $300/yr | $25/month for quality small/medium-breed food |
| Grooming | $1,200/yr | Professional grooming appointments; varies by coat type |
| Supplies & Misc | $300/yr | Toys, treats, bedding, leash/collar replacement, licenses |
| Annual Total | $2,700/yr | Year 2+ ongoing costs |
Purchase & First-Year Cost
Acquisition Cost
$800 – $4,000
Reputable breeders: $800-$4,000. Rescues and shelters often have Malteses available at $50-$300.
First Year Total Estimate
$5,300 – $7,700
Includes mid-range purchase price, annual ongoing costs, initial supplies (crate/carrier, bed, bowls, toys), and first vet visit series.
Health Cost Profile — Maltese
Dental disease is severe in the Maltese — tiny jaws create adult-sized teeth in insufficient space, and cleanings every 12-18 months are standard by middle age. Patellar luxation affects roughly 25% of the breed. Tracheal collapse is a toy breed staple. White shaker syndrome (idiopathic tremor) causes full-body tremors in young adults that respond to corticosteroid treatment. Portosystemic liver shunts occur at above-average rates; bile acid testing before purchase is worth the $60-$100. Hypoglycemia risk in puppies and sub-4-pound adults. The breed's white coat makes skin allergies and contact dermatitis highly visible.
Lifespan & Lifetime Cost
Lifetime estimate is based on 14 years of ongoing costs ($2,700/yr × 14) and does not include the purchase price or variable emergency veterinary costs.
Maltese 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 — $2,214/yr (18% below avg)
- Arkansas — $2,268/yr (16% below avg)
- West Virginia — $2,268/yr (16% below avg)
- Oklahoma — $2,322/yr (14% below avg)
- Alabama — $2,349/yr (13% below avg)
Most Expensive States
- Hawaii — $4,590/yr (+70% above avg)
- District of Columbia — $3,996/yr (+48% above avg)
- California — $3,726/yr (+38% above avg)
- Massachusetts — $3,510/yr (+30% above avg)
- Alaska — $3,402/yr (+26% above avg)
| State | Est. Annual Cost | vs. National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | $2,214/yr | -18% |
| Arkansas | $2,268/yr | -16% |
| West Virginia | $2,268/yr | -16% |
| Oklahoma | $2,322/yr | -14% |
| Alabama | $2,349/yr | -13% |
| Kansas | $2,349/yr | -13% |
| Iowa | $2,376/yr | -12% |
| Kentucky | $2,376/yr | -12% |
| Missouri | $2,376/yr | -12% |
| South Dakota | $2,376/yr | -12% |
| Indiana | $2,403/yr | -11% |
| Nebraska | $2,403/yr | -11% |
| North Dakota | $2,430/yr | -10% |
| Ohio | $2,430/yr | -10% |
| Tennessee | $2,430/yr | -10% |
| Louisiana | $2,457/yr | -9% |
| Michigan | $2,457/yr | -9% |
| South Carolina | $2,484/yr | -8% |
| Texas | $2,484/yr | -8% |
| Georgia | $2,511/yr | -7% |
| New Mexico | $2,511/yr | -7% |
| Wisconsin | $2,511/yr | -7% |
| Wyoming | $2,511/yr | -7% |
| Idaho | $2,565/yr | -5% |
| North Carolina | $2,565/yr | -5% |
| Illinois | $2,592/yr | -4% |
| Montana | $2,592/yr | -4% |
| Arizona | $2,619/yr | -3% |
| Minnesota | $2,619/yr | -3% |
| Utah | $2,619/yr | -3% |
| Pennsylvania | $2,673/yr | -1% |
| Florida | $2,727/yr | +1% |
| Delaware | $2,781/yr | +3% |
| Nevada | $2,808/yr | +4% |
| Virginia | $2,808/yr | +4% |
| Colorado | $2,835/yr | +5% |
| Maine | $2,862/yr | +6% |
| New Hampshire | $2,916/yr | +8% |
| Oregon | $2,970/yr | +10% |
| Rhode Island | $2,970/yr | +10% |
| Maryland | $3,024/yr | +12% |
| Vermont | $3,024/yr | +12% |
| Washington | $3,105/yr | +15% |
| New Jersey | $3,186/yr | +18% |
| Connecticut | $3,240/yr | +20% |
| New York | $3,375/yr | +25% |
| Alaska | $3,402/yr | +26% |
| Massachusetts | $3,510/yr | +30% |
| California | $3,726/yr | +38% |
| District of Columbia | $3,996/yr | +48% |
| Hawaii | $4,590/yr | +70% |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Maltese cost per year?
A Maltese costs approximately $2,700/year in ongoing expenses including veterinary care ($900/yr), food ($300/yr), and grooming ($1,200/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 Maltese?
Purchase prices for Malteses range from $800 to $4,000 from reputable breeders. Rescue organizations and breed-specific rescues often have Malteses available for $150-$400.
What is the lifetime cost of a Maltese?
The estimated lifetime cost of a Maltese is $29,700, based on a 12-15 year typical lifespan and ongoing annual costs of $2,700. This does not include the purchase price (add $800-$4,000) or variable emergency veterinary costs.
Is a Maltese expensive to own?
At $2,700/year, Malteses are above average in annual cost compared to similar dogs. The key cost consideration: Monthly grooming essential, tear staining requires daily cleaning.