The 5 Most Expensive States to Raise a Dog—And The Cheapest, Too
Some places are harder on the wallet than others.
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Dogs are worth every penny — but the price tag of a pup is definitely the least adorable thing about them. According to a new survey by MarketWatch,opens in a new tab the national average cost of raising a pup is $28,801, but that price can vary widely depending on which state you’re in. MarketWatch collected data across 11 metrics — including puppy costs like spay/neuter surgery and annual purchases like pet insurance, vet visits, and grooming — to find the least and most expensive states for dog parenting.
The most expensive states to raise a dog
In 13 states, the cost of dog parenting is greater than $30,000. These five coastal states took the lead:
5. Washington
In Washington state, dog parents can expect to spend $32,894 on their dog in their lifetime. Of the top five most expensive states, Washington has the most expensive boarding and grooming costs, at $1,136.
4. New Jersey
New Jersey comes in at number four, with a total cost of $32,947. Food and treats are cheaper in New Jersey, but pet insurance is $1,111 — slightly higher than Washington’s cost of $1,024.
3. Massachusetts
Massachusetts is the third most expensive state to raise a dog in, with a total of $33,318. Food and treats are most expensive in Massachusetts; pet parents can expect to spend $757, compared to only $698 in New Jersey.
2. New York
The runner-up is New York, where it costs $34,248 to raise a dog — no surprise to anyone who has heard New Yorkers complain about the cost of living. The price of insurance and vet care in New York is super high, costing $1,233 compared to $1,089 in Massachusetts.
1. California
And taking home the trophy is sunny California, where it costs $35,452 to raise a pup. That’s more than a Tesla.opens in a new tab Pet insurance is more expensive in California than any other state — it costs an average of $736.
The 5 least expensive states to raise a dog
In some states, dog parenting is a little easier on the bank.
5. Louisiana
In Louisiana, it costs $25,760 to raise a pup.
4. Nebraska
Nebraska is the fourth least expensive state to raise a dog, with a puppy cost of $975 and an annual of $2,244 for a total of $25,662.
3. Indiana
In Indiana, pet parents can expect to spend $25,479 on their dog.
2. Mississippi
In Mississippi, dog parenting costs $25,104, making it the second least expensive state to raise a pup in.
1. Oklahoma
“Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’” indeed — Oklahoma wins the prize for the cheapest state to raise a pup in, with the cost of $24,855. That’s 14 percent lower than the national average.
Methodology
For the sake of consistency, MarketWatch analyzed the cost of raising a Labrador Retriever in each state; according to the American Kennel Club,opens in a new tab Labs are the most popular dog breed in America. A dog’s needs can vary by breed, though — for example, flat-faced dogsopens in a new tab might require more vet visits, while some studies have found that mutts have fewer genetic health problems. opens in a new tab Breeds have varying lifespans, too;opens in a new tab MarketWatch considered the lifetime cost of parenting a Labrador Retriever over their average lifespan of 11 years.
Alaska, Hawaii, North Dakota, and South Dakota were excluded from the rankings because cost information was not available.
Because the cost varies, MarketWatch didn’t include adoption or purchasing fees in their analysis. Adoption is often much cheaper than purchasing a dog.
Sio Hornbuckle
Sio Hornbuckle is a writer living in New York City with their cat, Toni Collette.
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