Pets are often linked to increased joy for their owners, but the rising cost of living, including the expenses of pet ownership, means a new puppy might not bring the same happiness to your wallet. According to MarketWatch, the average first-year cost for a new dog is $4,023.
Before embarking on the journey to become a pet parent, it’s important to check if your budget can balance rising rent with dog ownership costs. The initial upfront cost of a new puppy alone can be over $2,000, which includes several vaccinations and vet visits, microchipping, food and water bowls, and the purchase price or adoption fee.
These extra costs may not seem significant at first, but they add up to thousands of dollars by the end of the year. If your budget is already tight, you risk entering “house-poor” territory. Typical financial guidelines, including those from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), recommend not spending more than 30% of your income on housing to avoid becoming cost-burdened or house-poor.
Zoocasa analyzed 40 cities by comparing average annual rent costs with median household incomes to determine where a new puppy would be affordable and where it might strain budgets. Using MarketWatch data, we estimated both the upfront and yearly costs of owning a puppy in the first year, then added those expenses to rent payments to see whether they would push renters above the recommended 30% income-to-housing threshold.
If you’re an aspiring puppy parent living in a major city, then you’re in luck: you can afford a new puppy and still cover your rent in 21 cities. Renters earning the median household income can cover both their monthly rent and the additional costs of a new puppy in cities like Atlanta, Denver, and San Antonio.
The most affordable city for renters and puppies is Austin, where the percentage of income spent on rent and dog ownership is only 23%. Fittingly, Austin was also named the second-most dog-friendly city in the country by Sniffspot, a private dog park rental service. Average monthly rent is relatively low at $1,437, and the median household income is high at $91,501, giving Austin renters more disposable income than other cities.
Raleigh is the second-most affordable city for rent and new puppy ownership. Renters will spend just 24% of their $86,309 household income on a new puppy and rent. Monthly rent is also affordable in Raleigh at just $1,401, possibly even allowing renters to be able to afford two puppies. Seattle and Phoenix renters are not far behind, with 25% of their respective incomes spent on a furry friend and rent.
The Northeast is One of the Most Challenging Regions to Afford a Puppy and Rent
Not only are there fewer sunny days to take your dog for a walk in the Northeast, but it also costs renters more to own a dog there. There isn’t one city in the Northeast that we analyzed where a renter earning the median income can afford to pay rent and get a new puppy.
In New York, renter budgets are especially tight. Without a dog, New York renters are already spending 63% of their median income on rent. Add a new puppy to the mix, and New Yorkers are spending nearly 70% of their yearly income on rent and pet costs.
Across the Hudson River in Hoboken, NJ, a puppy isn’t much more affordable. Average annual rent costs $45,264, while the median household income of $89,272 leaves renters with limited disposable income. Adding a new puppy pushes the typical Hoboken renter to spend 55% of their income on housing and pet-related costs.
Though Boston and Philadelphia are comparatively more affordable than the New York region, renters in both will need to put over 40% of their income towards rental and puppy costs. Pittsburgh is the most affordable city in the Northeast, but renters will still need to stretch their budgets, spending 31% of their income on rent and a new puppy.
Renters in Just One California City Can Afford a New Puppy
Without a puppy in the mix, renters in Irvine, San Diego, and San Francisco can afford to pay their rent while remaining under the 30% income-to-housing threshold.
But after adding a new puppy to the household, and over $4,000 in additional yearly expenses, renters in Irvine, San Diego, and San Francisco will have their budgets squeezed beyond affordability recommendations. Among the three cities, San Francisco renters will have the hardest time balancing the costs of a new puppy and rental payments, with 32% of their income going towards both.
However, Los Angeles is the most unaffordable city in California for renters and puppies. Renters will go from spending 33% of their income on rent without a puppy to 38% of their income on rent with a puppy.
Sacramento is the only city in California where the combined costs of rent and a new puppy are financially manageable. Here, renters spend just 27% of their income on housing and dog ownership expenses.
Want a Dog in Florida? Try Moving to Jacksonville
Among the five Florida cities analyzed, only one offers the right economic conditions for renters to afford a new puppy: Jacksonville. Here, renters with a puppy spend 29% of their $68,069 household income on rent and dog-related expenses. What sets Jacksonville apart is its average monthly rent of $1,310, which is hundreds of dollars lower than in other cities, and nearly $1,000 less than in Fort Lauderdale and Miami.
Though Tampa ranks among the top ten U.S. cities for dog parks per resident, high rental costs make it hard for renters to enjoy the perks. Without a dog, the average monthly rent of $1,661 is affordable, requiring just 27% of the median household income. However, adding a new puppy pushes that share to 33%.
In Miami, a new puppy is even more unaffordable. Renters increase their spending on rent from 38% to 44% when new puppy costs are factored in.
Budgeting Smart for Puppy Love
If you’re a renter in a high-cost-of-living city and still want to have a furry friend, don’t despair. Consider the average first-year cost of a new puppy, about $4,023, and see if you have room in your budget for that. Cutting back on other expenses outside of rent, such as eating out less or cancelling subscriptions, can also help you plan for these extra expenses.
But budgeting for a puppy doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the fun. From adopting through shelters (which can reduce upfront costs) to choosing a smaller dog (who eats less each year), there are plenty of ways to keep expenses manageable. With some thoughtful planning, you can enjoy the companionship of a new puppy without stretching your budget.
Thinking of making the jump from renting to owning? Start your search today! You might just find the home you’ve been dreaming of.