N.E. states are some of the most expensive places to get a dog

How much is that doggie in the window? More than you might think.

Lots of people dream of bringing home an adorable pup, but the cost of acquiring a dog is significantly higher in some states than others, new data show.

Massachusetts ranked as the 14th most expensive state in which to get a dog, averaging $464.95 per pooch, according to Forbes Advisor. While pricey, that trails several other New England states, including Vermont, Connecticut, and New Hampshire.

The data, compiled from a survey of 10,000 dog owners — 200 in each state — showed that the cost of a dog varies widely, depending on the breed and whether the dog was rescued or acquired from a breeder. But location also plays a factor.

Dog owners in Massachusetts are slightly more likely to acquire a dog from a breeder — 38.5 percent — compared to 36.5 percent of owners who said they adopted. Vet visits were the highest recurring dog expense for 39 percent of owners in Massachusetts, followed by dog food, which 35.5 percent of owners said was the biggest expense, the data show.

Like 70 percent of dog owners in the US, 76.5 percent of Massachusetts dog owners prefer to acquire a puppy between zero and 2 years old, according to the data. Only 2 percent of dog owners in Massachusetts paid more than $2,000 for their dog.

Three New England states were among the most expensive: New Hampshire ranked third with an average cost of $576.41; Connecticut came in at No. 9, with an average price of $501.55; and Vermont followed at No. 10, with an average price of $488.97, according to the data.

Those totals are substantially higher than the national average cost of $391, the data show.

Other locations in the United States, including the South, which is home to seven of the 10 least expensive states to acquire a dog, have significantly lower average costs, according to the data.

In Oklahoma, the least expensive state to buy a dog, owners spend an average of $172.47.

Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Kansas rounded out the five least expensive states to buy a dog.

The 10 most expensive states to get a dog

1. Delaware average: $686.68; 2. Florida average: $599.25; 3. New Hampshire average: $576.41; 4. Pennsylvania average: $571.07; 5. South Carolina average: $548.23; 6. New York average: $539.03; 7. Maryland average: $534.95; 8. North Dakota average: $507.75; 9. Connecticut average: $501.55; 10. Vermont average: $488.97.