How much does a hamster cost?
How much does a hamster cost?
$100 – $250 average cost for hamster, cage, & supplies
$15 – $30 average cost per month
Average cost of a hamster
A hamster costs $100 to $250 on average, including the animal itself, its cage, and other necessities. Hamster food and bedding costs $15 to $30 per month. The total cost depends on the hamster’s breed, the size and type of cage you choose, and whether you buy a ball or toys.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Hamster | $20 – $25 |
| Cage | $40 – $100 |
| Wheel & toys | $15 – $40 |
| Food & water containers | $10 – $40 |
| Food | $5 – $20 per bag |
| Bedding | $10 – $25 per bag |
Hamster
A hamster costs about $20 to $25 at a pet store, depending on the type. Bear hamsters, or Syrian hamsters, cost slightly more than dwarf hamsters and are a little bigger, growing up to 5 to 7 inches. Short-hair Syrian hamsters are known as Golden hamsters.
Dwarf hamsters grow to about 3 to 4 inches long and come in the following varieties:
Winter White or Djungarian (DJ) hamsters, which are the most social and playful breed
Roborovksi (Robo) hamsters, which are the smallest and fastest breed
Chinese dwarf hamsters, which prefer hiding and burying themselves in bedding
Cage
The hamster’s cage will cost $40 to $100, depending on its size and features. Large cages with tubes and decorations cost more but allow the hamster more freedom and entertainment.
Wheel & toys
A hamster wheel and toys will cost $15 to $40. Because they’re nocturnal, hamsters love running on their wheels at night. They also need some type of chew toy, wood stick, or mineral chews to keep their teeth from growing too long.
An enrichment toy like a hamster ball costs $5 to $10 and allows the hamster to run around outside its cage while being protected from danger.
Food & water containers
A food bowl and water dispenser cost $10 to $40 total, depending on the size and retailer. You may be tempted to get matching bowls for food and water, but hanging water dispensers are more hygienic and require less maintenance.
Food
Hamster food costs $5 to $20 per bag, which lasts around 1 to 2 months. Hamsters should get a balanced diet of pellets, fresh fruits and veggies, and treats.
Hamsters can also eat leafy greens from outside, like clover or dandelions, but you should only feed them to your hamster if you’re sure they haven’t been sprayed with any pesticides or harmful chemicals.
Bedding
Hamster bedding costs $10 to $25 per bag. You should change their bedding once per week to keep their cage clean and sanitary. You can also use newspaper or unscented toilet paper to lower your monthly costs.
Hamster cost factors
Several factors affect the cost of owning a hamster:
Breed: Dwarf hamsters are smaller and more common. They cost slightly less than the larger Syrian hamsters and are more social.
Number of hamsters: Syrian hamsters are friendly with humans but don’t get along well with other hamsters. Most Dwarf hamster breeds, on the other hand, are more social and can live with other hamsters of the same sex.
Location: Hamsters cost less at pet stores like Petco or PetSmart than from breeders. However, breeders often have rare breeds or information about the hamster’s genetic background. Shelters and pet rescues are more affordable but vary more in availability.
Vet visits: A vet visit costs $40 to $80 for routine checkups or $100 to $800+ for emergency visits if something happens to your hamster.
Insurance: Pet insurance costs about $15 to $50 per month or $180 to $600 per year. However, since hamsters have short lifespans and are unlikely to need any major operations, you should weigh the costs and the benefits.
Cremation: Pet cremation costs $40 to $175 for hamsters. Losing a pet is emotional and difficult, especially for young kids. Cremation allows pet owners to honor their friendship and keep or scatter the ashes.
Hamster care tips
Follow these tips when getting and caring for a hamster to make sure they’re happy and healthy:
Clean their cage regularly to prevent bacterial infections.
Supplement their diet with fresh fruit and veggies in a separate bowl. Remove uneaten food before it spoils.
If you use sand in their cage, make sure to get a dust-free variety.
Make sure to always be gentle when handling your hamster. If you’re unsure any children in your home will be gentle, consider waiting until they’re older to get a pet.
Never leave your hamster alone with other pets or animals, even smaller pets like guinea pigs or rabbits. This can evoke a stress response and affect their well-being.
Hamster FAQs
How long does a hamster live?
On average, hamsters live for about 1 to 3 years. Syrian hamsters tend to live slightly longer than smaller dwarf breeds, but their total lifespan will depend on their level of care and well-being.
What do I feed a hamster?
Hamsters are omnivores with a wide variety of safe foods. You should feed them hamster pellets as well as fresh foods. The following table shows the foods that hamsters can and cannot eat:
| Safe | Not safe |
|---|---|
| Apples | Lemons |
| Pears | Limes |
| Peaches | Bitter almonds |
| Melons | Apple seeds |
| Bananas | Raw kidney beans |
| Berries | Raw potatoes |
| Grapes | Raw garlic |
| Hay | Raw onions |
| Unsalted nuts, grains, and seeds | Raw rhubarb or its leaves |
| Cooked eggs | Chocolate |
| Mealworms | Sugary foods |
| Herbs (basil, sage, parsley) | Salty foods |
| Carrots | Junk food or chips |
| Broccoli and cauliflower | Red meat |
| Cucumber | Salty or blue cheese |
| Celery | Bread |
| Bell peppers | Avocado pits or skins |
| Greens (spinach, lettuce, kale) | Spicy peppers |
| Plain, cooked chicken or turkey | Eggplant |
| Cheese (small amounts) | Deli meats |
Does a hamster hibernate?
Pet hamsters can sometimes enter a temporary state of “emergency hibernation” called torpor in harsh environments. However, domestic hamsters rarely hibernate because their living conditions are warm and comfortable.
Finding & choosing a hamster
Follow these steps when you’re in the process of finding a hamster:
Look up pet stores, shelters, or breeders near you.
Read customer reviews online.
Make sure the seller has a business license or a USDA license for breeders.
Review their selection of breeds and ask questions about them.
Ask if they have any offers or deals on food or equipment.
Questions to ask a pet store
Asking questions like these can help you find a hamster from a reputable source:
What is the overall cost of a hamster?
How many hamster breeds do you have?
Which breed would you recommend?
Can I have more than one of this type of hamster?
Does the hamster need any vaccinations or vet visits?
How long does this breed usually live?
What food and treats would you recommend?
What enrichment activities or toys would you recommend?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.