Average gerbil cost

Most gerbils cost between $5 and $40, depending on the species, where you buy, and your geographic location. The common Mongolian gerbil is the most affordable option, while rarer species like the fat-tailed gerbil carry a higher price tag. Beyond the purchase price, you should plan for $100 to $200 in startup supplies and $8 to $20 per month in ongoing care expenses.

Expense category	Typical cost
Mongolian gerbil (purchase price)	$5 – $20
Fat-tailed gerbil (purchase price)	$20 – $40
Pair from a breeder	$20 – $50
Adoption/rescue	$5 – $15
Startup supplies	$100 – $200
Monthly ongoing costs	$8 – $20
First-year total (pair of gerbils)	$200 – $450

Gerbils are one of the most budget-friendly pets you can own. Their small size means lower food and bedding expenses, and they rarely need veterinary care compared to larger animals. However, responsible ownership still requires a financial commitment, especially during the initial setup.

Cost by species

The species of gerbil you choose is the single biggest factor affecting purchase price. Mongolian gerbils dominate the pet market and are widely available, keeping prices low. Other species are harder to find, which drives their cost higher.

Species	Availability	Price per gerbil
Mongolian gerbil (standard color)	Very common	$5 – $15
Mongolian gerbil (rare color morph)	Moderate	$15 – $30
Fat-tailed gerbil	Uncommon	$20 – $40
Shaw's jird / other rare species	Rare	$30 – $50+

Mongolian gerbils

Mongolian gerbils are the most commonly kept species and the ones you will find at nearly every pet store. Standard colors like agouti (golden brown) are the least expensive, typically costing $5 to $15. Rare color morphs such as black, white, lilac, or Siamese patterns can cost $15 to $30, especially from specialty breeders.

Fat-tailed gerbils

Fat-tailed gerbils are relative newcomers to the pet trade. They are smaller, more docile, and have a distinctive club-shaped tail that stores fat. Because they are harder to source and fewer breeders produce them, expect to pay $20 to $40 per animal. They also have slightly different care requirements, including a preference for lower-humidity environments.

Where to buy gerbils

Where you purchase your gerbils affects both the price and the health of the animals. You have three main options: pet stores, private breeders, and rescue organizations. Each comes with trade-offs in cost, animal quality, and availability.

Source	Price per gerbil	Pros	Cons
Pet store (PetSmart, Petco)	$10 – $20	Convenient, immediate availability	Unknown genetics, potential health issues
Private breeder	$10 – $30	Known lineage, socialized animals, health guarantees	May require travel, waiting lists
Rescue/adoption center	$5 – $15	Lowest cost, supports shelters	Limited selection, unknown history

Pet stores

Major pet retailers like PetSmart and Petco typically sell Mongolian gerbils for $10 to $20 each. The convenience factor is high since you can walk in and leave with your pet the same day. However, pet store gerbils often come from large-scale breeding operations, which means their genetic background and health history may be unknown.

Private breeders

Reputable breeders registered with organizations like the American Gerbil Society (AGS) typically charge $10 to $30 per gerbil, or around $20 for a pair of littermates. This price may seem surprisingly low, but most ethical gerbil breeders are hobbyists who are not in it for profit. Breeder gerbils are often better socialized, come with known genetics, and are less likely to have health problems.

You can find breeders through the AGS website or through gerbil-specific communities on social media. Some breeders maintain waiting lists, so plan ahead if you want a specific color or sex.

Rescue and adoption

Adopting from a shelter or rescue is the most affordable option at $5 to $15 per gerbil. Many small animal rescues have gerbils available from owners who could no longer care for them. Shelter staff can provide advice on care, and adoption fees typically help fund the organization's ongoing work.

Startup supply costs

The initial setup is the biggest expense when getting gerbils. You will need a suitable enclosure, bedding, food, water bottle, exercise wheel, and enrichment items. Most new owners spend $100 to $200 on supplies before bringing their gerbils home.

Item	Estimated cost
Glass aquarium tank (20 to 40 gallons)	$15 – $50
Mesh/hinged lid	$15 – $30
Bedding (initial supply)	$15 – $25
Exercise wheel (8+ inches)	$10 – $20
Water bottle	$5 – $15
Food dish	$3 – $8
Gerbil food (first bag)	$7 – $12
Hide house	$5 – $15
Sand bath and sand	$8 – $15
Chew toys and enrichment	$10 – $20
Playpen (optional)	$20 – $40
Total startup supplies	$100 – $200

Enclosure

A glass aquarium is the best enclosure for gerbils because it allows for deep bedding without mess. Gerbils love to burrow and tunnel, and a tank with at least 6 to 8 inches of bedding lets them express this natural behavior. A 20-gallon tank is the minimum for a pair, but a 40-gallon tank provides a much better quality of life.

Look for dollar-per-gallon sales at pet stores like Petco, where you can pick up a 40-gallon tank for as little as $39 to $40. A secure mesh lid is essential to prevent escapes and costs $15 to $30.

Bedding

Paper-based bedding like Kaytee Clean & Cozy is a popular choice. An 85-liter bag costs around $20 to $25 and lasts approximately 3 to 4 months for a pair of gerbils. Many owners also mix in aspen shavings, hay, or shredded cardboard to give gerbils varied materials for nest building. Avoid cedar and pine shavings, as the oils can be harmful to small animals.

Toys and enrichment

Gerbils are active, curious animals that need mental stimulation. Wooden chew toys serve double duty by keeping teeth trimmed and providing entertainment. Budget $10 to $20 for initial toys. Free enrichment is also easy to provide; gerbils love cardboard toilet paper rolls, small boxes, and paper towel tubes.

Monthly and ongoing costs

Once you have the initial setup covered, gerbils are remarkably inexpensive to maintain. Most owners spend $8 to $20 per month on food, bedding, and occasional toy replacements. Gerbils eat very little, and their bedding lasts a long time because spot-cleaning extends the time between full cage changes.

Monthly expense	Estimated cost
Food	$3 – $6
Bedding	$5 – $8
Chew toys and treats	$1 – $6
Sand bath refill	$1 – $3
Total monthly cost	$8 – $20

Food costs

A quality gerbil food like Oxbow Essentials costs about $7 to $12 per pound, and a one-pound bag typically lasts two months for a pair of gerbils. That works out to roughly $3 to $6 per month on food. Supplementing their diet with small amounts of fresh vegetables, seeds, or the occasional mealworm adds minimal cost.

Treats and supplements

Sunflower seeds, yogurt drops, and dried fruits are popular treats that cost $3 to $5 per package. These packages last several months since gerbils should only receive treats in small quantities. Many owners also offer fresh produce like small pieces of carrot, broccoli, or apple at virtually no extra cost.

Veterinary costs

Gerbils are generally healthy animals, but veterinary expenses should still be part of your budget. An exotic vet visit costs $50 to $100 for a basic checkup, and emergency or illness visits can run $100 to $300+ depending on the treatment required.

Vet service	Estimated cost
Wellness checkup	$50 – $100
Illness/injury visit	$100 – $200
Emergency treatment	$200 – $300+
Medications	$15 – $50
Tumor removal (if needed)	$150 – $400

Common health issues in gerbils include respiratory infections, scent gland tumors, dental problems, and tail injuries. Not all veterinarians treat exotic pets, so locate an exotic animal vet in your area before you need one. Setting aside a small emergency vet fund of $100 to $200 is a smart precaution.

Tips for saving money on gerbil ownership

Gerbils are already one of the most affordable pets, but there are several ways to reduce costs even further without compromising on care quality.

Money-saving tip	Potential savings
Adopt from a rescue instead of buying from a pet store	$5 – $15 per gerbil
Buy tanks during dollar-per-gallon sales	Up to 50%
Use free cardboard for enrichment	$5 – $10 per month
Buy bedding and food in bulk	10% – 20%
Mix aspen shavings with paper bedding	$3 – $5 per month

• Use cardboard from around your home. Toilet paper tubes, cereal boxes, and egg cartons make excellent free toys. Gerbils love shredding and tunneling through cardboard.
• Buy bedding in bulk. Larger bags of paper bedding cost less per volume and can last several months.
• Shop sales for tanks. Dollar-per-gallon sales at Petco happen multiple times per year and can cut your enclosure cost significantly.
• Adopt instead of shop. Rescue gerbils cost less than pet store animals and often come with the benefit of already being handled and socialized.
• Mix bedding materials. Combining affordable aspen shavings with paper-based bedding stretches your supply while still providing safe, comfortable bedding.

Frequently asked questions

Is it cheaper to buy a pair of gerbils?

Yes, many breeders offer discounted pricing for pairs. A pair of littermates from a breeder often costs around $20 total, compared to $10 to $20 each at a pet store. Since gerbils need companionship and should not live alone, buying a pair is both more humane and often more cost-effective.

How much does it cost to own gerbils for a year?

For a pair of gerbils, expect to spend $200 to $450 in the first year, including the purchase price, startup supplies, and monthly care costs. Subsequent years cost significantly less, averaging $100 to $250 per year since you will not need to repurchase the enclosure and major supplies.

What is the total lifetime cost of owning gerbils?

Gerbils live an average of 3 to 4 years. Over a gerbil's lifetime, you can expect to spend $400 to $1,000 per pair, depending on whether any veterinary care is needed. This makes gerbils one of the least expensive pets to own over their entire lifespan.

Are gerbils cheaper than hamsters?

Gerbils and hamsters have very similar costs. The purchase price, enclosure, and food expenses are comparable. However, gerbils may be slightly cheaper in the long run because they produce less odor (requiring fewer full bedding changes) and are less prone to certain health issues common in hamsters, like wet tail.

Are there hidden costs to owning gerbils?

The most commonly overlooked cost is veterinary care. While gerbils rarely need a vet, a single emergency visit can cost $100 to $300, which exceeds the total of all other gerbil expenses for an entire year. Chew toy replacement is another ongoing cost since gerbils destroy wooden toys quickly, though free cardboard can offset this expense.