How much do rabbits cost?
How much do rabbits cost?
$120 – $410 average upfront cost
$50 – $100 average cost per month
Average rabbit cost
A pet rabbit costs $120 to $410 on average, including the animal, its cage, and other necessities. Items like food, toys, and bedding cost $50 to $100 per month. The actual cost depends on the breed and the type of housing. A Flemish Giant rabbit costs $50 to $100 for the bunny itself.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Rabbit | $20 – $100 |
| Housing | $50 – $200 |
| Food | $25 – $40 |
| Toys | $10 – $20 |
| Bedding | $10 – $30 |
| Bowls | $5 – $20 |
| Average total initial cost | $120 – $410 |
Rabbit
The bunny itself will cost about $20 to $100, depending on the breed and where you get it. Adopting at a shelter costs less than at a pet store or breeder. The following table shows a few popular breeds and the price for adopting or buying the rabbit itself.
| Rabbit type | Average rabbit price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| American | $20 – $50 | Solid white or blue; medium build |
| Dutch | $20 – $40 | Small and white with black or brown |
| Flemish Giant | $50 – $100 | Large breed; many different colors |
| Harlequin | $50 – $100 | Medium build with patches of color |
Housing
Rabbit housing costs around $50 to $200, depending on whether you use a hutch, cage, playpen, or a room in your home. Some people even let their rabbits roam free inside their homes.
Wire bottom cages are sanitary since they allow the rabbit's waste to drain and are easy to clean. However, they can cause sore feet. Instead, try to find PVC-coated wire cages or place flooring in the cage.
Food
Rabbit food costs anywhere from $300 to $500 per year, or about $25 to $40 per month, depending on the type and quality. Rabbits eat hay (fresh Timothy or Orchard hay is standard) and rabbit-safe food pellets. They can also eat a variety of leafy greens and other vegetables.
Toys
Rabbits need mental stimulation and exercise. Enrichment items like chew toys, tunnels, and stuffed animals cost $10 to $20 at first and about $5 to $10 per month afterward.
Bedding
Rabbit bedding costs $10 to $30 per bag or around $20 to $50 per month. You should change the bedding every week to keep their cage sanitary. For a free or affordable alternative, you can use unscented toilet paper or newspaper.
You can also litter-train your rabbit like a cat! Supplies cost $10 to $200 for the litter box and $10 to $25 per bag or box of litter.
Bowls
A food and water bowl or dispenser costs $5 to $20, depending on the type and size. You can technically buy matching bowls for food and water, but hanging water dispensers are a more hygienic option that requires less maintenance.
Pet bunny cost factors
Several factors affect the cost of getting a bunny:
Breed: Rabbit breeds like Flemish Giant or Harlequin typically cost more than average and may be harder to find.
Number of rabbits: Rabbits tend to be social and do well in groups. However, make sure you have them fixed or have all one gender to prevent lots of baby bunnies. Spaying or neutering your rabbit costs $100 to $500 on average.
Location: Rabbits cost less at shelters than at pet stores or from breeders, but animal shelters don't always have rabbits available. Breeders are usually the only ones with rare breeds or information about the rabbit's pedigree.
Vet visits: A vet visit costs $40 to $80 for routine checkups or $100 to $800+ for emergency visits. Since rabbits' teeth grow continuously, they either need to chew on hay to wear them down or get dental trimmings or filings for $50 to $300.
Insurance: Pet insurance costs about $15 to $50 per month or $180 to $600 per year. Since rabbits have short lifespans compared to cats and dogs and aren't likely to need any major operations, weigh the benefits against the cost of insurance.
Cremation: Pet cremation costs $40 to $250 for rabbits. Losing a pet can be an emotional and difficult time, especially for kids. Cremation lets pet owners honor their friendship and either keep or scatter the ashes.
Alternatives
Not sure if you want a rabbit but know you want a small, furry pet? Hamsters and cats could be a good alternative. Hamsters cost $100 to $250 at first and $15 to $30 per month afterward. Cats cost $0 to $200 initially and $50 to $230 per month.
Rabbit care tips
Follow these tips when getting and caring for a rabbit to make sure your new pet stays happy and healthy:
Clean their cage or housing regularly.
Supplement their diet with fresh vegetation in a separate bowl.
Remove uneaten fruits or veggies before they spoil.
Make sure they get enough hay and their teeth don't grow too long.
Be gentle when handling your rabbit. If you have kids and aren't sure they'll be gentle, consider waiting to get a pet.
Pet rabbit FAQs
How long do rabbits live?
On average, rabbits live for about 5 to 12 years. Smaller rabbits tend to have shorter lifespans, while larger breeds can live up to 12 years. Your bunny's lifespan will mostly depend on their well-being and how well you care for them.
What do rabbits eat?
You should feed rabbits primarily pellets and hay. Fresh greens should make up about 10% of their diet, or 1 cup for every 2 pounds of body weight. Anything sugary or starchy, including fruit and carrots, should only be about 5%. Here are some safe foods for rabbits:
Apples
Berries
Mangos
Pears
Lettuce
Carrots
Celery
Spinach
Sprouts
Basil
Cilantro
Mint
Parsley
Finding and choosing a pet rabbit
Follow these steps when you're in the process of finding a rabbit:
Explore stores, shelters, or breeders near you.
Read customers' reviews on Vety and Google.
Make sure the store or breeder has a business license, plus a USDA license for breeders.
Review the breeds they have and ask questions about them.
Ask if they have any deals on food or equipment.
Questions to ask a pet store or breeder
Asking these questions can help you find a rabbit from a reputable source:
How long have you been working with rabbits?
What is the overall cost of a rabbit?
Which breeds do you have?
Which breed would you recommend?
Does the rabbit need any vaccinations or vet visits first?
How long does this breed normally live?
What food, toys, or treats would you recommend?
What type of hay and bedding is best?
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.