How much do snakes cost?
How much do snakes cost?
$120 – $1,500 average cost (snake + habitat)
$10 – $30 average cost per month
Average snake price
Snake prices range from $20 to $1,000 for the animal itself, depending on the species, or $120 to $1,500 including its terrarium. Garter snakes and corn snakes cost much less than other species like green vine pythons or hognose snakes. A pet snake costs about $10 to $30 per month for food and supplies.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Snake | $20 – $1,000 |
| Food | $5 – $15 |
| Habitat | $100 – $500 |
Snake
The snake itself will cost $20 to $1,000, depending on the type. Snakes come in many different sizes and varieties. None of the following pet snake species have venom that's dangerous for humans:
Ball pythons cost $50 to $500 and are the most popular pet snake species. They're relatively docile and usually don't mind being held.
Green vine or green tree pythons cost $350 to $1,000. This variety has a mild venom which is not dangerous for humans.
Garter snakes cost $20 to $300 and are a small variety that grows up to about 3 feet long.
Corn snakes cost $50 to $200 and grow to about 2 to 6 feet. They're relatively easy to take care of but may try to escape their enclosure.
Hognose snakes cost $100 to $700 and are slightly venomous, although they're not considered dangerous to humans and generally don't bite at all.
King snakes cost $50 to $300 and eat larger prey than other snakes. They also will eat other snakes, so you shouldn't keep them in an enclosure with another snake.
Boas cost $50 to $500 and vary in size depending on the breed. Boa constrictors squeeze their prey instead of using venom.
Food
On average, a snake's food costs $5 to $15 per month. Most snakes eat mice or rats, which you can buy either live or frozen from a local pet store or online. Snakes eat every 5 to 7 days or every 10 to 14 days for certain breeds.
Some snake species eat frogs, eggs, fish, or larger rodents, so be sure to ask the seller what kind of food your snake needs to thrive.
Habitat
Snakes need a warm environment with at least one hiding spot. The tank should be about two-thirds the length of your snake, or at least 10 to 40 gallons. A terrarium and related supplies cost $100 to $500 and include:
Bedding or substrate
Heat lamp & bulbs
Thermometer
Hides
Plants
Water bowl
Certain snake species may need specialized lighting, like UVB lights. Incorrect lighting or settings can have harmful effects on your snake’s health.
Cost of a snake per month
Snakes cost about $10 to $30 per month for food, heat lamp bulbs, and habitat accessories:
| Factor | Average monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Food | $5 – $15 |
| Heat lamp bulbs | $0 – $5 |
| Bedding & decor | $5 – $10 |
All animals can potentially carry bacteria or diseases. Always wash your hands after handling your snake or cleaning its tank.
Pet snake cost factors
Several different factors affect the cost of a pet snake:
Snake size: If you choose a larger species, they'll grow and need more space, which means buying a larger, more expensive terrarium.
Source: Buying from a breeder typically costs more, but it's usually worth it because they have higher standards and more breeds than chains like Petco or PetSmart.
Vet visits: A vet visit costs $40 to $80 for checkups or about $100 to $800+ for emergency care. Most snake owners don’t take theirs to a vet unless they notice a change in their eating habits or suspect they have parasites.
Transportation: If you don’t live close to the seller or buy your snake online, you may have to pay an extra $60 to $150 for the seller to ship it to you.
Alternatives
If you aren't completely sold on the idea of a pet snake and want to explore alternatives, check out these guides about other uncommon pets:
A leopard gecko costs $160 to $670 initially and $25 to $60 per month.
A ferret costs $200 to $950 at first and $30 to $80 per month on average afterwards.
A hedgehog costs $250 to $760 up front and $20 to $40 per month.
Pet snake FAQs
What do snakes eat?
Snakes usually eat either baby or adult mice, rats, and other rodents. Some snake owners like to provide their pet with live prey, but this can be dangerous as rodents sometimes try to fight back or bite the snake. Depending on your snake's breed, you may also feed them eggs, larger rodents, fish, or frogs.
Do snakes have bones?
Yes, snakes have bones. They are vertebrates and have a skull as well as hundreds of ribs that protect their vital organs.
Are garter snakes venomous?
Garter snakes were thought to be non-venomous until the early 2000s, when scientists discovered they produce small amounts of neurotoxic venom. This is not harmful to humans except in rare cases when the person has an allergy.
Do snakes hibernate?
Snakes do not hibernate but sometimes enter brumation, which is similar. During brumation, the snake will hide underground if possible and become less active from around September until April. This is less common in pet snakes, however, because their habitats are temperature-controlled.
How long do snakes live?
Pet snakes can live up to 15 to 30+ years when properly cared for. Generally, larger snakes have a longer potential lifespan than smaller varieties.
Where to get a pet snake
Ask these questions to help you find a snake from a pet store or reputable breeder:
How many species do you have available?
Is this snake venomous?
How long does this type of snake usually live?
How big does this species usually get?
Which gender do you recommend? Is there a difference?
How much would it cost to take this snake home today?
What rodents do you recommend for food?
Can this type of snake eat anything besides rodents?
What kind of heat lamp bulb will last the longest?
What kind of hides do you recommend?
Should I get one snake or two?
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.