How much do leopard geckos cost?
How much do leopard geckos cost?
$160 – $670 average upfront cost (gecko & supplies)
$25 – $60 average cost per month
The average cost of a leopard gecko is $30 to $200 for the animal itself, depending on the type, or $160 to $670 total with the initial food and supplies. Leopard geckos cost about $25 to $60 per month to maintain. These docile and low-maintenance reptiles are an excellent choice for beginners.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Gecko | $30 – $200 |
| Food | $20 – $40 |
| Habitat | $100 – $400 |
| Food / water bowls | $10 – $30 |
| Total initial cost | $160 – $670 |
Gecko
A leopard gecko costs $30 to $200, depending on the type. Giant or Super Giant leopard geckos are a larger breed and typically cost $150 to $600. Both standard and giant leopard geckos come in many different beautiful varieties, or morphs:
Normal (brown or black spots)
Tangerine (orange)
Sunglow (yellow)
Albino (pale stripes or spots)
Blazing Blizzard (solid pale)
Mack Snow (white and brown stripes)
Super Snow (white and brown spots)
West Indian (mottled white with brown and yellow stripes)
Black Night and Midnight (black)
Food
Leopard gecko food costs $20 to $40 per month on average. Leopard geckos are insectivores that eat every other day. Offer as many bugs as your gecko will eat in one feeding, then skip a day before feeding them again.
Leopard geckos mostly eat crickets, mealworms, and cockroaches. If you choose to feed them insects like waxworms or super worms, only use them for snacks, as they're higher in fat.
Habitat
Creating a living space for a leopard gecko to thrive costs $100 to $400+. Leopard geckos need a warm, dry environment and a moist hiding spot to shelter while they shed their skin. Supplies to create this tropical abode include:
Terrarium tank
Heat lamp & bulbs
Bedding or substrate
Hides
Plants
Thermometer
Hygrometer
The tank should be at least 20 gallons for adult leopard geckos.
Food & water bowls
Food and water bowls for leopard geckos cost $10 to $30, depending on the retailer. Some are magnetic or disguised as rocks or logs to fit in with the terrarium décor.
Cost of a leopard gecko per month
Leopard geckos cost about $25 to $60 per month for food, heat lamp bulbs, and extras. Professionals recommend supplementing a leopard gecko's diet with calcium powder and vitamin D3.
| Factor | Average monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Food | $20 – $40 |
| Terrarium decor | $0 – $5 |
| Heat lamp bulbs | $0 – $5 |
| Supplements | $5 – $10 |
| Total cost per month | $25 – $60 |
You should run a heat lamp for 10 to 12 hours per day to keep your gecko comfortable. Heat bulbs last 1 to 3 months or more, depending on the type and wattage.
Leopard gecko cost factors
Several factors affect the cost of a leopard gecko:
Number of animals: If you choose to buy more than one leopard gecko, your costs will increase for everything except the terrarium.
Source: Buying from a reputable breeder may cost more, but they usually have higher standards and more breeds available than stores like Petco or PetSmart.
Shipping: If you don't live close enough to the seller to pick up your leopard gecko, you may have to pay an extra $35 to $60 for transportation.
Vet visits: A vet visit costs $40 to $80 for routine checkups or $100 to $800+ for emergency care. Most gecko owners don't need to take their pet to a vet unless they notice a change in their appearance or eating habits.
Since all animals have the potential to carry bacteria or disease, always wash your hands after handling your gecko or coming in contact with its tank.
Alternatives
If you know you want an exotic pet but aren't sure what kind, consider these alternatives:
Ferrets cost $200 to $950 initially and $30 to $80 per month on average.
Parrots cost $50 to $500 for smaller breeds and $25 to $200 per month.
A mini pig costs $550 to $3,700 at first and $30 to $160 per month.
Leopard gecko FAQs
How long do leopard geckos live?
Most leopard geckos live 15 to 20 years when they live in a safe, happy environment. Taking proper care of your gecko can help it live a longer life.
Are leopard geckos slow or fast?
Leopard geckos can sprint quickly, especially as babies, but they're generally calm and move slowly. This makes them easy to handle.
What do leopard geckos eat?
Leopard geckos eat several kinds of insects:
Crickets
Mealworms
Silkworms
Cockroaches
Super worms
Waxworms
Butter worms
Tomato hornworms
Beetles
Sow bugs
You should give them variety when possible and dust their food with calcium powder 2 to 3 times per week. Remember to refresh their drinking water daily, or more as needed.
What does a leopard gecko need in their tank?
Leopard geckos need the following elements in their terrarium:
Substrate (soft, dirt-like material)
A heat lamp or mat
Hiding spots
A thermometer to measure temperature
A hygrometer to measure humidity (30% to 40% is ideal)
A food and water bowl
Do you need to file a leopard gecko's nails?
No, you should not file or trim your leopard gecko's nails. If their nails seem sharper than usual, you can add rocks or wood to their habitat to naturally file them down.
Are leopard geckos nocturnal?
Leopard geckos are mostly nocturnal but are also active in the dawn and dusk hours. During the day, they prefer to hide and rest.
How big do leopard geckos get?
Standard leopard geckos are about 7 to 11 inches long when fully grown, depending on the breed and gender. Males are slightly longer than female geckos.
Questions to ask about leopard geckos
Asking these questions can help you find a leopard gecko from a reputable breeder or pet store:
How much would it cost to take a leopard gecko home today?
How many morphs and colors do you have available?
Which gender would you recommend? Is there a difference in price?
What insects do you recommend for food?
How long does this breed usually live?
What kind of special treats do you recommend?
What kind of heat lamp bulb lasts the longest?
What kind of hides work best?
Should I get one gecko or a pair?
How big does this kind of gecko usually get?
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.