How Much Do Leopard Geckos Cost? Costs To Own Them

Leopard geckos are one of the most popular species of pet reptiles in the world. They are known for their friendly and docile behavior, ease of care, and beautiful markings. However, before you get a leopard gecko, it’s important to understand the cost of owning one, including the initial purchase price, as well as ongoing expenses such as food, housing, and medical care. In this article, we will discuss the cost of leopard geckos, including both the purchase price and the cost of ownership.

Initial Purchase Price

The initial purchase price of a leopard gecko can range anywhere from $20 to $200, depending on factors such as the age, color, and morph of the gecko. Juvenile leopard geckos are typically less expensive than adults, and rare or unique morphs can be significantly more expensive.

Common morphs, such as the classic leopard gecko, can be found for around $50 to $100. More unique morphs, such as the albino or the giant leopard gecko, can cost anywhere from $100 to $200 or more.

Housing and Equipment

One of the biggest expenses in owning a leopard gecko is housing and equipment. A suitable tank for a single gecko should be at least 20 gallons, with a floor space of at least 24″ x 12″. A 20-gallon tank and basic setup can cost around $50 to $100.

Additionally, you will need a heat source, such as a heat lamp or heat pad, and a thermometer to monitor the temperature. A heat lamp and thermometer can cost around $30 to $50. Substrates, such as sand or reptile carpet, will also be necessary, and can cost around $10 to $20.

Food and Supplements

Leopard geckos are primarily insectivores, so you will need to provide them with live insects, such as crickets or mealworms, as their main food source. Live insects can be purchased in bulk, and a container of around 100 crickets can cost around $10 to $20.

In addition to live insects, it’s important to provide your leopard gecko with a calcium supplement to ensure they receive the necessary nutrients for their growth and health. A container of calcium powder can cost around $5 to $10.

Veterinary Care

Regular veterinary check-ups are important for the health and well-being of your leopard gecko. While leopard geckos are generally hardy pets, they can still develop health problems, so it’s important to have a trusted reptile veterinarian available in case of an emergency.

A routine check-up can cost around $50 to $100, and emergency veterinary care can be significantly more expensive. It’s also a good idea to budget for unexpected veterinary expenses, such as if your gecko becomes sick or injured.

Ongoing Expenses

In addition to the initial purchase price and housing and equipment, there are other ongoing expenses to consider when owning a leopard gecko. These include food, supplements, and veterinary care, as well as the cost of replacing any worn-out or broken equipment.

The cost of owning a leopard gecko will vary depending on individual circumstances, but it’s important to budget for all the necessary expenses to ensure that you can provide your gecko with the care they need.

Leopard geckos are a popular species of pet reptile, known for their friendly and docile behavior, ease of care, and beautiful markings.