How Much Does a Leopard Gecko Cost?
A leopard gecko is a gecko commonly found in parts of Asia and Pakistan and have commonly become popular pets in many households across the United States. The unique thing about the leopard gecko that separates itself from other geckos is that it can move its eyelids.
The cost of a leopard gecko is going to depend on the size, age, and breeder selling one.
How much does a leopard gecko cost?
On average, a leopard gecko can cost anywhere from $20 to as much as $500+, depending on the morph, gender, and where you purchase it from. These geckos can commonly be found at local pet stores for less than $30 and will often be the most common types found. PetSmart and Petco, for instance, sells a leopard gecko for about $25. This price won’t factor in the initial startup costs such as the tank, heat lamp and accessories.
Rare breeds can cost anywhere from $100 to more than $700. Refer to our table to see what most leopard geckos will cost.
ClubFauna says the price, which can be anywhere from $10 to $1,000+, will depend on the age, gender and morph.
| Type | Average Price |
|---|---|
| APTOR | $125 to $175 |
| Bandit | $175 to $225 |
| Bell Albino | $50 to $95 |
| Blizzard | $65 to $100 |
| Bold Striped | $225 to $275 |
| Diablo Blanco | $350+ |
| Dreamsicle | $250 to $350 |
| Giant | $300 to $350 |
| Godzilla Super Giant | $350+ |
| Halloween | $200 to $250 |
| High Yellow | $65 to $100 |
| Mack | $70 to $100 |
| Murphy Patternless | $70 to $100 |
| Nova | $300 to $400 |
| Radar | $200 to $300 |
| Raining Red Stripe | $225 to $275 |
| Rainwater Albino | $75 to $115 |
| RAPTOR | $200 to $250 |
| Red Striped | $250 to $325 |
| Reverse Striped White and Yellow Sykes Emerine | $500+ |
| Super Hypo Tangerine Carrot Tail | $100 to $150 |
| Tremper Albino | $85 to $135 |
| Snow Leopard | $100 to $200 |
Where can I purchase one?
They are relatively easy to find and can be found online, at local pet stores, reptile shows and through local breeders. Pet stores will often be the easiest place to find them, but as mentioned earlier, they will be the most common species available. If you want to find a rarer morph, then you will have to research and look for a specialized breeder online. Leopardgeckoguide.com says a reptile show is often the best place to look for one since the selection is so large and diverse.
What are the extra costs?
An aquarium larger than 10 gallons will be recommended so the gecko can move freely. These aquariums must have a screen lid to allow proper ventilation and should also have branches, hiding areas and logs to mimic a natural environment. Plan on spending about $30 to $70 for a solid aquarium.
Aside from the aquarium, geckos need to have their aquariums lined with reptile carpet or sand, and this will have to be changed at least once a month. Sand can cost about $10 per bag, while a reptile carpet can cost about $15.
A heat pad or light, which can cost about $15, will also be required since this is part of the natural environment and they need to be kept warm. The daytime temperatures should be around the 90 degrees Fahrenheit, while at night, the temperature can be lowered to 80 degrees. Heat lamps, along with the lights, will cost anywhere between $5 and $20.
The diet of a gecko will include mealworms, crickets, super worms and waxworms, and the average gecko will eat about 25 insects per week. Budget about $15 per month to feed your gecko. The insects must also be dusted with calcium twice a week.
Unexpected vet bills can start at $50 for the exam alone.
When everything is said and one, the setup costs can be about $200.
Tips to know
Growing up to six 10 inches, adult geckos have a yellow base with brown spots. As the younger geckos age, they will begin to acquire their pattern. With proper care, they can live up to 20 years.
These reptiles, if well taken care of, can live up to 20 years.
Be sure to check with local city and state laws to ensure that this type of animal is legal. Regulations will vary.
Leopard geckos will be active during the night, and during the day, you can often find them hiding under the rocks or burrow beneath the sand.
When shedding, these geckos will eat their skin.
The signs of a healthy gecko, according to Petco, will have clear eyes, a rounded tail, healthy looking skin, a clear nose and it will be very alert. Red flags to look out for include swelling, weight loss, lethargy, bumps, sores, labored breathing or abnormal feces.
Common health issues include gastrointestinal disease, vitamin deficiency and respiratory disease.
Did you know a leopard gecko can smile?
How can I save money?
Most pet stores are going to have geckos that are fairly common. If you are looking for something that is rare, it may be best to check with a few breeders online. Be sure to ask questions about where they come from as well as do research on what the breeder is all about. While a pet store is a great alternative to consider, make sure that you inquire about the health to ensure that it doesn’t have health problems down the road.
Purchase a start up kit rather than each item individually to help bring down the costs. For example, the highly popular Zoo Med leopard gecko kit retails for about $150 or so.
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