A leopard gecko costs $30 to $80 for a normal or common morph from a breeder or pet store, $75 to $500 for most designer morphs, and more for rare lines. The setup costs more than the gecko: expect about $270 to $600 up front for the tank, heating, lighting and supplies, then about $25 to $50 a month for insects, supplements and electricity. Over a 15 to 20 year life, that adds up to several thousand dollars, so it is worth budgeting before you buy.
Below are typical prices for the gecko itself, a line-by-line setup budget, ongoing monthly and yearly costs, and where to buy for the best value.
How much does a leopard gecko cost?
| Type of gecko | Typical US price |
|---|---|
| Rescue or rehome | Free to $50 |
| Normal or High Yellow | $30 to $80 |
| Common morphs (Mack Snow, Tremper Albino, Tangerine) | $75 to $200 |
| Combination morphs (RAPTOR, Blazing Blizzard, Super Snow) | $150 to $500 |
| Rare or high-end lines (Black Night, top Tangerine lines) | $500 to several thousand |
Females (see how to tell males from females) and young hatchlings usually cost less than adult males, and a gecko sold "het" for a morph costs less than one that shows it. Our leopard gecko morphs guide explains what the morph names mean and which ones have health problems to avoid.
How much does a leopard gecko setup cost?
This is a realistic budget for one adult gecko in a setup that will last its whole life. Prices are typical US prices and vary by brand and retailer.
| Item | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Enclosure, 36 x 18 x 18 in (about 40 gallons) | $100 to $250 | A 40 gallon breeder tank is the budget option; front-opening terrariums cost more |
| Heat source | $25 to $50 | A heat mat or a halogen heat lamp |
| Thermostat | $25 to $60 | Essential with any heat source. A reptile thermostat stops burns and overheating |
| Low-strength UVB light and fixture | $35 to $70 | Recommended by most vets; see our lighting guide |
| Digital thermometer with probe | $10 to $20 | To check the warm side stays at 90 to 95°F |
| Three hides (warm, cool, humid) | $30 to $60 | See our hides guide and humid hide guide |
| Substrate | $15 to $30 | Paper towel is free; see our substrate guide for other options |
| Calcium and multivitamin powders | $15 to $25 | See our calcium powder guide |
| Water and food dishes, tongs, decor | $15 to $40 | Shallow dishes the gecko cannot tip over |
| Total setup | $270 to $600 |
Our leopard gecko starter kit checklist has our picks for each item. All-in-one starter kits look cheaper, but most come with a tank too small for an adult and no thermostat, so you end up buying twice.
Monthly and yearly costs
| Cost | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Live insects (crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms) | $15 to $30 | $180 to $360 |
| Supplements (refills) | $2 to $4 | $25 to $50 |
| Electricity for heat and light | $5 to $10 | $60 to $120 |
| Replacement UVB bulb and substrate | $3 to $6 | $35 to $70 |
| Vet check-up | $50 to $100 | |
| Total | About $25 to $50 | About $350 to $700 |
Insects are the biggest ongoing cost. Buying in bulk online is usually much cheaper than buying small tubs at a pet store; our guides to crickets, dubia roaches and mealworms cover how many to buy and how to keep them. Adults eat less often than juveniles, so feeding costs drop once your gecko is fully grown.
Set aside an emergency fund as well. A vet visit for an illness such as an impaction, a retained shed or metabolic bone disease can cost $100 to $300 with tests and medicine.
What does a leopard gecko cost over its lifetime?
Leopard geckos usually live 15 to 20 years in captivity (see our lifespan guide). At $350 to $700 a year plus the setup and the gecko, a typical lifetime cost is roughly $5,000 to $14,000. That is less than most dogs and cats, but it is a long commitment.
Where to buy a leopard gecko
- Breeders. Usually the best choice. You can ask about the parents, the morph and the feeding record, and prices for normals are often lower than in stores.
- Reptile expos. Many breeders in one place, so you can compare geckos and prices. Ask for the breeder's contact details in case you have questions later.
- Pet store chains. Convenient, with normals and albinos often around $40 to $80, but staff may not know the gecko's age, sex or history.
- Rescues and rehomes. The cheapest option, often with a used setup included. Check the gecko over and quarantine it before it joins any others.
Whatever you choose, look for a gecko with a plump tail, clear eyes, no stuck shed on its toes and a good appetite. Ask to see it eat before you buy.
How to keep costs down
- Buy the adult-size tank first. It saves buying a second enclosure in a few months.
- Never skip the thermostat. It costs less than one vet visit for a burn.
- Use paper towel or a simple loose substrate instead of expensive decor-heavy setups.
- Buy insects in bulk and keep them properly, or breed your own dubia roaches.
- Pick a normal or common morph. They make just as good pets as rare ones.
Leopard gecko price FAQ
How much is a leopard gecko at Petco or PetSmart?
Chain stores usually sell normal and albino leopard geckos for around $40 to $80. Prices vary by store and morph, and breeders often sell normals for less.
How much does it cost to set up a leopard gecko tank?
About $270 to $600 for a 40 gallon tank, heat source, thermostat, UVB light, thermometer, three hides, substrate, supplements and dishes.
How much does a leopard gecko cost per month?
About $25 to $50 a month for insects, supplements, electricity and replacement bulbs. Insects are the biggest part.
Are leopard geckos expensive to keep?
No, they are one of the cheaper reptiles to keep. Most of the cost is the setup at the start. After that, yearly costs are usually $350 to $700 including a vet check-up.
Why are some leopard geckos so expensive?
Rare morphs, new combinations and proven breeding lines command high prices because few are available. A pet-quality normal gecko is just as healthy and friendly.
Is it cheaper to buy a leopard gecko starter kit?
Usually not in the long run. Most kits include a tank too small for an adult and no thermostat, so you end up replacing parts. Buying the right items once is often about the same price.