Tempting as it may be to purchase a Leopard Gecko immediately after setting eyes on it, considering the short and long-term costs in advance would be wise. Find out the average price of the various breed types, where best to purchase one, and what upkeep costs to expect here.
Leopard geckoes are a long-term commitment. Breed and uniqueness play a significant role in the price of a gecko. Once-off setup costs are expensive but greatly influenced by the quality and style tank you after. Careful budgeting for upkeep will remove the stress of any unforeseen expenses.
How Much a Leopard Gecko Costs
Knowing the initial and ongoing maintenance costs of owning a Leopard Gecko is essential before committing to owning one. Leopard Geckos are known to live ten to twenty years in captivity.
Purchasing a Leopard Gecko is a long-term commitment. Make sure you have the available budget to buy and take care of your gecko to avoid future regret or frustration.
Price to Buy a Leopard Gecko
The price of a Leopard Gecko can vary massively depending on the type of Leopard Gecko breed you would like and where you decide to purchase it.
You can pay anywhere from the low range of $20 to a high of $3000 per Leopard Gecko. Expect to pay more if the gecko is unique in color, pattern, or markings and is no longer a baby or juvenile. The more challenging the gecko is to breed, the higher the price tag.
Younger Leopard Geckos, particularly the non-sexually mature, are typically cheaper as they are more costly and complex to care for. Knowing If they have any genetic complications is also tricky to identify at a younger age.
Average Price of Leopard Geckos by Breed
This is the approximate amount you can expect to pay for various Leopard Gecko breeds.
The harder the Leopard Gecko is to breed, the higher the price. Geckos with significant amounts of black pigmentation are also usually more expensive, as are geckos with unique markings or coloration.
The price will differ depending on where and from who you decide to purchase. Some states or areas will charge more for specific breeds if they are known as reptile hobbyist hubs or expo regions.
| Breed Type | Average Cost |
| Common | $20 – $100 |
| Fancy | $50 – $70 |
| Patternless | $75 |
| High Yellow | $85 – $100 |
| Blizzard | $80 – $100 |
| Eclipse | $100 |
| Mack Snow | $125 |
| Tremper Albino | $150 -$400 |
| Rainwater Albino | $300 – $450 |
| Bell Albino | $150 – $400 |
| Giant | $150 – $400 |
| Carrot Tail | $130 – $350 |
| Tangerine | $200 – $300 |
| Blood | $200 |
| Hypo Melanistic | $80 – $200 |
| Lemon Frost | $350 |
| Lavender | $75 |
| Black Pearl / Black Night Morph | $400 – $3000 |
Where to buy Leopard Geckos and price variances
There are several places you can purchase a Leopard Gecko from. Certain places will have better quality or healthier geckos or provide extra guidance when you purchase from them.
Here are some common methods and places you can purchase Leopard Geckos from:
Through friends or people that have lost interest
These options are usually inexpensive or low-cost methods of acquiring Leopard Geckos.
A friend may have purchased or ended up with too many Leopard Geckos to handle and may sell them cheaply or give them away for free.
Some Leopard Gecko owners may also lose interest in their geckos or find they do not have the budget or time to look after them and will sell them with their equipment for a fraction of the price.
Often you can learn about and pick up a deal like this at a local reptile veterinarian or in local pet advertisements.
Rescue centers
Some local rescue centers accept Leopard Geckos from previous owners that have lost interest or can no longer care for them.
You can obtain a Leopard Gecko and its cage and occasionally extra equipment by paying an adoption fee. The fee is usually around $50 for the gecko and its belongings, which is quite a steal. The adoption price will differ based on the rescue center you approach.
Local exotic and larger pet stores
Paying more than $50 for a Leopard Gecko at a pet store is not recommended. The geckos they usually sell are usually the common, cheaper breed types.
Typically, you can get a Leopard Gecko from a local pet store for anywhere from $20 – $50. Larger or more exclusive pet stores may ask anywhere up to $70 or $100. Purchasing directly from a breeder, online store, or convention is better for this price.
Private Leopard Gecko breeders
Breeders’ pricing can vary substantially depending on the breed type they are selling. Rare morphs will be hugely more expensive than other more common breeds. Typically, you are looking at a price range of around $20 up to $650 or more.
The rarity, coloration, and lineage all play a role in the gecko pricing. Purchasing from a reputable breeder also suggests that the Leopard Geckos should be healthier, as the breeders should be familiar with the gecko’s parents and their bloodline.
A breeder usually provides feeding, supplementation, health concerns, and growth information when purchasing through them.
If purchasing from a breeder on a marketplace or forum, make sure that you have checked and read past reviews and experiences. Reptile conventions or expos are a great way to meet the breeders in person and get tips and information firsthand.
Leopard Gecko Setup Costs
Luckily Leopard Gecko setup costs are usually a once-off cost, and although they customarily cost more than the geckos, they typically do not need to be replaced very often.
The amount you need to spend usually depends on what quality terrarium or equipment you purchase and whether you want any added extras such as décor. If you can afford better-quality essentials, they may pay off in the long run as they typically last longer.
Here is a basic breakdown of the average costs of equipment and essentials required when setting up your Leopard Gecko environment.
| Supplies | Average Approx. Cost | Notes and Recommendations |
| Terrarium / Tank | $50 – $250 | A 20-gallon tank approx. $160 – $200 |
| Screen lid/top | $10 – $30 | Size dependant. |
| Hides | $9 – $30 each | Three hides are advised |
| Plants | $3 – $20 | |
| Decor | $10 – $40 | |
| Choice: | ||
| Substrate OR | $10 – $20 | |
| Reptile Carpet OR | $7 – $15 | |
| Newspaper/roller towel | Free | |
| Food | $5 – $15 | |
| Water and food bowls | $10 – $15 for both | |
| Thermometer & Hygrometer | $10 – $20 | |
| Heating Pad & Thermostat | $30 | |
| Optional | ||
| Heat lamp | $10 – $25 | |
| UVB bulbs | $10 – $18 each | |
| Initial vet visit | $50 – $150 | Vet checkup approx. $50; Faecal exam approx. $30 |
Simple recommendations
Tanks
Terrariums or tank prices vary depending on whether you purchase one made explicitly for reptiles or a simple long, narrow glass aquarium. A large tank can cost around $600.
If you can afford a 20-gallon tank or larger, this would be ideal as this would eliminate having to make replacements too early.
Substrate
Substrate costs also vary greatly depending on what is chosen. Newspaper is a free substrate that can be used; reptile carpet can get damaged over time and may need to be replaced after a month or two but can work out cheaper than other substrates in the long run.
More expensive substrates such as slate, tile, or rocks are more aesthetically pleasing but can also up your costs.
Plants and decor
You can more than double your expenses by purchasing an assortment of décor and plants for your terrarium. Your budget and space requirements will help you determine what quality décor you select and whether you choose fake or real plants for your tank environment.
Fake plants are less expensive than natural plants, which can be challenging to maintain and keep healthy.
Leopard Gecko Monthly Upkeep
Although the initial setup costs are the most expensive, upkeep costs are also substantial.
You can reduce costs by selecting cheaper staple insects such as crickets, using more inexpensive substrates such as paper towels, newspapers, or reptile carpets, and keeping fake plants instead of the natural varieties.
Here is a basic idea of the expenses you are likely to encounter monthly and yearly when housing a Leopard Gecko.
| Supplies | Average Cost | Frequency | Notes and Recommendations |
| Food & Supplements | |||
| Food and treats | $15 – $20 | Monthly | Breed your insects to reduce costs |
| Supplements (calcium / D3) | $5 – $6 | Monthly | |
| Electrical Replacements | |||
| UVB bulbs | $20 | Approx. 4 – 6 months | |
| Heat mat | $30 | Couple years | |
| Heating spot bulbs | $5 – $15 | Monthly / Bi-Monthly | |
| General | |||
| Substrate | $5 – $10 | Monthly | Substrate dependant |
| Décor / Entertainment | $10+ | Yearly | Personal / budget dependant |
| Medical | |||
| Per Check-up | $50 – $80 | Six monthly | |
| Per Fecal exam | $30 – $50 | As needed | |
| Occasional Medical | |||
| Parasite treatment | $80+ | As needed | |
| Emergencies | $100 – $200+ | As needed | |
| Prescription Medication | $100+ | Yearly | Rarely needed. |
| Optional Medical | |||
| Medical Pet Insurance | $10 – $50+ | Monthly | Expensive for exotics. |
Final thoughts
Before purchasing a Leopard Gecko, understand the long-term commitment and cost involved. You will be well equipped to handle sudden health or equipment issues by devising an overstated budget.
Purchasing better quality equipment and food, larger terrariums, and sourcing geckos from reputable breeders can save you on medical bills and avoidable equipment purchases in the long run.
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