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If you’re looking for a pet gecko, a pet store like Petco is the most accessible option for many people. It’s also a relatively low-cost choice. Geckos usually cost between $33 and $99 at Petco, depending on the species and location. You should also expect to spend about $100–$200 in setup costs and $10–$20 in monthly feeding and care costs.
Gecko Cost By Species
The biggest factor affecting your gecko’s price is the species you buy. Petco stocks several different types of geckos, each with a different price point. Here are some of the geckos available at Petco:
Leopard Gecko
Leopard geckos are the most common type of gecko, and for good reason. They are hardy and adaptable, making them great beginner pets. They have beautiful spotted skin and are often happy to be handled. They’re also the cheapest option at Petco, costing about $33–$39, depending on the location.
Tokay Gecko
Tokay geckos are larger, more aggressive geckos that are best suited to an experienced owner. They love to climb and hide and need their own space. However, their beautiful coloring makes them prized by gecko lovers. They generally cost $39–$49.
Crested Gecko
Crested geckos have a ring of ridges on their heads that make them stand out, including “eyelash” ridges. They are relatively easy to care for and breed, but they are less common than other gecko species. They spend most of their lives in trees and need lots of climbing space. They cost between $65 and $79 at Petco.
Chinese Cave Gecko
Chinese cave geckos have a striking appearance, with black skin, yellow stripes, and dark red eyes. They prefer a moist, cool, dark environment to live in, and can’t tolerate hot temperatures well. These beautiful geckos cost between $80 and $99 at Petco.
Gecko Setup Cost
When you buy a pet, the cost of the animal is only a tiny part of the actual cost. Every pet owner knows that food, equipment, and housing make up a much more significant portion of the cost. If you buy a gecko at Petco, you can also purchase everything you need to set up a gecko tank or enclosure.
The exact enclosure specifications depend on the species, but most geckos need a tank, substrate or bedding, hides or climbing area, etc. Altogether, you should expect to spend about $100–$200 on gecko habitat supplies.
Here’s a quick price list of what a basic gecko setup might cost you:
| 20-Gallon Tank | $55 |
| Lid | $25 |
| Light | $15 |
| Dishes | $5 |
| Hide | $10 |
| Substrate | $10 |
| Thermometer | $15 |
| Décor | $10–$20 |
Care and Feeding Cost
Aside from initial setup costs, the biggest expense is the food. The amount of food your gecko will eat depends on the species. Leopard geckos and many other gecko species eat a mixed diet of crickets, mealworms, and other insects. You should expect to spend $10–30 a month on food for your gecko.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re getting your first leopard gecko or are an experienced owner of a half-dozen terrariums with different species, you must consider all the costs when buying a new pet. Petco has a variety of geckos and gecko supplies available for sale to support pet owners of all experience levels.
Featured Image Credit: No-longer-here, Pixabay
