Lizards come in all shapes and sizes, from small house geckos to large monitor lizards. Their costs can vary widely depending on the species, age, size, color morph, and source. While some basic pet lizards can be purchased for under $20, rare and exotic species can cost thousands of dollars. So when it comes to lizards as pets, how much can you expect to pay?
Cost Factors
Several key factors influence the cost of a pet lizard:
- Species – Small geckos like leopard geckos are some of the least expensive lizards, while large monitor species are some of the most expensive.
- Age – Babies and juveniles generally cost more than adults.
- Size – Larger lizards tend to have higher price tags.
- Color Morph – Rare and desirable color morphs can command premium prices.
- Source – Captive bred lizards usually cost more than wild caught specimens.
- Gender – For some species, females or breeding pairs cost more than males.
- Reputation of Breeder/Seller – Animals from reputable sources understandably cost more.
Keeping these factors in mind, here is an overview of the costs for some popular pet lizard species and morphs:
Leopard Geckos $20-$350
Leopard geckos are one of the most common beginner lizards, and normal varieties can be found for as little as $20-$50. However, there are hundreds of different color and pattern morphs that drive costs up exponentially. Some rare leucistic morphs have been known to sell for $3500 or more!
Crested Geckos $50-$500
Crested geckos are another favorite starter lizard. Typical pet store cresties cost $50-$150. But breeders offer specially colored and patterned morphs for anywhere from $200-$500.
Bearded Dragons $50-$300
Classic bearded dragon colors like red and yellow often sell for $50-$100 as juveniles. But morphs like leatherbacks, which have reduced scales, sell for $200-$300.
Blue Tongue Skinks $150-$500
These cool lizards come in a massive range of colors and patterns thanks to selective breeding. A high color “Christmas skink” can sell for $500, while a normal Indonesian type costs closer to $150.
Uromastyx $200-$600
Spiny-tailed lizards have lots of captive bred color variations too. A common species like an Egyptian uromastyx is around $200. But a rare red or orange morph can sell for $500-$600.
Chameleons $75-$500
Smaller species like carpet chameleons go for $75-$150 normally. But larger veiled and Jackson’s chameleons range from $150-$500 depending on locale and morph.
Monitors $300-$10,000+
Monitor lizards vary immensely in price according to size and species. Small acanthurus monitors cost $100-$200, while medium-sized savannah monitors run $300-$400. But huge reptiles like Asian water monitors or Komodo dragons can sell for $10,000 or more!
Conclusion
In the end, a pet lizard can cost anywhere from $20 to $10,000 or above. Average starter lizards like leopard geckos and bearded dragons often sell for $50-$200. Intermediate species range from $150-$600 depending on type and morph. Large monitors and rare exotics fetch $1000+ prices. Do your research, shop smart, and select a lizard within your budget!
