🦎 Reptiles

Crested Gecko

Correlophus ciliatus — small size, 15 year lifespan.

Crested Gecko
🔍 Click to enlarge
$1,058 USD
First-year cost (one-time setup + first 12 months of recurring costs)
$750 USD

Annual (Year 2+)

$63 USD

Monthly Average

$8,937 USD

Lifetime (15 yrs)

$0 USD

Emergency Fund /yr

Detailed Cost Breakdown

All amounts are in US Dollars (USD).

One-Time Setup Costs

$308

ItemCostFrequency
Terrarium$124One-time
Reptile Purchase$60One-time
Uvb$31One-time
Thermostat$31One-time
Decor Hides$25One-time
Heat Lamp$22One-time
Thermometer Hygrometer$16One-time

Monthly Recurring Costs

$63/mo

ItemCostFrequency
Food$25/moMonthly
Live Feeders$12/moMonthly

Annual Recurring Costs

$750/yr

ItemCostFrequency
Substrate$100/yrQuarterly
Supplements$80/yrQuarterly
Reptile Vet$74/yrAnnual
Uvb Replacement$25annual_or_periodic
Heat Bulb$22/yrBi-annual

Pet Insurance (US, USD)

Monthly premium: $0–$0

Coverage: not_available

Deductible:

Already Have the Setup?

If you already have the enclosure, tank, or housing setup, adding a 2nd animal only costs the recurring expenses (food, healthcare, supplies) — no need to buy setup items again.

$750 USD

US (USD) /yr

Where Does the Money Go?

Acquisition

$60

Initial Setup

$248

Food & Nutrition

$529/yr

Healthcare

$74/yr

Supplies

$100/yr

Maintenance

$47/yr

At a Glance

Size Class

Small

Weight

40 g

Lifespan

15 years

Activity

Low

Temperament

Docile, arboreal, easy-going

Sociality

Solitary

Beginner?

Yes

Time Needed

Low

Housing Requirements

Housing Type

House with yard

Indoor/Outdoor

Indoor only

Minimum Space

Tall terrarium

Setup Cost

Low

Complexity

Low

Rental Suitable?

Yes

Diet & Feeding

Diet Type

Omnivore

Feeding Frequency

Daily

Food Type

CGD + insects

Special Diet

CGD powder is staple

Supplements

Yes

Health & Veterinary Care

Common Health Conditions

  • Metabolic bone disease
  • Parasites
  • Dysecdysis
  • Floppy tail syndrome

Breed-Specific Risks

  • MBD
  • Floppy tail
  • Stuck shed

Vaccinations

Not required

Vet Frequency

Annual

Health Risk

Low

Vet Cost Level

Low

Emergency Risk

Low

Specialist Vet?

Yes

How Does It Compare?

Budget: Low Space: Low Time: Low Maintenance: Low Activity: Low Noise: Silent Lifespan: long Social: Solitary Health Risk: Low Vet Cost: Low Beginner?: Yes Family?: High Apartment?: High

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Crested Gecko cost per year?

Annual recurring costs from year 2 onwards are approximately $750 USD (US), with a first-year setup cost of $1,058 USD. Monthly average: $63 USD/mo.

What is the lifetime cost of a Crested Gecko?

Over a typical 15-year lifespan, expect to spend approximately $8,937 USD. This includes initial setup plus ongoing food, healthcare, supplies, and insurance. Real-world spending varies — many owners spend 20-30% less by doing grooming at home, skipping boarding, or choosing not to insure.

Is a Crested Gecko good for beginners?

Yes — Docile, arboreal, easy-going. Low time commitment required.

What does a Crested Gecko eat?

Omnivore diet, fed Daily. CGD + insects

How big does a Crested Gecko get?

Small size class, typical weight 40 g. Lifespan: 15 years.

{/* --- Related Calculators & Tools --- */}

Similar Pets to Consider

Bearded Dragon

Leopard Gecko

Corn Snake

Ball Python

Photo: DigitalLem0n — CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons