Annual (Year 2+)
Monthly Average
Lifetime (7 yrs)
Emergency Fund /yr
Detailed Cost Breakdown
All amounts are in US Dollars (USD).
One-Time Setup Costs
$101
| Item | Cost | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Housing / Enclosure | $50 | One-time |
| Outdoor Run | $34 | One-time |
| Animal Purchase | $17 | One-time |
Monthly Recurring Costs
$54/mo
| Item | Cost | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Bedding | $10/mo | Monthly |
| Hay | $6/mo | Monthly |
| Fresh Food | $6/mo | Monthly |
| Enrichment | $6/mo | Monthly |
| Pellets | $5/mo | Monthly |
| Litter | $5/mo | Monthly |
| Dust Bath | $5/mo | Monthly |
Annual Recurring Costs
$650/yr
| Item | Cost | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Dental Vet | $63/yr | Annual |
| Routine Vet Visits | $34/yr | Annual |
| Vaccinations | $25/yr | Annual |
Pet Insurance (US, USD)
Monthly premium: $5–$25
Coverage: Accident & Illness
Deductible: 100-500
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.
US (USD) /yr
Where Does the Money Go?
Acquisition
$17
Initial Setup
$84
Food & Nutrition
$212/yr
Healthcare
$122/yr
Supplies
$317/yr
At a Glance
Size Class
Toy
Weight
250 g
Lifespan
7 years
Activity
High
Temperament
Social, active, diurnal
Sociality
Needs a group
Beginner?
With research
Time Needed
Moderate
Housing Requirements
Housing Type
House with yard
Indoor/Outdoor
Indoor only
Minimum Space
Tall cage
Setup Cost
Medium
Complexity
Medium
Rental Suitable?
With caveats
Diet & Feeding
Diet Type
Herbivore
Feeding Frequency
Daily
Food Type
hay + pellets + seeds
Special Diet
Low sugar diet essential
Supplements
Yes
Health & Veterinary Care
Common Health Conditions
- Dental disease
- Diabetes
- Respiratory infections
- Cataracts
Breed-Specific Risks
- Diabetes
- Dental malocclusion
- Cataracts
Vaccinations
Not required
Vet Frequency
Annual
Health Risk
Medium
Vet Cost Level
Low
Emergency Risk
Medium
Specialist Vet?
Yes
How Does It Compare?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Degu cost per year?
Annual recurring costs from year 2 onwards are approximately $650 USD (US), with a first-year setup cost of $751 USD. Monthly average: $54 USD/mo.
What is the lifetime cost of a Degu?
Over a typical 7-year lifespan, expect to spend approximately $3,676 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 Degu good for beginners?
With research — Social, active, diurnal. Moderate time commitment required.
What does a Degu eat?
Herbivore diet, fed Daily. hay + pellets + seeds
How big does a Degu get?
Toy size class, typical weight 250 g. Lifespan: 7 years.
Related Calculators & Resources
Photo: Pierre Camateros — CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons