Average Cost of Pet Snakes (With 17 Examples)

Snakes are some of the most affordable pets you can own. They do not need daily walks, grooming appointments, or expensive toys. But before you bring one home, it helps to understand what you will actually spend. The snake itself is just one part of the picture. You also need an enclosure, heating, bedding, and a steady food supply.

On average, getting started with a pet snake costs between $200 and $400 total. That includes the snake and a basic setup. After that, monthly costs stay pretty low, usually under $30. Here is a breakdown of what 17 popular species cost, plus all the extras you should budget for.

What Do Pet Snakes Cost? 17 Popular Species

1. Corn Snake: $30 to $50

Corn snakes are the classic starter snake for a reason. They are gentle, easy to handle, and come in dozens of color morphs. A normal morph corn snake costs around $30 to $50 at most pet stores. Fancy morphs like lavender or palmetto corn snakes can run $100 to $300 or more depending on rarity.

2. Ball Python: $40 to $80

Ball pythons are the most popular pet snake in the world, and a normal morph will run you about $40 to $80. Where things get wild is with designer morphs. A pastel ball python might cost $75 to $150, while rare combos like banana pieds can go for $500 or more. For a first timer, a basic morph is a great choice.

3. King Snake: $50 to $80

King snakes are hardy, friendly, and relatively small. California king snakes are the most common variety and cost $50 to $80. Mexican black king snakes are a bit pricier at $80 to $150 because of their striking all black appearance. Both make fantastic pets for beginners.

4. Milk Snake: $50 to $80

Milk snakes are closely related to king snakes and share many of the same great qualities. They are colorful, docile, and stay a manageable size. Most milk snakes cost $50 to $80, though rare subspecies or morphs can cost up to $200.

5. Garter Snake: $20 to $50

Garter snakes, including species like the California red sided garter snake, are among the cheapest pet snakes available. They cost $20 to $50 at most reptile shops. They are small, active during the day, and eat a varied diet that can include fish and earthworms alongside the usual mice.

6. Rosy Boa: $50 to $100

Rosy boas are small, slow moving snakes that rarely bite. They cost $50 to $100 for a standard specimen. Their calm temperament makes them one of the best snakes for people who are nervous about handling reptiles for the first time.

7. Hognose Snake: $60 to $150

Western hognose snakes have become incredibly popular thanks to their upturned noses and dramatic “playing dead” behavior. A normal morph costs $60 to $150, while albino or toffee morphs can run $200 to $500. They are small and have mild temperaments, though they can be picky eaters.

8. Children’s Python: $70 to $120

Despite the name, children’s pythons are named after scientist John George Children. They cost $70 to $120 and stay relatively small at 2 to 4 feet. They are quiet, easy to care for, and make great apartment pets.

9. Kenyan Sand Boa: $75 to $150

Kenyan sand boas are thick bodied little snakes that love to burrow. They cost $75 to $150 depending on morph. Their small size (under 2 feet for males) and simple care needs make them popular with people who want a low maintenance pet.

10. Carpet Python: $100 to $250

Carpet pythons are medium sized snakes with beautiful patterns. Jungle carpet pythons are the most popular variety and cost $100 to $250. They can be a bit nippy as babies but usually calm down with regular handling. They are better suited for someone with a little experience.

11. Boa Constrictor: $60 to $200

Common boa constrictors cost $60 to $200 for a normal morph. Keep in mind that these snakes grow large, often 6 to 10 feet long. The initial cost is affordable, but you will need a bigger enclosure as they grow, which adds to the overall expense.

12. Amazon Tree Boa: $100 to $250

Amazon tree boas are stunning arboreal snakes that come in a wide range of colors. They cost $100 to $250 and require a taller enclosure with climbing branches. These snakes can be defensive, so they are better for experienced keepers.

13. Rat Snake: $30 to $80

Rat snakes are widely available and affordable at $30 to $80. Black rat snakes and Texas rat snakes are the most common. They can be active and a bit feisty as juveniles but tend to mellow out with age. They are great for intermediate keepers.

14. Rainbow Boa: $150 to $300

Brazilian rainbow boas are known for their iridescent sheen that shimmers in the light. They cost $150 to $300 and need higher humidity than most pet snakes. If you can provide the right environment, they are truly one of the most beautiful snakes to keep.

15. Green Tree Python: $300 to $600

Green tree pythons are stunning display animals with bright green coloring. They cost $300 to $600 for captive bred specimens and require specialized arboreal setups with precise humidity control. These are definitely snakes for experienced reptile keepers.

16. Burmese Python: $100 to $300

Burmese pythons are relatively cheap to buy at $100 to $300, but they are one of the most expensive snakes to own long term. They can grow over 15 feet and need custom built enclosures. Food costs also increase significantly as they get bigger. Only consider a Burmese python if you have the space and budget for a giant snake.

17. Reticulated Python: $200 to $500

Reticulated pythons are the longest snakes in the world and cost $200 to $500. Like Burmese pythons, they require an experienced keeper and significant space. Super dwarf and dwarf varieties have become popular alternatives, staying around 8 to 12 feet, and they cost $300 to $800.

Beyond the Snake: Setup Costs

The snake itself is often the cheapest part. Here is what you should budget for a basic setup for most small to medium species.

An enclosure usually costs $50 to $200. Glass terrariums are the most popular choice for beginners, while PVC enclosures are better for species that need higher humidity. A heat source such as an under tank heater or ceramic heat emitter runs $15 to $40. You will also need a thermostat to regulate the temperature, and a good one costs $20 to $50.

Substrate or bedding costs $10 to $20 and lasts about a month before it needs replacing. Two hide boxes (one on the warm side, one on the cool side) cost about $10 to $30 total. A water bowl costs $5 to $15, and a hygrometer and thermometer combo is about $10 to $20.

All in, a basic setup for a beginner snake runs about $120 to $300 on top of the cost of the snake itself.

Ongoing Monthly Costs

One of the best things about pet snakes is how cheap they are to maintain. Most snakes eat once every one to two weeks. Frozen mice or rats cost $1 to $5 each depending on size. Substrate replacement runs about $10 to $20 per month. Electricity for the heat source adds a few dollars to your power bill.

Altogether, most snake owners spend $15 to $30 per month on ongoing care. That is a fraction of what you would spend on a dog or cat.

Veterinary Costs

Snakes do not need annual vaccinations like dogs and cats. However, you should budget for at least one vet visit per year, which typically costs $50 to $100 for an exotic animal checkup. If your snake gets sick, treatment for common issues like respiratory infections or mites can cost $100 to $300. Finding a reptile experienced vet before you need one is always a smart move.

Where to Buy a Pet Snake

You have several options when it comes to buying a pet snake. Pet stores like PetSmart and Petco carry a small selection of common species. Reptile expos are great for finding a wider variety of species and morphs at competitive prices. Online breeders offer the most selection, but make sure you buy from a reputable source with good reviews and a live arrival guarantee.

Adopting from a reptile rescue is another option worth considering. You can often find healthy snakes that need new homes at a lower cost, and you are giving an animal a second chance.

Tips for Saving Money

If you want to keep costs down, start with an affordable species like a corn snake or ball python. Buy your enclosure and supplies during reptile expo sales or look for secondhand setups online. Buying frozen feeder mice in bulk is much cheaper than purchasing them one at a time. And investing in a quality thermostat upfront can save you from expensive vet bills caused by improper temperatures.