How Much Does a Mourning Gecko Really Cost?
Mourning geckos are among the cheapest reptiles you can keep, and since they're typically sold and housed in small self-sustaining groups rather than one at a time, the usual cost math works a little differently.
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How Much Does a Mourning Gecko Really Cost?
Mourning geckos are one of the most affordable reptiles you can keep, and the way they're typically sold, in small groups rather than individually, changes the usual cost math in an interesting way. For the full care picture beyond budgeting, see our complete Mourning Gecko care guide.
The Animal Itself: $15 to $65 Each, Less When Bought in Groups
Individual hatchlings and juveniles commonly run $15 to $50, with some listings reaching $65 to $100 for specific localities like Hawaiian or Philippine Yellow-Bellied types. Mourning geckos are parthenogenetic, every one is female, and they reproduce without a male at all. Breeders frequently sell them in pairs, trios, or larger lots at a lower per-animal price, a group of three might run around $60 total, roughly $20 each. Most keepers start with two and let the colony grow on its own.
You may see "Type A, B, C, D" labels on listings. These appear to refer to locality and appearance rather than genetically distinct morphs, and there's no strong evidence of a meaningful price premium tied to type. Price is driven mostly by age and how many you buy at once, not color.
Upfront Setup: Roughly $200 to $450
| Item | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 18x18x24 in planted vivarium | $100 - $200 |
| Low-output UVB (T5 HO) | $45 - $80 |
| Tight-fitting escape-proof lid | $20 - $50 |
| Bioactive or coconut fiber substrate | $20 - $40 |
| Cork bark and dense planting | $30 - $60 |
| Hygrometer and thermometer | $15 - $25 |
| Fine mist system or manual misting bottle | $10 - $40 |
A planted vivarium plus a low-output UVB fixture make up most of the total. Since these are typically kept as a small planted display colony rather than a single animal, the setup leans toward the higher end of what a similarly-sized gecko species would need, our Mourning Gecko tank setup guide covers exactly why. Heat is usually the one line item you can skip entirely, most homes run warm enough already.
Ongoing Costs: Roughly $10 to $25 a Month
| Item | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Commercial crested gecko diet | $30 - $60 |
| Fruit flies and tiny feeder insects | $50 - $100 |
| Calcium (always-available dish) | $10 - $20 |
| UVB bulb replacement | $45 - $80 |
| Electricity (lighting) | $25 - $45 |
| Annual vet wellness check | $50 - $90 |
Food is inexpensive, powdered crested gecko diet, cultured fruit flies, or pinhead crickets, plus calcium and multivitamin supplements. Electricity for a low-output UVB bulb and an occasional mister is minimal. Most months, day-to-day costs land closer to the low end of that annual range once the bulb and vet check are amortized out.
Vet Costs
A routine exotic exam commonly runs $35 to $105, with a fecal test adding $12 to $110. An illness visit with diagnostics typically runs $150 to $300 or more. Given the animal itself often costs less than a single vet visit, it's worth deciding in advance what you're prepared to spend if something goes wrong, our Mourning Gecko health issues guide covers the problems most likely to send you there.
Lifespan: A 10 to 15 Year Commitment
With consistent humidity, calcium supplementation, and a varied diet, mourning geckos typically live 10 to 15 years in captivity. Egg-laying females have higher, ongoing calcium demands, so staying on top of supplementation is what separates a gecko that hits the low end of that range from one that hits the high end.
It's a smaller long-term commitment than a crested or gargoyle gecko, both of which reliably live well into their teens. If you're weighing this against other easy beginner geckos, see how the cost compares in our Gargoyle Gecko cost guide and African Fat-Tailed Gecko cost guide, check out Three Geckos, Three Very Different Pets for a side by side look at all three, or browse the rest of our Geckos care guide category.
Sources & Further Reading
Last reviewed 25 Jul 2026 · 3 sources
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a mourning gecko cost?
$15 to $50 for most hatchlings and juveniles, with specific localities like Hawaiian or Philippine Yellow-Bellied types reaching $65 to $100. Breeders often sell them in pairs or trios at a lower per-animal price, a trio might run around $60 total, roughly $20 each.
Why are mourning geckos usually sold in groups instead of one at a time?
Mourning geckos are parthenogenetic, meaning every individual is female and reproduces without needing a male at all. Most keepers start with two or more and let the colony grow on its own, so breeders commonly price small lots together rather than per animal.
Do the 'Type A, B, C, D' labels affect price?
Not meaningfully. These labels appear to describe locality and appearance rather than genetically distinct morphs, and there's no strong evidence of a real price premium tied to type. Age and how many you buy at once drive price far more than the labeled type.
How much does a mourning gecko setup cost upfront?
Roughly $200 to $450, more than you might expect for such a small gecko, because these are typically kept as a small planted display colony rather than a single animal in a basic tub.
How long do mourning geckos actually live?
Typically 10 to 15 years with consistent humidity, calcium supplementation, and a varied diet. Egg-laying females have higher calcium demands, so staying on top of supplementation matters for hitting the long end of that range.
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Written by Michael Ryan
Mike keeps two rescued bearded dragons, Dex and Cera, and writes the care guides on BeastlyFacts from his own research and mistakes. He is not a veterinarian.
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