What is the Price of a Chameleon? 2023 Price Guide

Although chameleons make wonderful pets, they are not the most suitable for everyone. Chameleons can be very stressed and it is important to consider the cost. Prices for chameleons start at $30-$300 depending on their species, age, and origin. This is just a fraction of the story.

You will also need to purchase a tank, heating, lighting, plants, thermometer, and enclosure for live food. You will need to pay for food, supplements, power, replacement plant costs, as well as any vet bills your chameleon may incur throughout its lifetime.

Although a chameleon might be $50 in price, the cost of the chameleon over its lifetime could run to 50x.

Bring a new Chameleon home: No additional costs

You should not forget about the initial cost of the chameleon. It is not the most expensive upfront expense. If you’ve never owned a chameleon or another species of lizard, you will need to purchase a complete setup. This includes not only the tank but also lighting, heating, and decoration.

Chameleon costs

A supply of food and other supplements will be necessary to ensure that your pet is healthy from the beginning. This little lizard may be available at different prices depending on where they are purchased.

No cost

You can find out as much information about chameleons as possible if you are a friend or family member who is selling them. You could get a great deal if the owner decided to give it up because they are too busy caring for it. You may be able to get a good deal if the owner is trying to rehome their lizard as it has become ill and needs ongoing care. However, this will not necessarily mean that you have to pay for the animal.

Adoption

• $30-$100

Although adoption costs can vary, they will generally range between $30 and $100 with $50 being the most common. It is difficult to find chameleons for adoption if you don’t have a reptile or specialist lizard adoption agency. Ask if they have a cage or other equipment that can be used with the animal to help reduce initial costs.

Breeder

• $30-$300

Although chameleons purchased from breeders tend to be more expensive, they are also available in a variety of breeds and can be ordered as males or females. To get a better idea of the future family structure of your lizard, you might be able to meet the father and mother of your lizard. There are many factors that can influence the price of chameleons, but it is likely to range from $30-300.

Breed costs

The breed you choose will also impact the price of a chameleon. There are many breeds available, but the most popular are those that can be kept in captivity. They are good pets for both beginners and more experienced owners. These breeds come at different prices.

• Veiled Chameleon, average cost – $30-100 – The Veiled Chameleon has become the most well-known chameleon breed. Although they are mostly captive-bred, even this breed, which is the most popular for beginners, can become stressed if handled too frequently or too often. Captive-bred Chameleons are more friendly, healthier, and less likely to experience stress than wild ones.
• Panther Chameleon cost: $100-$300. The Panther Chameleon was likely to be captive-bred, so they should be easier to care for. You won’t need to chase them around the cage or in your own room as they are docile. They are easier to care for than most other types of lizards.
• Jackson Chameleon, average cost $50-150 – The Jackson Chameleon is another popular Chameleon pet breed. It has a 5-year life expectancy for females and 10 for males. They can also reach 10 inches in adult size. Although they are slightly more expensive than the Veiled, they make great pets for beginners.

Stock

• $325-$800

You must have a good setup before you buy your Chameleon. You will need to provide lighting, heating, water, and enough vines and plants for your Chameleon to hang out. A digital thermometer and digital clock are essential, along with food and an enclosure for food storage. You can purchase supplies for up to $800. However, you can start small and increase your supply over time. Or, you can find secondhand options to help you save some money.

Cost and a list of Chameleon Care Supplies

Attachment	$50-$300
Lighting	$100-$150
Watering	$30-$130
Plants	$100-$150
Food	$10-$25
Live Food Enclosure	$10-$20
Thermometer	$10-$30
Digital Timer	$15-$25

Annual Expenses

• 750-$1,500/year

There are also ongoing costs that must be considered in addition to the initial cost. Although most homeowners will consider factors such as food and supplements, it is important to keep in mind that water, electricity, and plants all have their own costs, so you should factor them into your budget.

Health Care

• $250-$400 per annum

Healthcare and vet costs can be unpredictable. You may not need to bring your chameleon to a veterinary clinic every year, but in other years you might have to make multiple trips. This budget should cover the cost of medication and vet trips. You shouldn’t pay more.

Check-Ups

• $30-$75 per annum

You can find deals and subscriptions that reduce these costs. However, you should expect to pay around $75 for a visit to the vet for a checkup. The cost of a check-up will depend on which vet you choose. Because they have special knowledge, specialist vets may charge more.

Treatments for Parasites

• $20-$150 annually

Fecal floats or fecal tests can be used to check for internal parasites. A visual inspection can also help you identify external pests. The cost of treatment will vary depending on the type and extent of the parasite but can reach $150 for both the test and the treatment.

Emergencies

• $200-$300

Emergencies can range from eye infections to severe abrasive damage due to sharp objects. You can expect to spend anywhere from $300 to $300 depending on the severity of the emergency.

Insurance

• $100-$150

Pet insurance is a great way to reduce vet costs. With the popularity of reptiles and lizards increasing, there are more insurance companies that offer coverage for these types of animals. You can expect to pay about $10 per month for this insurance policy, depending on the level of coverage that you choose.

Food

• $150-$200 annually

You can only keep crickets for your chameleon. They will not eat them if they become too big or die. A tub with approximately 250 crickets that lasts 10 days can be purchased for $3. One year of supply will run you between $100 and $150. You can also start a roach colony, which will be self-sufficient and not cost anything. Additional $30-50 per year cost for supplements.

Environment Maintenance

• $300-$500 annually

Good lighting is essential for your chameleon as both a heat source and a light source. Good live plants are also important for your chameleon. They allow him to relax and hide when he feels stressed. You will also need to pay for electricity to keep the equipment and tank running. You can find deals on bulbs and plants, as well as on vines and plants to lower your costs. However, you’ll still need to pay $300 per year for maintenance.

Halogen Bulbs	$100/year
Vines and plants	$80/year
Electricity	$200/year

The Total Annual Cost to Own a Chameleon

750-$1,500/year

A chameleon will cost you approximately $750 per year. The maximum annual fee is $1,500. The exact amount you pay will depend on if your chameleon is ill and how much your vet charges. You may also need to purchase pet insurance.

Lighting and electricity are not to be cut. Your child could become ill if the lights are left on for more than an hour each day. You can save money, however.

A Chameleon on a Budget

There are many ways to save money on a chameleon. Adopting a chameleon is a good option. A package may include a cage and other equipment. You can also look for a second-hand cage, but make sure it is in good condition or reasonably priced.

You may find that some supply stores offer subscriptions for food or supplements. If you are able to buy in bulk, this will reduce costs. Bulk purchases of light bulbs or supplements might be possible. They will be there for you, so they can last at least a few months or a year. You could save up to $100 per year.

You can save a lot of money by purchasing pet insurance. While it costs only $10 per month, a simple veterinary visit can run into the hundreds.

Conclusion

Although a chameleon can be a great introduction to lizard ownership, it is not the only cost to purchase the lizard. Other costs such as ongoing maintenance and setup costs are also important.

You can expect to spend approximately $500 on your initial equipment, which includes the cage, lighting, food, and enough supplements to last for the first 10 days. Annual costs should be approximately $100 per month or $1,200 annually.

These include extraordinary costs such as emergency veterinary fees, food, supplement, and other costs. You may be able to save money by purchasing light bulbs in bulk and purchasing chameleon insurance to reduce or eliminate ongoing veterinary expenses.