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Cheap pets, by what the first year really costs

The animal is the cheap part. This ranks every pet we cover by the first year all in: the essential setup plus a year of food and supplies.

  1. 01Isopod colonyHands-off: best watched · 12×7×6 in enclosureUSDA APHIS says a PPQ 526 permit is required to own many isopod species and to move invertebrates across state lines. Buy from US breeders who follow these rules, ask about a species before buying, and never release isopods outdoors.
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $95–$210
    Daily
    1–3 min
    Lives
    2–4 yr
  2. 02TarantulaHands-off: best watched · 12×12×12 in enclosureBrachypelma species (such as Mexican red-knees) are listed on CITES Appendix II, so international shipments need permits; buy captive-bred animals from established US breeders.
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $90–$231
    Daily
    1–3 min
    Lives
    5–25 yr
  3. 03Mystery snailHands-off: best watched · 5 gal tankPomacea diffusa, the true mystery snail, can be moved across state lines without a USDA permit, but other apple snails such as Pomacea canaliculata are federally restricted pests and are sometimes sold under the same name. Buy from a reputable seller, check any state rules, and never release snails or eggs outdoors.
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $142–$274
    Daily
    3–5 min
    Lives
    1–2 yr
  4. 04Praying mantisTolerates brief handling · 8×8×12 in enclosureNever release a pet mantis or its egg cases (oothecae) outdoors, as non-native species can harm native insects. Shipping live insects across state lines can require a USDA APHIS permit, so buy from US sellers who follow these rules.
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $150–$319
    Daily
    5–10 min
    Lives
    up to 1 year
  5. 05Freshwater shrimpHands-off: best watched · 5 gal tank
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $166–$336
    Daily
    2–5 min
    Lives
    1–2 yr
  6. 06Betta fishHands-off: best watched · 5 gal tank
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $181–$357
    Daily
    5–10 min
    Lives
    3–5 yr
  7. 07African dwarf frogHands-off: best watched · 10 gal tankAfrican dwarf frogs are legal in most of the US. Don't confuse them with African clawed frogs, which California and several other states ban or require permits for.
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $199–$396
    Daily
    5–10 min
    Lives
    5–10 yr
  8. 08Emperor scorpionHands-off: best watched · 20×10×12 in enclosureLegal in most of the US. Emperor scorpions are on CITES Appendix II and most sold here are wild-caught imports from West Africa, so buy from a reputable dealer. Some cities and counties restrict venomous animals; check local rules.
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $200–$414
    Daily
    2–5 min
    Lives
    5–8 yr
  9. 09GuppyHands-off: best watched · 10 gal tank
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $217–$439
    Daily
    5–10 min
    Lives
    2–3 yr
  10. 10Pet mouseTolerates brief handling · 30×12×12 in cagePet mice are legal in every US state with no permit needed, though some leases and rental agreements limit pet rodents.
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $226–$463
    Daily
    10–25 min
    Lives
    1–3 yr
  11. 11Bristlenose plecoHands-off: best watched · 20 gal tank
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $258–$500
    Daily
    5–10 min
    Lives
    5–12 yr
  12. 12Neon tetraHands-off: best watched · 20 gal tank
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $297–$570
    Daily
    5–10 min
    Lives
    5–8 yr

How this list is built: The 12 pets with the lowest first-year cost, setup plus supplies, using the top of each range. First year is the essential setup plus a year of food and supplies, at typical US prices; vet care is extra. Every number comes from the animal's own guide and its sources. How we make these guides.