Complete leopard gecko setup: what starting budget do you need?
Published by Planète Pets · managing editor: Clément Lacaille · how our guides are written
A complete leopard gecko setup represents a starting budget of 250 to 450 €, animal not included. It is one of the most affordable reptiles to house: no powerful UVB fixture required under classic protocols, economical under-tank heating and a reasonably sized terrarium are enough for a solid start.
Contents · 5 sections
What equipment makes up a complete leopard gecko kit?
The heart of the kit is a terrarium of at least 80 × 40 × 40 cm (100 to 200 €). Add a heat mat with thermostat (40-70 €), three hides including a humid shedding hide, a suitable substrate, two bowls and calcium and vitamin supplements (15-25 €).
Which criteria keep you from getting it wrong?
- Length first: as a ground-dwelling species, the gecko needs floor space;
- Heat mat under one third of the terrarium, set to 31-33 °C at the warm spot;
- Thermostat is mandatory: a bare mat can exceed 45 °C;
- Three hides minimum: warm, cool and humid;
- Gentle lighting: low-output UVB (2 to 5%) is a welcome bonus, never a scorching spot lamp.
How much does monthly upkeep cost?
The leopard gecko is frugal: 15 to 25 € a month covers crickets or insects and calcium, a few handfuls of substrate and modest electricity (a 15 W mat uses very little). Breeding your own feeder insects cuts the bill further. Also set aside a small reserve for an exotics vet visit in case of a health issue.
Ready-made kit or build your own?
Pet-shop kits at 150-200 € often include a 45 cm tank, fine for a juvenile but quickly outgrown. Building your setup piece by piece costs barely more and avoids buying twice. Compare terrariums and accessories before purchasing: price gaps between retailers easily reach 30% on strictly identical equipment.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a leopard gecko cost?
Expect 40 to 60 € for a standard animal, and up to 150-300 € for certain morphs. Choose a captive-bred gecko with a plump, well-filled tail.
Does a leopard gecko really need UVB?
It can live without it thanks to rigorous calcium and vitamin D3 supplementation, but a low-intensity UVB tube (2 to 5%) is increasingly recommended by vets: placed over only part of the terrarium, it lets the animal choose whether or not to bask.
In our shop, for this use: Stick-on digital thermometer for aquarium and terrarium glass (€18.90) · the whole shop
This guide is part of Planète Pets’s Reptiles universe. Our advice is general in nature: for any health concern, your veterinarian remains the only reference.
