How much does a pet rat cost per month? A realistic budget, item by item
Published by Planète Pets · managing editor: Clément Lacaille · how our guides are written
Rats have a reputation for being a budget-friendly rodent, but a well-kept pair costs more per month than most people expect. The sensory and cognitive richness of the species, documented in Charlotte Burn's 2008 review published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science, justifies a regular budget for enrichment, not just for the food bowl. Find our other pointers in the food section.
Contents · 5 sections
The food line item
A quality extruded mix for a pair of rats costs between 10 and 15 euros a month, plus another 5 to 10 euros for fresh vegetables, cooked egg or occasional small amounts of animal protein. Rats are omnivores and need this variety, unlike a strict herbivore.
The litter and cleaning line item
Budget 10 to 15 euros a month for a suitable absorbent litter, changed weekly across the whole cage. Since rats are clean animals and often learn to use a litter corner, this cost can drop once the habit is established.
The enrichment line item, often underestimated
- Ropes, hammocks and chew toys to replace regularly: 5 to 10 euros a month on average.
- Foraging games and hideouts changed often to stimulate their sense of smell, as covered in pet rat enrichment: toys and activities.
- An unplanned budget line for replacing a chewed-through hammock or a worn-out wheel.
The health line item
Rats are prone to respiratory issues and mammary tumours: setting aside 10 to 20 euros a month as a health cushion helps absorb an exotic-vet visit without a nasty surprise. For everyday safety, also see rat cage sizing.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a pair of rats cost per month in total?
Budget roughly 35 to 55 euros a month all in for two rats: food, litter, enrichment and a small health cushion.
Do rats cost more than a hamster?
Yes, slightly, because their diet is more varied and their shorter lifespan concentrates more vet costs over a tighter timeframe.
Can this budget be trimmed without hurting the rats' welfare?
Yes, by making some chew toys yourself from unprinted cardboard, but never by cutting dietary variety or the health cushion.
An accessory from our shop for this use: Hanging chew garland for rabbits and rodents (€17.90) · the whole shop
This guide is part of Planète Pets’s Rodents universe. Our advice is general in nature: for any health concern, your veterinarian remains the only reference.
