How much does a guinea pig cost?
Guinea pigs are social and do best in pairs, so most people budget for two. Food is the main ongoing cost, and a yearly exotic vet visit is worth planning for.
Last updated: October 2026 · US prices · 3 sources · see sources
Prices at a glance
| Item | Typical US price | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Rescue adoption | $30–$65 | [1] |
| Pet store | About $50 | [1] |
| PetSmart, regular guinea pig | $59.99 | [2] |
| PetSmart, fancy guinea pig | $89.99 | [2] |
| Breeder | $100–$1,000 | [1] |
| Pellets for a pair, per month | $30–$50 | [1] |
| Vegetables for a pair, per month | $20–$50 | [1] |
| Timothy hay for a pair, per month | $40–$60 | [1] |
| Wellness visit | About $100 | [1] |
| Yearly vet care, healthy guinea pig | $500–$600 | [1] |
| Yearly vet care, chronic illness | $1,500–$3,000 | [1] |
| Yearly cost | $500–$1,500 (The Vet Desk); $2,060–$5,400 full budget (Chewy) | [3] [1] |
Ranges come from the sources below, and each measures something a little different (store prices, surveys or budgets). Prices vary by area, so check locally before you commit.
Budget for two
Rescues often adopt guinea pigs in pairs, or ask that a single goes to a home that already has one. One rescue charges $30 for a single and $50 for a pair [1]. Food numbers on this page are for a pair.
What a year looks like
Chewy's full yearly budget, with food, supplements, cleaning and vet care, comes to $2,060–$5,400. Most of the spread is the vet, from $500 for a healthy year to $3,000 for a chronic illness [1]. The Vet Desk's lower estimate of $500–$1,500 assumes leaner spending [3].
Ways to save
- Adopt Rescue fees ($30–$65) are far below breeder prices [1].
- Buy hay by the box Hay is the biggest food cost for a pair ($40–$60 a month) [1].
- Book the yearly checkup A $100 wellness visit can catch dental and weight problems early [1].
Common questions
How much does a guinea pig cost?
About $30–$65 from a rescue, about $50 at a pet store (PetSmart lists $59.99 and $89.99), and $100–$1,000 from a breeder.
How much does a guinea pig cost per month?
Food for a pair runs about $90–$160 a month: $30–$50 for pellets, $20–$50 for vegetables and $40–$60 for hay.
How much does a guinea pig cost per year?
The Vet Desk estimates $500–$1,500. Chewy's fuller budget with vet care is $2,060–$5,400.
Do guinea pigs need a vet?
Yes. A yearly wellness visit costs about $100. Healthy yearly vet care is about $500–$600.