How much does a rabbit cost?
Rabbits are cheap to buy and surprisingly costly to keep. Fresh hay every day, a roomy pen and a rabbit-savvy vet are where most of the money goes.
Last updated: October 2026 · US prices · 3 sources · see sources
Prices at a glance
| Item | Typical US price | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Adopting from a rescue or shelter | $85–$450 | [1] |
| Buying from a breeder | $885–$1,490 | [1] |
| Cage or pen | $50–$300 | [1] |
| Full setup (pen, litter box, bowls, toys) | $200–$300 | [2] |
| First vet exam | $90–$130 | [1] |
| RHDV vaccine, per dose | $30–$100 | [1] |
| Spay or neuter | $500–$1,200 (South Florida: $400–$600; low-cost clinics $150–$250) | [1] [2] |
| New-rabbit total (vet care, spay or neuter, first supplies) | $865–$2,195 | [1] |
| Hay, per month | $20–$50 | [1] |
| Fresh vegetables, per month | $20–$50 | [1] |
| Pellets, per month | $13–$26 | [1] |
| Monthly total, rescue estimate | $80–$200 | [2] |
| Yearly checkup | About $100 | [1] |
| Emergency visit | $150–$300 | [1] |
| Yearly cost | $300–$800 (The Vet Desk); $1,200–$2,000 (rescue estimate) | [3] [2] |
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.
The first year
Most of the first-year bill is the vet. A new-rabbit exam, the RHDV vaccine and a spay or neuter add up to $865–$2,195 with first supplies [1]. Spay and neuter prices swing a lot by area. One Florida rescue quotes $400–$600 locally and $150–$250 at low-cost clinics [2].
Month to month
Hay is the big one, since rabbits should have it all day. Budget $20–$50 for hay, $20–$50 for vegetables and $13–$26 for pellets each month [1]. Add litter and you land near the rescue's estimate of $80–$200 a month [2].
What changes the price
- Where you get the rabbit Rescue fees ($85–$450) are a fraction of breeder prices ($885–$1,490) [1].
- Spay or neuter It's the largest single vet bill for most new owners [1] [2].
- Exotic vet rates Rabbits need a vet who sees exotics. Plan about $100 for a yearly visit and $150–$300 for an emergency consult [1].
Ways to save
- Ask what the adoption fee includes Some rescues include the spay or neuter, which is the biggest early cost.
- Buy hay in bulk Hay is the steadiest monthly cost, so a bigger box usually pays off.
- Keep an emergency cushion Treatment for a sick rabbit can run $1,000–$4,000 [1].
Common questions
How much does a rabbit cost?
Adoption usually costs $85–$450 and a breeder rabbit $885–$1,490. The first year, with vet care, spay or neuter and supplies, runs about $865–$2,195.
How much does a rabbit cost per month?
Food alone is about $53–$126 a month (hay, vegetables and pellets). A Florida rescue estimates $80–$200 a month in total.
How much does it cost to spay or neuter a rabbit?
Chewy puts it at $500–$1,200. A Florida rescue quotes $400–$600 locally and $150–$250 at low-cost clinics.
How much is a rabbit vet visit?
A first exam is about $90–$130 and a yearly visit about $100. An emergency consult runs $150–$300.