What a guinea pig really costs
Guinea pigs are cheap to buy but are priced here as a pair, because welfare groups say they should not live alone, so food, bedding and vet bills all come in twos. Hay, fresh vegetables and bedding run about $1,200 a year for two, before vet care. Vet visits need an exotics vet, and dental disease, bladder stones and pneumonia can each cost hundreds of dollars to treat.
- Life expectancy
- 5–7 years
- Size
- About 1.8–2.2 lb each
- Care level
- Moderate
- Price
- $120–$200
- Setup
- About $360
- Insurance
- Available
Estimate for: Two guinea pigs in a 10.5 sq ft C&C cage, kept indoors. Space needed: At least 7.5 sq ft for a pair; 10.5 sq ft (30 x 50 in) preferred, solid floor.
Lifetime cost$14,200
First year $2,690Then about $2,170 a year
Where the money goes each year
A typical year for a guinea pig, with typical spending in an average-cost area, no insurance.
- Illness and injury (average)$600
- Hay (unlimited timothy hay) for two$374
- Fresh vegetables for two$360
- Bedding (paper or fleece upkeep)$360
- Annual exotic-vet exams (both pigs)$215
- Vitamin C supplement$96
- Chew toys and enrichment$73
- Vitamin C-fortified pellets for two$69
- Replacement hideouts$20
- Typical year$2,170
Most years land between $1,400 and $3,300. From about year 4, add about $215 a year for senior checkups. Items replaced on a cycle are spread across the years.
Setup and the first year
For guinea pigs, the equipment usually costs far more than the animal.
Getting set up
- Price (pet store or breeder (pair))$160
- C&C cage, about 10.5 sq ft$208
- Fleece cage liners (2)$38
- Hay rack$10
- Heavy food and water bowls (2)$12
- Hideouts (one per pig)$40
- Carrier$34
- Litter pan and nail trimmer$16
- First exotic-vet exams (both pigs)$215
- Upfront$730
Running costs in year one
- Hay (unlimited timothy hay) for two$374
- Vitamin C-fortified pellets for two$69
- Fresh vegetables for two$360
- Vitamin C supplement$96
- Bedding (paper or fleece upkeep)$360
- Chew toys and enrichment$73
- Replacement hideouts$20
- Illness and injury (average)$600
- Year-one running costs$1,950
First-year total: $2,690. Adopting instead brings it to about $2,790.
Make it your estimate
Change the choices that move the price most. Totals update as you go.
Your lifetime estimate$14,200
First year $2,690Then about $2,170 a yearOver 6 years
$181 a month in a typical year.
- Illness and injury (average)$600
- Hay (unlimited timothy hay) for two$374
- Fresh vegetables for two$360
- Bedding (paper or fleece upkeep)$360
- Annual exotic-vet exams (both pigs)$215
- Vitamin C supplement$96
- Chew toys and enrichment$73
- Vitamin C-fortified pellets for two$69
- Replacement hideouts$20
- Typical year$2,170
What to buy
The gear and supplies in this estimate, matched to a guinea pig. Each link searches Amazon for the right type and size.
- C&C cage, about 10.5 sq ftSetup, typically about $208See on Amazon
- Fleece cage liners (2)Setup, typically about $38See on Amazon
- Hay rackSetup, typically about $10See on Amazon
- Heavy food and water bowls (2)Setup, typically about $12See on Amazon
- Hideouts (one per pig)Setup, typically about $40See on Amazon
- CarrierSetup, typically about $34See on Amazon
- Litter pan and nail trimmerSetup, typically about $16See on Amazon
- Hay (unlimited timothy hay) for twoOngoing, typically about $374 a yearSee on Amazon
- Vitamin C-fortified pellets for twoOngoing, typically about $69 a yearSee on Amazon
- Vitamin C supplementOngoing, typically about $96 a yearSee on Amazon
- Bedding (paper or fleece upkeep)Ongoing, typically about $360 a yearSee on Amazon
- Chew toys and enrichmentOngoing, typically about $73 a yearSee on Amazon
As an Amazon Associate, PetPriceTag earns from qualifying purchases. Buying through these links costs you nothing extra and never changes our cost figures.
Health costs to plan for
| Condition | What it is | Typical treatment | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental disease (overgrown cheek teeth) | Merck says dental problems are common in guinea pigs and chronic cases may need trimming every month; Chewy's vet-reviewed guide calls it a life-threatening disease. Merck notes cheek-tooth malocclusion is the most common problem in guinea pigs and chinchillas. Source | Sedated molar trim, often repeated; range is a US small-mammal vet-budget guide's $300–$800 for rabbit and chinchilla dental work, which needs the same anesthesia | $300–$800 |
| Bladder stones | VCA says guinea pigs are very prone to urinary stones, which can block the urethra and become life-threatening emergencies. Source | X-rays plus surgical removal (cystotomy); UK owners report £400–£1,112 (about $530–$1,480 at roughly $1.33 per £). LOW CONFIDENCE: no US price list found | $530–$1,480 |
| Pneumonia (respiratory infection) | Merck says respiratory disease is fairly common and pneumonia is a leading cause of death, especially in young guinea pigs; treatment may include fluids, syringe feeding, oxygen, vitamin C and antibiotics. Source | Consultation ($117.88) and recheck ($77.10) at Gentle Vets; x-rays add $100–$200 (Furry Critter) plus medication; hospitalization costs more | $195–$425 |
| Scurvy (vitamin C deficiency) | VCA lists scurvy among the common problems of guinea pigs; they cannot make vitamin C and need 10–50 mg a day. It is cheap to prevent and also contributes to dental disease (Merck). Source | Consultation plus recheck at an exotics vet ($117.88–$195 at Gentle Vets) and vitamin C supplementation | $118–$195 |
The yearly estimate includes an average of $600 for illness and injury. Insurance is available for this pet; turn it on in the calculator to compare.
What drives the cost
- Every figure here is for TWO guinea pigs: the Humane World for Animals (formerly HSUS) says it is best to keep at least two, and Chewy's cost guide is written for a pair.
- A cage that meets the preferred 10.5 sq ft for two costs about $208 as a ready-made C&C kit; pet-store cages of 7.5–8 sq ft cost $70–$81 and just clear the 7.5 sq ft minimum.
- Hay is the biggest food bill: about 6 lb per pig per month, roughly $370 a year for two at $2.60/lb in 20-lb boxes. Fresh vegetables add another $240–$600.
- Guinea pigs cannot make vitamin C and need 10–50 mg a day from vegetables, fortified pellets or a supplement (about $8 per 60 tablets).
- An exotics-vet wellness exam is about $108 per pig, so $215 a year for the pair; Chewy's vet-reviewed guide says pigs 3 and older should be checked every six months.
- Nationwide is the main US insurer for guinea pigs (premiums 'generally start at less than $21/month' per pet), so a pair means two policies.
Is it legal where you live?
Guinea pigs are legal pets in every US state without a permit as far as state sources show. Hawaii lists the guinea pig on its 'conditionally approved' animal list, so check with Hawaii's Plant Quarantine Branch before bringing one into the state.
Cities and counties can have their own rules. Check locally before you buy.
- Pet store or breeder (pair)
- $120–$200
- Rescue or shelter (pair)
- $40–$65
- Lifetime
- $14,200
How this estimate is built
Every line, with the typical, thrifty and generous figures and where each comes from.
| Item | Typical | Basis and sources | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setup | |||
| C&C cage, about 10.5 sq ft | $208 | Kavee 4x2 C&C habitat (55 x 28 in, about 10.6 sq ft) from $208 on sale (its product page has shown $349, used as high). Low = PetSmart Full Cheeks Simple & Spacious Home, 7.9 sq ft, $69.99, which meets the 7.5 sq ft minimum but not the 10.5 sq ft preferred size; MidWest Guinea Habitat Plus (8 sq ft) is $80.99 at PetSmart. Humane World: 7.5 sq ft minimum, 10.5 sq ft preferred for two. Kavee: 4x2 C&C guinea pig cage (about 10.6 sq ft); PetSmart: Full Cheeks Simple & Spacious Home (7.9 sq ft, $69.99); PetSmart: MidWest Guinea Pig Habitat Plus (47 x 24 in, 8 sq ft); Humane World for Animals (formerly HSUS): Guinea pig housing requirements and bedding options | |
| Fleece cage liners (2) | $38 | Paw Inspired guinea pig fleece cage liners, 2-count, $37.95 (listed in Chewy's cost guide). High = two sets so one can be washed. Low = $0 for owners using disposable paper bedding instead (budgeted under annual bedding). Chewy: How Much Are Guinea Pigs? Budgeting Tips and Cost Guide (Lisa Selvaggio, updated Apr 2025) | |
| Hay rack | $10 | Kaytee Hay Manger $9.99 at Chewy (list $15.99 as high). Chewy: Kaytee Hay Manger & Salt Spool Hanger | |
| Heavy food and water bowls (2) | $12 | Two Kaytee Vege-T-Bowl 22-oz crocks at $5.99 each (Chewy sale price); $11.99 each at list price as high. Chewy: Kaytee Vege-T-Bowl Carrot Small Pet Bowl, 22-oz | |
| Hideouts (one per pig) | $40 | Kaytee Woodland Get-A-Way Large (sized for guinea pigs) $19.95 x 2. Low = two Full Cheeks hay hideaway logs at $14.99 (PetSmart); high = two X-Large at $29.95. Chewy: Kaytee Woodland Get-A-Way Small Pet Hideout (sizes by species); PetSmart: Small pet toys and habitat accessories (wheels, hideouts) | |
| Carrier | $34 | Frisco Top Loading Small Pet Carrier, Small, $34.00 at Chewy; listed for guinea pigs and rats. Chewy: Frisco Top Loading Small Pet Carrier (Small: rats, guinea pigs) | |
| Litter pan and nail trimmer | $16 | Ware Lock-N-Litter pan $11.99 and Kaytee Pro-Nail trimmer $3.99 (Chewy prices in Chewy's cost guide). Low = trimmer only; high adds the $12.99 Ware Groom-N-Kit. Chewy: How Much Are Guinea Pigs? Budgeting Tips and Cost Guide (Lisa Selvaggio, updated Apr 2025) | |
| First year | |||
| First exotic-vet exams (both pigs) | $215 | Wellness exam $107.62 per small mammal at The Gentle Vets (WI) x 2 = $215. Low = The Vet Desk's $50 per checkup x 2. High = Gentle Vets consultation fee ($117.88) x 2. Chewy's guide cites about $100 per annual wellness visit. The Gentle Vets (Green Bay, WI): Exotics pricing (small mammals); The Vet Desk: How Much Does a Guinea Pig Cost? 2026 Price Guide (vet-reviewed, Jan 2026); Chewy: How Much Are Guinea Pigs? Budgeting Tips and Cost Guide (Lisa Selvaggio, updated Apr 2025) | |
| Every year | |||
| Hay (unlimited timothy hay) for two | $374 | Small Pet Select: about 6 lb of hay per guinea pig per month, so 144 lb a year for two. Typical: 144 lb x $2.60/lb (Oxbow 20-lb box $51.99) = $374. Low: 144 lb x $2.13/lb (Oxbow 40-lb box $84.99) = $307. High: Chewy's guide quotes a rescue director at $40–$60/month for a pair; $60 x 12 = $720 (small bags at $0.25–$0.37/oz cost about this much). Small Pet Select: Feeding Unlimited Hay vs Eating Unlimited Hay (about 6 lb per guinea pig per month); Chewy: Oxbow Western Timothy Hay (all sizes and prices); Chewy: How Much Are Guinea Pigs? Budgeting Tips and Cost Guide (Lisa Selvaggio, updated Apr 2025) | |
| Vitamin C-fortified pellets for two | $69 | Oxbow's feeding guide: 1/8 cup a day per adult guinea pig (1/4 cup for two); its adult food carries at least 250 mg/kg vitamin C. Typical = three 10-lb bags of Oxbow Essentials Cavy Cuisine a year at $22.94 (our estimate; smaller bags stay fresh). Low = one 25-lb bag at $36.54. High = Chewy's guide, $30/month for a pair (low end of its $30–$50). LOW CONFIDENCE on pounds per year: no source converts cups to pounds. Oxbow: Essentials Adult Guinea Pig Food (feeding guide 1/8 cup per day, vitamin C); Chewy: Oxbow Essentials Cavy Cuisine Adult Guinea Pig Food (5, 10, 25 lb); Chewy: How Much Are Guinea Pigs? Budgeting Tips and Cost Guide (Lisa Selvaggio, updated Apr 2025) | |
| Fresh vegetables for two | $360 | Chewy's guide quotes a rescue director at $20–$50 a month for vegetables for a pair ($240–$600/yr); typical = $30/month. VCA recommends a variety of leafy greens and colored vegetables daily. Chewy: How Much Are Guinea Pigs? Budgeting Tips and Cost Guide (Lisa Selvaggio, updated Apr 2025); VCA Animal Hospitals: Guinea Pigs - Feeding (10–50 mg vitamin C per day) | |
| Vitamin C supplement | $96 | VCA: guinea pigs need 10–50 mg of vitamin C a day. Oxbow Natural Science Vitamin C, 60 tablets, $7.99 (Chewy). Typical = one tablet per pig per day (our assumption), 12 packs a year = $96; high = Chewy's guide's $120/yr for supplements; low = $0 for owners relying on fortified pellets and vitamin C-rich vegetables. VCA Animal Hospitals: Guinea Pigs - Feeding (10–50 mg vitamin C per day); Chewy: How Long Do Guinea Pigs Live? (vet-reviewed, Jan 2026; Oxbow vitamin C 60 ct $7.99); Chewy: How Much Are Guinea Pigs? Budgeting Tips and Cost Guide (Lisa Selvaggio, updated Apr 2025) | |
| Bedding (paper or fleece upkeep) | $360 | Chewy's guide: replacing bedding costs about $30 a month ($360/yr). Humane World recommends 2–3 in of paper bedding and no cedar or pine. Low = fleece users replacing two sets of liners a year ($37.95 each, our assumption) with no paper bedding. High = a 60-L bag of Carefresh ($18.99) every two weeks = $494. Chewy: How Much Are Guinea Pigs? Budgeting Tips and Cost Guide (Lisa Selvaggio, updated Apr 2025); Humane World for Animals (formerly HSUS): Guinea pig housing requirements and bedding options; Chewy: Carefresh Small Animal Bedding, Natural (14-L to 60-L) | |
| Annual exotic-vet exams (both pigs) | $215 | Gentle Vets wellness exam $107.62 x 2. Low = The Vet Desk's $50 checkup x 2; high = consultation fee $117.88 x 2. Chewy's vet-reviewed dental guide recommends a yearly check that includes the teeth. The Gentle Vets (Green Bay, WI): Exotics pricing (small mammals); The Vet Desk: How Much Does a Guinea Pig Cost? 2026 Price Guide (vet-reviewed, Jan 2026); Chewy: Guinea Pig Dental Care (vet-reviewed, Jan 2026) | |
| Chew toys and enrichment | $73 | Oxbow Enriched Life Timothy Party Pack $18.20 (Chewy) once a quarter = $73 (our assumption); low = twice a year. High = The Vet Desk's top figure of $100/yr for toys and chews. Chewy: Oxbow Enriched Life Timothy Party Pack; The Vet Desk: How Much Does a Guinea Pig Cost? 2026 Price Guide (vet-reviewed, Jan 2026) | |
| Replacement hideouts | $40 every 2 years | Chewed hideouts replaced about every 2 years (our estimate): two Kaytee Large at $19.95; low two hay logs at $14.99, high two X-Large at $29.95. Chewy: Kaytee Woodland Get-A-Way Small Pet Hideout (sizes by species); PetSmart: Small pet toys and habitat accessories (wheels, hideouts) | |
| Illness and injury, per year | |||
| Unexpected vet bills for two (illness and injury) | $600 | LOW CONFIDENCE: no US claims data for guinea pigs was found. The Vet Desk's vet-reviewed guide puts emergencies at $0–$500, dental at $0–$200 and ongoing medications at $0–$100 per pig per year. Dr. Amanda Steinagel (in Chewy's guide) puts annual vet care for a healthy guinea pig at $500–$600 (which includes the wellness exam) and $1,500–$3,000 for one with chronic disease. Typical = $300 per pig; high = $500 per pig. The Vet Desk: How Much Does a Guinea Pig Cost? 2026 Price Guide (vet-reviewed, Jan 2026); Chewy: How Much Are Guinea Pigs? Budgeting Tips and Cost Guide (Lisa Selvaggio, updated Apr 2025) | |
| Insurance, per month | |||
| Nationwide exotic plan, two policies (accident & illness) | $21 | Nationwide covers guinea pigs and says premiums 'generally start at less than $21/month' per pet; it quotes exotics by phone, and plan terms include a $250 annual deductible. The Vet Desk estimates $50–$200 a year per guinea pig. Typical = $125/yr x 2 pigs / 12 = $21/month; low = $50/yr x 2; high = two policies at Nationwide's $21 ceiling. Nationwide: Pet insurance plans for guinea pigs; Nationwide Avian & Exotic plan summary (WinCo benefits PDF: covered species, $250 deductible); The Vet Desk: How Much Does a Guinea Pig Cost? 2026 Price Guide (vet-reviewed, Jan 2026); The Vet Desk: Is There Pet Insurance for Guinea Pigs? (Jan 2026) | |
More small pets by yearly cost
- Hamster$520 a year
- Pet rat$1,060 a year
- Rabbit$1,840 a year
- Compare all small pets
Common questions
How much does a guinea pig cost?
Pet store or breeder (pair): $120–$200; rescue or shelter (pair): $40–$65. The bigger costs come after: about $360 to set up, about $2,690 for the whole first year, then about $2,170 a year.
How much does a guinea pig cost per year?
About $2,170 a year ($181 a month) for a typical owner in an average-cost area, ranging from about $1,400 for a thrifty owner in a lower-cost area to $3,300 for a generous owner in a big city with insurance.
How much does a guinea pig cost over its lifetime?
About $14,200 over a 6-year life, in 2026 dollars.
Sources
- Chewy: How Much Are Guinea Pigs? Budgeting Tips and Cost Guide (Lisa Selvaggio, updated Apr 2025)
- Humane World for Animals (formerly HSUS): Guinea pig housing requirements and bedding options
- The Vet Desk: How Much Does a Guinea Pig Cost? 2026 Price Guide (vet-reviewed, Jan 2026)
- The Gentle Vets (Green Bay, WI): Exotics pricing (small mammals)
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Disorders and Diseases of Guinea Pigs
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Introduction to Guinea Pigs (lifespan, weight)
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Guinea Pigs - Problems
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Guinea Pigs - Feeding (10–50 mg vitamin C per day)
- Chewy: Guinea Pig Dental Care (vet-reviewed, Jan 2026)
- Nationwide: Pet insurance plans for guinea pigs
- PetSmart: Live small pets (prices)
- Humane Society of Harford County (MD): Small & barnyard animal adoption fees
- The Furry Critter Network: Budgeting Vet Care for small mammals (2026)
- The Guinea Pig Forum (UK): Bladder stone surgery cost (owner-reported bills, Feb 2024)
- Kavee: 4x2 C&C guinea pig cage (about 10.6 sq ft)
- PetSmart: Full Cheeks Simple & Spacious Home (7.9 sq ft, $69.99)
- PetSmart: MidWest Guinea Pig Habitat Plus (47 x 24 in, 8 sq ft)
- Chewy: Kaytee Hay Manger & Salt Spool Hanger
- Chewy: Kaytee Vege-T-Bowl Carrot Small Pet Bowl, 22-oz
- Chewy: Kaytee Woodland Get-A-Way Small Pet Hideout (sizes by species)
- PetSmart: Small pet toys and habitat accessories (wheels, hideouts)
- Chewy: Frisco Top Loading Small Pet Carrier (Small: rats, guinea pigs)
- Small Pet Select: Feeding Unlimited Hay vs Eating Unlimited Hay (about 6 lb per guinea pig per month)
- Chewy: Oxbow Western Timothy Hay (all sizes and prices)
- Oxbow: Essentials Adult Guinea Pig Food (feeding guide 1/8 cup per day, vitamin C)
- Chewy: Oxbow Essentials Cavy Cuisine Adult Guinea Pig Food (5, 10, 25 lb)
- Chewy: How Long Do Guinea Pigs Live? (vet-reviewed, Jan 2026; Oxbow vitamin C 60 ct $7.99)
- Chewy: Carefresh Small Animal Bedding, Natural (14-L to 60-L)
- Chewy: Oxbow Enriched Life Timothy Party Pack
- Nationwide Avian & Exotic plan summary (WinCo benefits PDF: covered species, $250 deductible)
- The Vet Desk: Is There Pet Insurance for Guinea Pigs? (Jan 2026)
- Hawaii Dept. of Agriculture: List of Conditionally Approved Animals (§4-71-6.5: guinea pig, domesticated rat)
Estimates in 2026 US dollars. Vet prices for this pet use the same region adjustment as the rest of the site (methodology). Updated October 14, 2026.