What Do Guinea Pigs Really Cost? (For Two)

Planning for a bonded pair is the most humane—and the most realistic—way to budget. Here’s a clear, no-drama breakdown using typical U.S. prices.

Cost bucket	Fleece setup	Paper setup
First year total	$1,210–$2,550	$1,810–$3,150
After year one (monthly)	$65–$145/mo	$115–$195/mo

Why the big range? Brand/quality, where you live, and how much you DIY vs. buy.

1) Adopt vs. Purchase

• Adoption: $40–$150 per pair (many rescues include basic vetting and great advice).

• Pet store: $60–$120 per pair (varies; usually no history).

Cavy Whisperer take: When possible, adopt an already bonded pair—it’s kinder and can save money and stress.

2) One-Time Setup (Housing & Essentials)

• DIY C&C 2×4 cage (pair): $60–$120

• DIY Coroplast base / cage-liner support: $20–$40

• Hideys & tunnels (2–3): $20–$40

• Bowls (2), bottles (2), hay rack: $30–$75

• Carrier: $25–$50 · Scale: $15–$30 · Nail clippers: $8–$15

Typical one-time setup subtotal (incl. adoption + basics): $350–$750

3) Bedding Choices (ongoing)

• Fleece system: Upfront $80–$200 for 2–3 sets; laundry $10–$20/mo

• Paper bedding: $40–$80/mo (2×4 cage, weekly deep cleans)

Pro tip: Even if you use fleece, keep paper or pellets for litter/kitchen areas.

4) Monthly Food Budget (for Two)

• Hay: $15–$60 (bulk timothy/orchard)

• Pellets (quality brand): $8–$18

• Fresh veg (~2 cups/day total): $40–$80 (seasonal)

• Vitamin C (optional): $0–$10

Typical monthly food total: $53–$168

5) Vet & Health

• Annual wellness (exotics): $70–$120 per pig → $140–$240 for two

• Common issues (per incident):

  • URI/parasites: $60–$150

  • Dental trim/x-rays: $150–$500

  • Surgery (e.g., stones): $500–$1,500+

Emergency fund (recommended): $500–$1,000 for the pair

6) Ongoing Extras

• Chews/toys/pee pads: $5–$15/mo

• Cleaner & laundry supplies: $5–$10/mo

• Replacement hideys/liners (pro-rated): $3–$10/mo

Add: $10–$35/mo to your base monthly.

7) First-Year & Monthly Totals (How we got them)

Fleece path:

• Setup $350–$750

• 12 × ($60–$130) monthly (food + laundry + extras)

• Annual vet $140–$240→ First year: $1,210–$2,550→ After year one: $65–$145/mo

Paper path:

• SetUp $350–$750

• 12 × ($110–$180) monthly (food + bedding + extras)

• Annual vet $140–$240→ First year: $1,810–$3,150→ After year one: $115–$195/mo

Mini-formula:Two pigs = (Hay + Pellets + Veg + Bedding) + Small extras + Vet set-aside

8) Smart Ways to Save (Without Cutting Corners)

• Buy hay in bulk (local farm stores or reputable online farms).

• Pellets: choose a quality, plain timothy-based pellet; avoid mixes with seeds, colored bits, and added sugars.

• Seasonal veg strategy: rotate affordable greens (romaine, green leaf, bell pepper for vitamin C).

• DIY where safe: coroplast bases, fleece liners (pre-wash and wick properly), cardboard hideys.

• Preventive care: weekly weigh-ins, nail trims, and cage hygiene reduce surprise vet bills.

• Set up an emergency fund: auto-transfer $20–$40/week until you hit $500–$1,000.

9) Common Budget Questions

Are guinea pigs expensive? What Do Guinea Pigs Really Cost? They’re not “cheap” pets. Expect a healthy monthly spend and be prepared for occasional big vet bills (especially stones or dental).

Can I keep just one to save money? Guinea pigs are social and do best in pairs. Many costs are shared anyway (housing, hay, pellets), so the difference isn’t as large as it seems.

Is pet insurance worth it? Availability for exotics varies by region. If it’s not an option, the emergency fund is your best plan.

What cage size should I budget for? A C&C 2×4 is the minimum for a pair, with larger always better.

Final Thoughts on What Guinea Pigs Really Cost

Budgeting for cavies is really budgeting for companionship: two little hearts that thrive with space, fresh food, and proactive care. If the numbers work for you, adopt a bonded pair, set up that emergency cushion, and enjoy the wheeks. 💛

Follow @TheCavyWhisperer for checklists, care guides, and cost-saving tips—plus the occasional piggy giggle.