Are snakes inexpensive pets or not? I like to think so and costs can be similar to those involved with a cat or small dog. However, initial costs are much higher and it is very important that any new snake owner be aware of the necessary expenses.
 Below I have listed a few of the many costs involved in keeping snakes. I also have included several example snakes estimating what I would feel necessary to keep them alive and healthy not necessarily happy. Remember I live in Idaho and costs will vary depending on your location.

Borneo short-tailed python twins
 

COST #1: THE SNAKE- Snakes have become relatively inexpensive to obtain over the last ten years. Some can still be quite expensive however, especially a lot of morphs and hard to find species. Of course if this is your first snake an expensive morph will probably not be the best snake for you. It is better to buy an inexpensive and easy to care for snake and have the ability to purchase the right cage, heating, etc. than to buy a $400 green tree python and stuff it into a 10 gallon aquarium.

COST #2: THE CAGE/ENCLOSURE- This all depends on the adult size of the snake you are purchasing. A small snake can be happy most of is life in a 10 to 20 gallon aquarium! The Big daddies need a lot more room! One of my Burms has a 8 foot by 4 foot by 4 foot enclosure that I just built for just over $400. And considering the quality and additions I added, it could have cost twice that much. The enclosure is a very important part of your snake purchase and I recommend an enclosure at least as large as the length of the snake along two connecting sides.

COST #3: THE WATER DISH- Snakes need water! And many species enjoy swimming. This may be one of the lowest costs you can expect to pay, depending on the size/species of the snake. Costs below are based on size of snake.

COST #4: THE SUBSTRATE- This has a very variable cost. It all depends on how elaborate you want to get! Personally, I think that astro-turf makes the best substrate, but I use plain old newspaper due to its low cost and easy maintenance. But many like the aesthetic value of barks and moss. Again this cost varies with the size of the enclosure. since newspaper will do and it is up to you, estimates below are just based on newspaper a year

COST #5: HEATING- Heating supplies can be very pricey! From Heating pads to Heat lights, these are a necessity you can't do without! Especially with tropical species. Once again, the enclosure will dictate your heating needs. I should add that I do not reccomend the use of "hot rocks" even though we use them with a few species. It is very easy for them to burn hot when they get old. I have seen sever burns from these devices and if used you must check their tempature daily.

COST #6: FOOD- Yes, snakes have to eat! And depending on the size of the snake, this can be your most expensive cost. The cost below is for those that will buy from pet stores. Many of us breed our own food, but this costs a lot as well; enclosures, water bottles, bedding, and yes food for the food! I cannot believe how much time and $$$ I spend taking care of the food for my snakes! I spend $20+ on them a week!

COST #7: VET BILLS!- If you think you won't be making trips to the Vet, you should not get a snake! This cost will vary wildly from year to year, so I will not try to estimate your costs.

MISCELLANEOUS COSTS: There are many misc. costs you may encounter depending on your snakes and your interests- These can include; Hooks, tongs, sexing probes, incubators, snake bags, hemostats, hiding boxes, branches, medicines, Band-Aids (for yourself- LOL), and much more! Obviously breeders are going to need to invest a lot more time and $$$ to provide adequate care. The above 7 costs are merely basic costs that are needed to keep your pet alive!

In conclusion, you can see that with a healthy specimen on newspaper with a cardboard hidebox, you costs can still be enormous, especially with a large snake. Surely some can manage on less and many would spend a lot more on their snake, but remember the more you skimp and save the more problems you will encounter as the snake grows and develops.

So now that you are aware of the basic costs, go out and get your new friend! Snakes make wonderful pets, and there are enough benefits to outweigh the costs! Snakes take a lot of time and effort (and $$$), but if they bring you half the enjoyment that I get from mine, they are priceless.