💰 How Much Does a Bird Cost?

The real cost of owning a budgie, cockatiel or parrot — setup, monthly and first year

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Wondering how much a pet bird costs? Pick your bird's size below for a rough idea of the up-front and ongoing costs — from the bird itself to the cage, food and vet care. Prices vary a lot by region and by how fancy you go, so treat these as ballpark figures.

Pick your bird's size:

Small — budgie, lovebird, parrotlet
Medium — cockatiel, conure, quaker, ringneck
Large — grey, amazon, macaw, cockatoo
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What does a pet bird cost? A quick overview

How much a bird costs depends mostly on the species. A budgie is one of the cheapest pets you can keep — often $15–$60 for the bird plus $100–$250 of setup — while a large parrot such as an African grey, macaw or cockatoo can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars up front, and far more to keep. Use the calculator above for a size-based estimate, then read on for what really drives the price.

How much does a parrot cost?

"Parrot" covers everything from a $20 budgie to a $3,000 macaw, so the honest answer is that it depends on the species. As a rough guide: budgies and lovebirds are the cheapest; cockatiels and conures sit in the middle (often $50–$500 for the bird); and large parrots like African greys, amazons, macaws and cockatoos are the most expensive to buy and to keep. Whatever the size, remember the purchase price is usually the smallest cost over a bird's whole life.

The costs people forget

The bird and cage are just the start. Ongoing costs — quality pellets, fresh vegetables, a steady supply of toys (birds destroy them, which is healthy), and bedding — add up every month. And because birds hide illness, an emergency vet fund is essential. It helps to feed well from day one; our bird food checker shows what is safe.

Bigger birds, bigger bills

A budgie is inexpensive to keep; a large parrot is a serious financial commitment for decades — bigger cage, more food, pricier vet care, and a lifespan that can reach 50+ years. Buy the biggest cage you can afford; it is cheaper than replacing a too-small one later.

⚕️ Please note: These are ballpark ranges only — actual costs vary widely by country, brand and the individual bird. Vet care, especially emergencies, can be the biggest and least predictable expense.
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Frequently asked questions

How much does a bird cost?

It depends almost entirely on the species. A budgie can cost as little as $15–$60 for the bird, while a large parrot like a macaw or cockatoo can be $800–$3,500 or more — before you add the cage, food and ongoing vet care.

How much does a budgie cost to keep?

A budgie itself is cheap (often $15–$60), with setup around $100–$250 and ongoing costs of roughly $20–$40 a month, plus vet care.

How much does a cockatiel cost?

A cockatiel usually costs around $50–$250 for the bird (often $30–$100 from a pet store, more from a breeder or for rare colour mutations), with setup of roughly $150–$400 and ongoing costs of about $30–$60 a month, plus vet care.

What is the most expensive part of owning a bird?

Usually vet care — routine check-ups plus the risk of an emergency. Large parrots also have high ongoing food, toy and housing costs over a very long lifespan.

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