13 Cheap and Easy-to-Care-For Pets (2026 Guide)

Not everyone has the space, time, or budget for a dog or cat — and that’s perfectly fine. Plenty of animals make wonderful companions without demanding daily walks, expensive vet bills, or hours of attention. Whether you’re a first-time pet owner, a parent looking for a starter pet for your kids, or someone who simply wants low-maintenance company, this guide breaks down 13 of the most affordable and easy pets to own, along with realistic setup and ongoing costs.

Quick Comparison: Cheap Pets at a Glance

Pet	Purchase Price	Setup Cost	Ongoing Cost
Goldfish	$1–$40	~$100 (tank + filter)	Low
Leopard Gecko	$20–$70	$100–$200	$5–$10/week
Hermit Crab	Under $10	$50–$175	Very low
Betta Fish	$5–$25	$20–$35	~$25/year
Guinea Pig	$25–$50	~$75	Up to $35/month
Canary	$100–$150	Cage + toys	~$120/year
Degu	$25–$100	$150–$250	$65–$125/year
Butterflies	Under $30	Minimal	Minimal
Sea Monkeys	$8–$150	Included in kit	$8–$20 for food
Venus Fly Trap	$5–$45	Under $10 (soil)	Minimal
Praying Mantis	$6–$25	Small terrarium	~$100/year
Scorpion	$25–$100	~$75	~$100/year
Rat	$10–$20	~$100	Moderate

1. Goldfish

Goldfish remain one of the most popular starter pets, and for good reason. They’re inexpensive to buy, can live for two decades or more with proper care, and are smart enough to recognize their owners over time. A small bowl isn’t enough, though — goldfish need a properly filtered tank with adequate oxygen, which typically runs about $100 to set up correctly.

Best for: Kids and first-time pet owners who want something low-effort but visually rewarding.

2. Leopard Gecko

Leopard geckos are calm, nocturnal reptiles that don’t require the UV lighting many other reptiles need. A basic terrarium with a heat source, a moist hide box for shedding, and a water dish is all they really need. They’re generally shy at first but become comfortable with regular, gentle handling.

Best for: Reptile lovers who want a low-fuss pet that’s active in the evenings.

3. Hermit Crab

Hermit crabs are social animals and do best in small groups rather than alone. As they grow, they’ll need larger shells, so it’s smart to keep a few spare shells on hand for them to choose from. They also need consistent access to fresh and saltwater for drinking, bathing, and shell maintenance.

Best for: Anyone wanting a quirky, low-cost pet with minimal daily interaction needs.

4. Betta Fish

Bettas are strikingly colorful but territorial, so they must be housed alone. Beyond regular water changes and daily feeding, they require very little upkeep. A 5- to 10-gallon tank with a hiding spot is enough space for them to thrive.

Best for: Apartment dwellers who want a low-maintenance, visually striking pet.

5. Guinea Pig

Guinea pigs are social, vocal, and generally gentle, making them a solid choice for older children. They live four to five years and do best with a companion guinea pig. Their diet can be supplemented with vegetable scraps, keeping monthly food costs manageable.

Best for: Preteens and families wanting an interactive, cuddly pet.

6. Canary

Canaries have been kept as pets for centuries, prized for their singing (typically only the males sing) and easy care requirements. They live 8–15 years and cost less upfront and in upkeep than larger pet birds like parrots.

Best for: People who want a low-maintenance pet with personality and sound.

7. Degu

Degus are social rodents native to Chile that do best in pairs. They’re relatively low-maintenance once you have a proper multilevel cage set up, and guinea pig food works fine for their diet.

Best for: Owners who want an active, social small pet and are comfortable getting two.

8. Butterflies

Raising butterflies from caterpillars is one of the most hands-off pet experiences available — most species only need a sugar-water mixture to feed on. Kits can be ordered online, though not every caterpillar will reach adulthood, so ordering a few at once is common practice.

Best for: A short-term, educational pet project for kids.

9. Sea Monkeys (Brine Shrimp)

Marketed as “instant pets,” sea monkeys are simply brine shrimp that hatch from a packet of eggs mixed into water. Maintenance is minimal — occasional water changes and feeding the included growth food.

Best for: Young children and first-time pet “owners.”

10. Venus Fly Trap

Technically a plant, the Venus fly trap earns its spot on this list by actively catching and digesting insects. It needs consistent sunlight and a specific type of soil, but otherwise requires very little attention — and no pet-sitter when you travel.

Best for: Anyone wanting a low-maintenance “pet” with zero feeding schedule to manage.

11. Praying Mantis

Praying mantises are fascinating to observe but aren’t meant for handling or bonding. Their main cost is feeding — they eat live insects, which adds up over a year, though the mantis itself is cheap to acquire, especially as eggs or nymphs.

Best for: Insect enthusiasts who enjoy observation over interaction.

12. Scorpion

Scorpions are a look-but-don’t-touch pet, ideal for people who want something low-maintenance and don’t need physical affection from their animal. They need a terrarium, a heat pad, and a steady supply of live insects to eat.

Best for: Owners who want a striking, hands-off exotic pet.

13. Rat

Despite their reputation, pet rats are intelligent, social, and can be quite affectionate when handled from a young age. They need a same-sex companion to avoid loneliness, a spacious wire cage, and daily out-of-cage exercise time in a rat-proofed room.

Best for: Owners willing to commit to daily interaction over the rat’s roughly 2.5-year lifespan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest pet to own overall? 

Sea monkeys, butterflies, and hermit crabs tend to have the lowest combined purchase and upkeep costs, often totaling well under $50 for the first year.

What pet requires the least daily care? 

Venus fly traps and betta fish need the least daily attention — a fly trap only needs sunlight and occasional insects, while a betta only needs daily feeding and periodic water changes.

Are cheap pets a good choice for kids? 

Yes, many of the pets on this list — goldfish, guinea pigs, sea monkeys, and butterflies — are commonly recommended as first pets for children because they’re forgiving of minor care mistakes and don’t require constant supervision.

Do low-maintenance pets still need vet care? 

Most do occasionally. Guinea pigs, rats, and reptiles benefit from periodic vet checkups, while fish, insects, and plants generally don’t require veterinary visits at all.