This is an interesting question. Of course, before getting into a new pet you would be concerned about the upfront costs to get started, but it really depends on your setup. I got started rather quickly for "just" $170 (US) and that got me a glass tank from the pet store, a CHE and dimmable dome and heat pad from Amazon, plus some substrate, plastic dollar store bowls for hides, temp sensors, and an IR gun. Since then, I've bought a Herpstat 4, backup heating elements, and extra decor. Just recently, though, I bought a nice PVC cage with an RHP that cost around $360 total, plus overly-expensive rock hides and a new water bowl. On the other hand, the plastic holding tub I have for when I clean his tank only cost about $20, so I could have housed my bp for way cheaper. For me, my bp is a hobby (and my scale baby) and I like being able to get him nice things.