Lizards are generally more work than snakes, & the larger, more intelligent ones are exponentially more work. I can see where monitors are appealing but be sure you know what you're in for to care for them
Most of what I read says that they are a lot of work, but none of them actually give any detailed information of why or what that work is. So I'm going to try to find someone with experience to give me a better idea of what's involved with caring for them.