here's the thing--if you can't afford the cost of the animal you can't afford to own the animal. the price of the actual animal is the least expense you will have. you also have to consider the cost of the animal's enclosure and everything in it and all upgrades required as the animal grows. then there is the cost of food and any vet bills that may be required during the course of owning the animal. if the cost of the animal alone makes you cringe, you may need to rethink things a bit.