You've probably seen those viral videos of a tiny, fuzzy spider wearing a water droplet like a hat or tilting its head like a curious puppy. It’s hard not to fall in love with them. Naturally, the first thing anyone asks is, how much does a jumping spider cost?
People often think these tiny arachnids are a "budget" pet. In some ways, they are. You aren't buying a Great Dane or a purebred horse. But honestly, the "sticker price" of the spider is only about 20% of the actual reality. If you’re looking for a quick number, you’re usually looking at $30 to $80 for the spider itself. However, if you want to do it right and keep your "spood" alive for its full two-year lifespan, your Day 1 checkout total is going to look a lot different.
The Price of the Spider: Not All Spoods are Created Equal
Most beginners go straight for the Phidippus regius, better known as the Regal Jumping Spider. They are the "golden retrievers" of the spider world—friendly, big enough to see, and come in some wild colors.
Typically, a captive-bred Regal will run you between $35 and $50.
But here is where it gets tricky. If you want a "High White" female—those are the ones that look like they’ve been dusted with snow—you might see prices jump to $100 or even $150. Rare species like the Hyllus diardi (Giant Jumping Spider) can easily clear $100 because they are harder to breed and often imported.
On the flip side, you’ve got the Phidippus audax, the Bold Jumping Spider. These are often cheaper, sometimes as low as $20 to $30, mostly because they are incredibly common in the wild across North America.
Why you shouldn't just "catch one for free"
I know what you're thinking. "I saw one on my porch yesterday, why pay $50?"
Wild-caught spiders come with "hidden" costs. They are often older, meaning they might die in a month. Even worse, if you catch a mature female, there is a 99% chance she is "gravid" (pregnant). Suddenly, your free spider results in 200 tiny babies that you aren't prepared to feed or house.
The Real Cost: Setting Up the "Mansion"
The spider is the cheap part. The house is where the money goes. You cannot just shove a jumping spider into a Tupperware container with some dirt and call it a day. They are arboreal, meaning they need height.
A decent acrylic enclosure—something like the ones from Zilla or specialized shops like Spoodville—will cost you $30 to $65.
Don't forget the decor. These spiders need "enrichment." They aren't just sitting there; they’re hunting and exploring.
- Magnetic Hides: $10–$20
- Artificial Vines and Silk Plants: $15
- Substrate (Coco coir or moss): $10
- LED Light Strip: $20 (They need a day/night cycle to stay healthy)
If you're keeping track, your how much does a jumping spider cost total just climbed by about $100.
Feeding the Beast (On a Budget)
Feeding is actually the cheapest part of the whole deal, but it's the most annoying. Jumping spiders eat live prey. Period.
A culture of flightless fruit flies (for babies) or a tub of mealworms/blue bottle flies (for adults) usually costs about $5 to $10 a month.
The "hidden" expense here is shipping. If your local pet store doesn't carry specialized feeders, you’ll pay $15 in shipping for a $7 cup of bugs. That's why many keepers end up starting their own mealworm or roach colonies in a closet somewhere. It sounds gross, but it saves a lot of cash.
Shipping: The Silent Budget Killer
This is the part that catches everyone off guard. You find a beautiful spider online for $30. You go to checkout. Suddenly, the total is $85.
Because spiders are live animals, they have to be shipped via FedEx Overnight or a similar priority service. This usually costs $40 to $60 depending on where you live. Some breeders offer "2-day" shipping with heat packs, but most reputable experts insist on overnight to ensure the spider doesn't freeze or overheat.
Let's Do the Math: Total Initial Investment
Let's look at a realistic "starter kit" budget for 2026:
✨ Don't miss: Dundalk Weather: Why This Louth Town Is More Than Just Wet
| Item | Low End | High End |
|---|---|---|
| The Spider (Regal/Bold) | $30 | $75 |
| Shipping (Live Arrival) | $45 | $65 |
| Enclosure (Acrylic/Front Opening) | $35 | $90 |
| Decor & Hides | $20 | $50 |
| Initial Feeders | $10 | $25 |
| Total | **$140** | $305 |
Basically, you need to have at least $150 ready before you even think about clicking "buy."
Recurring Costs and Vet Bills?
Is there such a thing as a spider vet? Kinda. There are exotic vets who will look at an invertebrate, but honestly? There isn't much they can do for a spider that weighs half a gram. Most "medical" issues, like a bad molt, are handled by the keeper at home with a wet Q-tip and a lot of prayer.
The main recurring cost is just the feeders and replacing the substrate every few months. You're looking at maybe $100 to $150 per year in total maintenance. Compare that to a dog’s monthly food bill, and it’s a steal.
Is the Price Worth It?
One thing people don't realize is that these spiders have actual personalities. They recognize faces. They watch TV with you. They might even "ask" to come out and play by tapping on the glass when they see you nearby.
When you ask how much does a jumping spider cost, you aren't just paying for a bug; you're paying for a tiny, eight-legged roommate that requires very little space but provides a massive amount of entertainment.
Just make sure you buy from a reputable breeder. Look for names like Cute -N- Curious Arachnids or Spoodcraft. Avoid "big box" pet stores if you can; those spiders are often stressed, wild-caught, or mislabeled.
Actionable Steps for New Keepers
- Check Local Expos: To save the $50 shipping fee, find a reptile or exotic pet expo in your city. You can buy the spider in person.
- Buy the Enclosure First: Set up the "house" a week before the spider arrives. You need to make sure the humidity and temperature are stable.
- Invest in a Fine Mist Sprayer: Don't use a regular spray bottle. The droplets are too big and can actually drown a small spider. A "flairsol" bottle is about $10 and is a lifesaver.
- Join a Community: Hop on a forum or a Facebook group. If your spider stops eating (which they do before molting), you’ll want experts to tell you not to panic before you go spending money on "solutions" you don't need.