Cockatoo price in 2026
A cockatoo costs $700 to $6,500 in 2026, and most buyers pay about $2,500.
Is your quote fair?
Type the price you were quoted. We compare it to the usual 2026 range of $700 to $6,500.
What moves the price
- The species matters most, and rare birds like the Palm cockatoo cost far more.
- Young birds usually cost more than older birds.
- Hand raised, tame birds cost more than untamed ones.
- Rescues charge much less than breeders.
- A large cage, toys and bird vet care add to the first year cost.
- Where you live. Prices in big cities usually run higher than in small towns.
What is included
The price usually covers the bird, and some sellers add a vet check or a band. The cage, perches, toys, food and vet care cost extra. A large cage is a big added cost.
Cockatoo price by species
| Species | Price |
|---|---|
| Galah | $700 to $2,200 |
| Goffin's | $1,000 to $2,200 |
| Umbrella | $1,000 to $5,800 |
| Moluccan | $1,400 to $5,000 |
| Sulphur-crested | $2,000 to $4,500 |
| Palm | $15,000 to $25,000 or more |
Average prices in US dollars. Source: The Pricer.
Ways to pay less
- Adopt from a parrot rescue, where fees are about $500 to $650.
- Buy a sturdy cage and food in bulk to save over time.
- Compare the full first year cost, not just the bird price.
What price guides say
We checked 3 price guides and read every number on their pages. They do not all measure the same thing, so the ranges on this page come from putting them side by side.
- The Pricer: How Much Does a Cockatoo Cost? (updated Sept 13, 2026)
- The Vet Desk: Cockatoo Cost (updated Jan 27, 2026)
- All About Parrots: Average Cost of a Cockatoo (Dec 2023, modified Feb 2024)
Common questions
How much does this cost in 2026?
A cockatoo costs $700 to $6,500 in 2026, and most buyers pay about $2,500. Most people pay about $2,500 per bird. The low end is $700 and the high end is $6,500.
What changes the price the most?
The biggest factors are: The species matters most, and rare birds like the Palm cockatoo cost far more; Young birds usually cost more than older birds; Hand raised, tame birds cost more than untamed ones.
How can I pay less?
Adopt from a parrot rescue, where fees are about $500 to $650. Buy a sturdy cage and food in bulk to save over time. Compare the full first year cost, not just the bird price.
Where do these numbers come from?
From 3 named price guides: The Pricer, The Vet Desk, All About Parrots. Each one is linked on this page with the date we read it.
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