Iguanas can live anywhere from 15 to 20 years in captivity if they are cared for properly. Some first-time owners might get one that will die in under a year because they did not do their research about the specific requirements of their species of iguana. Depending on the sex and type of iguana it is, some can live well past 20 years, so don't think that this is a short-term pet that requires no commitment.