Finance

Cost of living in Aruba: Food, transport, and more

Find out about the cost of living in Aruba: real prices in euros and dollars so you can enjoy your stay without any surprises.

If you want to know the cost of living in Aruba or simply wonder if this Caribbean paradise fits your budget, here we explain everything. Although it sounds exclusive, living in Aruba isn’t as expensive as it seems… if you know how to plan. In this guide you’ll find prices in dollars and euros, updated data, and useful comparisons that may surprise you.

We’ll cover the cost of renting housing, shopping for groceries, moving around the island, and enjoying local leisure. We’ll also explain how much you might spend on healthcare, internet, and other essential services. Some things are pricier than expected, while others are surprisingly affordable. If you’re considering moving temporarily or seeking your next ideal destination, stay with us, because this guide will make everything clearer.

In this article

Average cost of accommodation in Aruba

When thinking about the cost of living in Aruba, accommodation is often one of the key factors. Although the island is famous for luxury resorts, there are safe and comfortable alternatives for those staying longer without overspending. Here are the updated prices by accommodation type.

Hotels: If you don’t need luxury but want rest and basic services, boutique hotels are a solid choice. In areas like Oranjestad and Palm Beach you’ll find rooms from $50 per night (€46), especially off season. These places often provide practical locations without needing a car. Perfect for short stays or while searching for something permanent.
Furnished apartments: If your plan is staying over a month, renting a full apartment is much more practical. On Airbnb you’ll find studios or one-bedroom flats from $40-100 per night (€37-92). Many include equipped kitchens, air conditioning, and laundry, helping you save on food and services. In popular areas like Eagle Beach or near downtown, prices increase but still cost less than resorts.
Colivings: Although Aruba doesn’t offer many ‘coliving’ spaces, there are serviced apartments working similarly: weekly or monthly rentals with included services like cleaning, wifi, kitchens, and shared areas. Prices range between $100-150 per night (€92-138), but long stays usually get discounts. Ideal for digital nomads or anyone seeking stable routines with comfort.
Airbnb: If you want to stay near the sea or in walkable areas, prices increase slightly. Well-located apartments with sea or pool views usually cost $80-150 per night (€73-138). Larger places, like two-bedroom flats or simple villas, may reach $180 per night (€165). Though pricier, you gain better locations and improved quality of life.

Cost of food

Food is one of the most relevant daily expenses when living in Aruba. Below are prices from popular supermarkets and local restaurants to give you a clear picture.

Here are reference prices from shops like Super Food Plaza, used by both locals and expats:

Milk (0.25 l): $0.59 (€0.54)
White bread (125 g): $0.96 (€0.88)
Eggs (12 units): $5.49 (€5.05)
Chicken fillets (0.15 kg): $0.99 (€0.91)
Beef (0.15 kg): $2.55 (€2.35)
Local cheese (0.1 kg): $3.20 (€2.95)
Example: tomatoes 1 lb $3.63 (€3.34), apples 1 lb $2.72 (€2.50).

Many local products and Dutch brands cost less than American brands.

Meals in restaurants

In local restaurants, these are the typical price ranges:

Simple breakfast (coffee + pastry/local snack): $5 (€4.60)
Full breakfast (local dish + drink): $12 (€11)
Lunch at local spot (home-style food): $15-20 (€14-18)
Casual dinner (local menu or cheap restaurant): $25-30 (€23-28)

In more touristy places, you may pay $39-90 (€36-83) for dinner, depending on the restaurant type. Opting for local food remains more affordable.

Transport prices in Aruba

If you plan to live in Aruba for a while, understanding transport costs is key. From buses and taxis to fuel, bikes, or cars, here’s what you need to know.

The local bus (Arubus) costs around $2.60 (€2.40) one way or $5.00 (€4.60) return. A daily pass costs $15.00 (€14.00).
Taxis start at $7.00 (€6.50), with surcharges on Sundays and holidays.
Petrol costs about $1.26 per litre (€1.16) as of June 2025, slightly above global averages.
Standard bikes rent for $30.00 (€28) per day. Electric bikes cost about $60.00 (€55) daily.
Scooters and e-scooters charge $0.56 per minute plus $1.10 initial fee. A 30-minute ride exceeds $17 (€16).
No Uber operates in Aruba. Taxis with fixed fares, from $7 ($6.50) and buses remain common options.
Car rentals usually include basic liability insurance for $13-18 (€12-17) per day.
A new Toyota Corolla costs about $31,800 (€29,300). A VW Golf costs around $26,100 (€24,050).

Healthcare costs in Denmark

When calculating living costs in Aruba, don’t forget healthcare expenses. For digital nomads or long-stay travellers, international health insurance is highly recommended. The most basic plans start from $9-23 (€8.50-21.80) daily, depending on coverage.

Prices of common medical services

General consultation at urgent care clinic: $150 (€138) per visit, plus medicine costs.
A hospital visit (doctor + simple tests) costs around $265 (€244).
An appendicitis surgery has no exact figure, but major operations usually cost $5,000-8,000 (€4,600-7,400), including hospitalisation and aftercare.

Over-the-counter medicine costs in Aruba are similar or slightly higher than in the US or Europe. For example, a box of 50 paracetamol tablets costs $1.85 (€1.70). Theraflu sachets may cost $14.35 (€13.20). Local pharmacies, called botikas, offer a wide range of basic medicines, although imported brands may be pricier. Overall, healthcare costs remain reasonable within Aruba’s living expenses.

Internet and call plan prices

Living in Aruba requires reliable internet and strong mobile coverage. Here’s what you need to know when choosing a provider.

Home internet

Local provider SETAR offers several home internet plans:

Basic plan: 150 Mbps for about $39.99 (€38) per month. Suitable for general use, video calls, and light streaming.
Higher plans: Up to 500 Mbps cost $49.99-59.99 (€46-55) monthly, depending on speed.

These usually include installation and a basic router, with optional TV or fixed phone services.

Local mobile plans

SETAR also offers prepaid and postpaid mobile plans. Although exact prices weren’t found, they usually range between $14-28 (€13-25) monthly, with local minutes, data, and texts included.

Holafly mobile data plans in Aruba

If you need mobile data without hassle while travelling, Holafly offers eSIM plans with unlimited data:

Unlimited plan: $64.90 (€74.99) per month with data in over 170 countries.
Other options: 25 GB for $49.90 (€45.90) or 10 GB for $39.90 (€36.60) monthly.

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Leisure activity costs in Aruba

Aruba offers leisure activities for every taste and budget, which form an important part of monthly expenses. Here are average prices:

Representative images of leisure activities in Aruba. Source: Unsplash

Cinema: Caribbean Cinemas tickets cost around $10 (€9.20) for adults. In smaller venues, basic shows start at $4.50 (€4.10).
Philip’s Animal Garden: Entry costs $10 (€9,20) for adults, $5 (€4,60) for kids aged 3-13. Under 2s enter free.
Theatre and cultural events: No fixed theatre prices found. The leisure and culture index in Aruba is about $105 (€100). Festivals or concerts cost $20-50 (€18-46) depending on artist or event.
Streaming and TV: Netflix basic with ads: $7.99 (€7,00). Disney+: $9.99 (€9,00) with ads or $15.99 (€14) without. Prime Video costs $8.99 (€8). Full Amazon Prime subscription costs $14.99 (€14).
De Palm Island (ferry + waterpark): Includes ferry, park access, buffet, open bar, snorkelling, Banana Boat, and slides. Tickets cost $119 (€109) self-arranged or $139 (€127) with hotel transfers.
Extended Philip’s Animal Garden tours: This animal sanctuary is the perfect place to interact with local and exotic species. Standard entry $10 (€9.20) adults, $5 (€4.60) kids. A full tour with ostrich farm and donkey sanctuary costs $57 (€52).

Living in Aruba for a season costs about $1,200-2,000 (€1.100-1.850) monthly. Your expenses depend on daily habits. Choosing simple apartments, cooking at home, using buses, and controlling leisure costs keeps you near the lower end. Preferring central housing, frequent dining out, or tourist activities pushes your budget closer to $2,000 (€1.850). It all depends on how you balance needs on an island like Aruba.

Frequently asked questions about the cost of living in Aruba

Is transport in Aruba affordable?

Yes. The local bus costs about $2.60 (€2.40) per trip. However, many rent cars for comfort, costing about $650 (€600) for two weeks.

Can I use Holafly in Aruba?

Yes. Holafly offers unlimited data in Aruba as part of its global coverage. It’s ideal for remote workers or frequent travellers.

How much does healthcare cost for foreigners?

A private medical consultation costs about $150 (€138). International health insurance from $1.00 (€0.92) daily is highly recommended for emergencies.

What’s the best tip for saving money in Aruba?

Combine monthly rentals, home cooking, local transport, and discounts on activities to enjoy Aruba without overspending.