Maldives on a budget: how to do it well
Short answer
Yes, the Maldives can be done on a budget by staying on local islands. Plan on about US$140 per person per day (bed US$50, food US$30, excursions US$40, transfers averaged US$20).
A realistic daily budget
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | US$50 | US$250 | US$1,200 |
| Food & drink | US$30 | US$100 | US$300 |
| Sights & tickets | US$40 | US$100 | US$250 |
| Local transport | US$20 | US$100 | US$250 |
| Per person, per day | US$140 | US$550 | US$2,000 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Maldives day-cost table.
Free things to do
- Swim and snorkel on the bikini beach of a local island
- Walk Malé's fish market and the Old Friday Mosque (from outside)
- Watch the sunset from Hulhumalé's beach
- Snorkel the house reef from the shore where allowed
- Explore local island villages and harbours
- Watch nurse sharks and rays near harbours at feeding time on some islands
Cheap eats
- Short eats (hedhikaa) snacks at a local café: about US$0.50–1 each
- Mas huni breakfast with roshi flatbread: about US$3–6
- Fish curry with rice at a local café: about US$5–10
- Garudhiya fish soup with rice: about US$5–8
- Grilled fish dinner at a guesthouse: about US$10–20
Where to sleep for less
Guesthouses on local islands such as Maafushi, Thulusdhoo and Dhigurah cost about US$80–150 a double; cheaper rooms exist on less touristy islands.
Getting around cheaply
Public ferries are very cheap but slow and do not run every day; shared speedboats cost more but are fast. Domestic flights reach far atolls. Malé is walkable and linked by bridge to the airport and Hulhumalé.
A sample budget day
- Morning: snorkel trip from your guesthouse (about US$30–50)
- Lunch: fish curry at a local café (about US$8)
- Afternoon: bikini beach (free)
- Evening: grilled fish dinner at the guesthouse (about US$15)
- Total: about US$60–80 plus your bed (about US$50 per person), so roughly US$120–140
More ways to save
- Check public ferry timetables in advance; they often do not run on Fridays.
- Book excursions as a group at the guesthouse for better prices.
- Bring snorkel gear and reef-safe sunscreen.
- Pay in US dollars or rufiyaa; carry small notes.
- Visit a resort for a day pass if you want a taste of luxury without staying.
- Pick islands near Malé to save on speedboat costs.
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Common questions
Can I visit the Maldives on a budget?
Yes, by staying in guesthouses on local islands, at about US$140 per person a day.
Which local islands are best for budget travellers?
Maafushi, Thulusdhoo and Dhigurah are popular, with guesthouses and excursions.
Are public ferries reliable?
They are cheap but slow and do not run every day; check schedules in advance.