Is Aruba expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Yes, Aruba is one of the pricier Caribbean islands: almost everything is imported, the island is geared to US resort visitors, and hotel prices on Palm and Eagle Beach are high. A careful budget traveller still needs about US$145 per person a day sharing a room, mid-range is about US$335, and comfort about US$660. It is cheaper than St Barts or the Turks and Caicos, but clearly more expensive than the Dominican Republic or Mexico.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | US$70 | US$160 | US$330 |
| Food & drink | US$45 | US$90 | US$160 |
| Sights & tickets | US$20 | US$50 | US$110 |
| Local transport | US$10 | US$35 | US$60 |
| Per person, per day | US$145 | US$335 | US$660 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Aruba day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Arubus single bus fare | about US$2.60 |
| Taxi airport to Palm Beach | about US$25-30 (set zone fares) |
| Arikok National Park entry | about US$22 per adult |
| Cocktail at a Palm Beach bar | US$12-16 |
| Fish and shrimp at Zeerovers | about US$15-25 per person |
| Dinner on the hotel strip | US$40-60 per person |
| Snorkel cruise to the Antilla wreck | about US$70-120 |
| Rental car per day | about US$50-80 |
| Budget apartment/guesthouse double | US$120-200 a night |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Accommodation is the biggest cost by far: even simple apartments in Noord or Oranjestad are about US$120-200 a night for a double, and beachfront hotels on Eagle Beach or Palm Beach run US$250-450 and up. Food is the second big item, because most groceries are imported and restaurant meals on the strip cost US$40-60 a head before drinks. Tours (catamarans, jeep safaris at US$100-150) and a rental car add up quickly, while beaches, the downtown streetcar and many viewpoints are free.
When it is cheaper
Mid-April to August and again September to mid-December are low season, when room rates are often roughly 20-40% below the December-April peak. Christmas, New Year and Carnival weeks are the most expensive.
How to spend less
- Stay in an apartment with a kitchen in Noord or Oranjestad and shop at the large supermarkets instead of eating every meal on the strip.
- Drink the tap water: it is desalinated, safe and free, so carry a refillable bottle.
- Use the Arubus between Oranjestad and Palm Beach (about US$2.60) and rent a car only for the one or two days you need it.
- Eat where locals eat: Zeerovers in Savaneta and the snack trucks in Noord are a fraction of hotel-restaurant prices.
- Do Arikok National Park with your own 4x4 hire or on foot to the Natural Pool instead of paying US$100-150 for a jeep tour, if you are confident on rough tracks.
- Check happy hours on Palm Beach: many bars cut cocktail prices sharply in the late afternoon.
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Common questions
How much money do I need per day in Aruba?
Roughly US$145 per person per day on a budget when sharing a room, about US$335 mid-range and about US$660 for comfort. Accommodation is the biggest part of each figure.
Is food expensive in Aruba?
Restaurant food on the hotel strip is expensive, about US$40-60 per person for dinner. Local spots such as Zeerovers or snack bars cost far less, and supermarkets make self-catering easy.
Do I need Aruban florins?
No. US dollars are accepted everywhere and cards work almost everywhere. Change is sometimes given in florins, so spend small notes before you leave.