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Is Trinidad and Tobago expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Trinidad and Tobago is mid-priced for the Caribbean: cheaper than Barbados or Saint Lucia for food and many hotels, but not a budget destination, especially at Carnival. Plan on about TT$660 (roughly US$97) a day per person on a budget, TT$1,500 mid-range and TT$3,300 for comfort. Accommodation, transport and Carnival costs are the big items; street food is cheap and excellent.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | TT$300 | TT$600 | TT$1,500 |
| Food & drink | TT$200 | TT$400 | TT$800 |
| Sights & tickets | TT$80 | TT$250 | TT$500 |
| Local transport | TT$80 | TT$250 | TT$500 |
| Per person, per day | TT$660 | TT$1,500 | TT$3,300 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Trinidad and Tobago day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Doubles (curried chickpeas in fried bara) | about TT$7–12 |
| Bake and shark at Maracas Bay | about TT$40–70 |
| Curry crab and dumpling in Tobago | about TT$80–150 |
| Carib beer in a local bar | about TT$15–25 |
| Fast ferry Port of Spain–Scarborough | about TT$50–100 one way |
| Caroni Bird Sanctuary boat tour | about TT$100–150 |
| Asa Wright Nature Centre entry | about TT$100–150 |
| Rental car | about TT$300–500 a day |
| Mid-range room in St Clair or Maraval | TT$800–1,400 a night |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Accommodation is the biggest cost, with hotels adding a 10% accommodation tax, 12.5% VAT and often a service charge; at Carnival, rates can triple and minimum stays apply. Getting around is the second cost, because Trinidad's buses are limited and most visitors use a rental car, a driver or taxis. Tours to Caroni, Asa Wright and the Tobago reefs cost TT$100–250 each. Food is the best value: doubles, roti, bake and shark and curry crab are cheap, while restaurants in Port of Spain charge international prices.
When it is cheaper
Outside Carnival, Easter and Christmas, rates are fairly moderate; the wet season (June to December) often brings lower prices, especially in Tobago. Carnival season in February or early March is by far the most expensive time.
How to spend less
- Eat street food: doubles for breakfast, roti for lunch and bake and shark at the beach.
- Take the fast ferry between the islands instead of flying if you have time.
- Avoid Carnival week if you are not going for Carnival — prices rise sharply and hotels book out.
- Use registered taxis and agree fares in advance; shared maxi taxis are cheap for known routes.
- Book Caribbean Airlines flights to Tobago early for the best fares.
- Pay in TT dollars; US dollars are accepted in some places but at a poor rate.
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Common questions
Is Trinidad and Tobago expensive?
It is mid-priced for the Caribbean. Street food is cheap, but hotels and transport add up.
How much does Carnival cost?
Hotels can triple in price, and costumes with a mas band cost much more. Book months ahead.
How much is the ferry to Tobago?
The fast ferry from Port of Spain to Scarborough costs about TT$50–100 one way.