Aruba, a beautiful island in the Caribbean, is known for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering relocating or planning an extended stay.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you budget effectively for life in Aruba.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $13 on average, with a range between $8 and $18.5.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $90, with prices ranging from $74.01 to $100.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10, with a range between $9 and $12.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $3 to $5.18, imported beer $5 to $8.22, cappuccino $3 to $5.87, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $2.5.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced between $1.32 and $3.5 per liter, averaging $2.35.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.92 and $4.75, with an average price of $3.83.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $3.78 to $7.2, averaging $5.49.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $6 per kg, while oranges are priced at $7 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced at $4 per kg, and lettuce costs $6 per head.

Transportation

  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.32 and $1.48 per liter, averaging $1.4.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $300 to $900, averaging $600.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $150 and $423.3, averaging $257.77.
  • Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $85, with an average cost of $67.5.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 19 user contributions, as of the most recent update in August, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$13.00
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$90.00
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$10.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$4.25
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$6.09
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.27
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.03
Cappuccino (regular)
$4.77
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$2.35
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$3.83
Eggs (regular) (12)
$5.49
Local Cheese (1kg)
$32.00
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$3.75
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$18.00
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$5.00
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$17.50
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6.58
Apples (1kg)
$6.00
Oranges (1kg)
$7.00
Potato (1kg)
$4.00
Lettuce (1 head)
$6.00
Rice (white), (1kg)
$3.89
Tomato (1kg)
$8.00
Banana (1kg)
$2.88
Onion (1kg)
$3.75
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$17.00
Transportation
Avg / Range
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.40
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$600.00
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$257.77
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$67.50
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$132.34
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$60.00
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$13.00
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$50.00
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,716.67
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
6.98%
Aruba Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Aruba offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many other Caribbean destinations, especially in terms of dining and housing.

While groceries and utilities can be on the higher side, careful budgeting can help manage these expenses effectively.

Transportation costs are moderate, with gasoline prices being a significant factor for those who drive.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Aruba presents a balanced cost of living, making it an attractive option for both short-term visitors and long-term residents.

By understanding the various expenses associated with living in Aruba, individuals can make informed decisions and enjoy the island's unique lifestyle without financial stress.