Santa Cruz, located in the picturesque island of Aruba, offers a unique blend of Caribbean charm and modern amenities. Understanding the cost of living in this vibrant city is crucial for anyone considering relocating or planning an extended stay.This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Santa Cruz, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
Inexpensive Restaurant MealA meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $20 on average, with a range between $14 and $30.
Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two)For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $80, with prices ranging from $50 to $120.
Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's)A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $12, with a range between $10 and $14.
Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi)Domestic beer ranges from $5 to $10, imported beer $6.95 to $12, cappuccino $4 to $8, and Coke/Pepsi $2.5 to $4.5.
Grocery Prices
MilkMilk is priced at $2.14 per liter.
Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread)A loaf of fresh white bread costs $2.69.
Eggs (Dozen)A dozen eggs cost $4.66.
Local Cheese (1kg)Local cheese is priced at $8.04 per kg.
Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges)Apples cost $4.44 per kg, while oranges are priced at $8.32 per kg.
Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce)Potatoes are priced at $6.73 per kg, and lettuce costs $3.05 per head.
Transportation
Public Transport (One-Way Ticket)A one-way local transport ticket costs $1.94.
Monthly PassA monthly pass for public transport is priced at $155.34.
Taxi FaresTaxi fares start at $19.42, with a similar cost for an hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1282.87, ranging from $665.74 to $1900.
1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent averages $554.79.
3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1553.4.
3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent averages $1386.96.
Utilities
Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.)Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost $138.7.
InternetInternet services average $204.16.
Mobile Phone PlanA mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data costs $72.12.
Cost of Living Data
The following pricing data has been gathered from 2 user contributions, as of the most recent update in October, 2023.
Markets
Avg / Range
Markets
Avg
Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$2.14
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$2.69
Eggs (regular) (12)
$4.66
Local Cheese (1kg)
$8.04
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$4.44
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$19.42
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.50
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.05
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$10.26
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$7.49
Apples (1kg)
$4.44
Oranges (1kg)
$8.32
Potato (1kg)
$6.73
Lettuce (1 head)
$3.05
Rice (white), (1kg)
$4.44
Tomato (1kg)
$6.73
Banana (1kg)
$4.44
Onion (1kg)
$1.94
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$6.66
Transportation
Avg / Range
Transportation
Avg
Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$1.94
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$155.34
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$19.42
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$19.42
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Rent Per Month
Avg
Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$1,282.87
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$554.79
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$1,553.40
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$1,386.96
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg
Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$138.70
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$204.16
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$72.12
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Sports And Leisure
Avg
Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$69.35
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)
$47.16
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$8.32
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
Clothing And Shoes
Avg
Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$77.67
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$110.96
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$138.70
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$138.70
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Salaries And Financing
Avg
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$3,606.10
Childcare
Avg / Range
Childcare
Avg
Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child