Cost of living in Santa Cruz
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 Meal - A 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
- Milk - Milk 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 Pass - A monthly pass for public transport is priced at $155.34.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi 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.
- Internet - Internet services average $204.16.
- Mobile Phone Plan - A mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data costs $72.12.
Cost of Living Data
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Santa Cruz offers a moderate cost of living with reasonable prices for groceries and transportation. However, housing can be relatively expensive, especially in the city centre.
Utilities and internet services are notably higher, which should be considered when budgeting for monthly expenses.
For those looking to save, consider living outside the city centre and utilizing public transportation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Santa Cruz, Aruba, presents a balanced cost of living with some areas of higher expense, particularly in housing and utilities.
Prospective residents should weigh these costs against the benefits of living in a vibrant Caribbean locale, with its unique cultural and natural attractions.