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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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$3,606.10
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$138.70
OverviewJob Market