Cost of living
What does it cost to live in Aruba?
Aruba is not a cheap destination — but understanding the numbers helps you plan realistically. This guide breaks down actual costs across every major category.
Aruba uses the Aruban florin (AWG), pegged at AWG 1.79 per USD. Most prices are quoted in both currencies. The island imports the vast majority of its goods, which pushes prices significantly above mainland US or European levels.
The figures below reflect typical 2026 market rates. Costs vary by neighborhood, lifestyle, and whether you shop at local markets or expat-oriented supermarkets.
Monthly budget overview
Estimated ranges for a single person and a couple, excluding rent.
| Category | Single person | Couple |
|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $400–600 | $650–950 |
| Utilities (electricity, water) | $150–250 | $200–350 |
| Internet & phone | $80–130 | $80–130 |
| Transport | $100–300 | $150–400 |
| Dining out | $200–500 | $350–800 |
| Healthcare (AZV insured) | $50–100 | $80–160 |
| Entertainment & leisure | $100–300 | $150–400 |
| Total (excl. rent) | $1,080–2,180 | $1,660–3,190 |
Housing costs
Rental prices vary significantly by area, size, and furnishing.
Renting is the most common option for newcomers. The rental market is tight, especially for well-located furnished units. Prices below are monthly averages for 2026.
| Type | Area | Monthly rent |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1-bedroom apartment | Oranjestad | $800–1,400 |
| 2-bedroom apartment | Palm Beach / Noord | $1,200–2,200 |
| 2-bedroom apartment | Savaneta / Santa Cruz | $900–1,500 |
| 3-bedroom house | Anywhere | $1,500–3,500 |
| Room in shared house | Various | $400–700 |
Groceries & food
Supermarkets like Ling & Sons, Super Food, and Kong Hing carry a wide range of imported goods. Local markets (feria) offer cheaper produce.
Utilities & services
Electricity is the biggest utility expense. Aruba's climate means air conditioning runs year-round. Water is desalinated locally and reliable.
| Service | Monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Electricity (WEB Aruba) | $120–300 |
| Water (WEB Aruba) | $30–80 |
| Internet (fiber, 100 Mbps) | $60–90 |
| Mobile phone plan | $30–60 |
| Cable / streaming TV | $40–80 |
Transport
Aruba is a small island (roughly 30 km long) but public transport is limited. Most residents own or rent a car.
Car rental (economy)
$40–70/day or $800–1,200/month
Used car purchase
$5,000–15,000
New car
$20,000–45,000 (import taxes apply)
Fuel (per liter)
~$1.40–1.60 USD
Bus (Arubus)
$1.25 per ride
Taxi (airport to hotel)
$25–35
Taxi (within island)
$10–25 per trip
Healthcare costs
Residents with legal status are eligible for AZV (Algemene Ziektekosten Verzekering), Aruba's public health insurance. Premiums are income-based.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| AZV premium (employee) | ~6.5% of gross salary (employer also contributes) |
| GP visit (AZV covered) | Small co-pay or free |
| Specialist visit (AZV) | Covered with referral |
| Dental (basic, AZV) | Partially covered |
| Private health insurance | $150–400/month |
| Prescription medication | Mostly covered under AZV |
Education
Public schools are free and teach in Papiamento and Dutch. International and private schools charge tuition.
Taxes at a glance
Aruba has its own tax system, separate from the Netherlands. Key rates for residents:
Rates depend on income bracket
Pension, disability, health
Applied to most goods and services
Annual
One-time on purchase price
How Aruba compares
Aruba is roughly 30–50% more expensive than the US mainland for groceries and consumer goods, due to import dependency and island logistics.
Compared to other Caribbean islands, Aruba sits in the mid-to-upper range. It is cheaper than St. Maarten or the Cayman Islands, but more expensive than the Dominican Republic or Jamaica.
Salaries for skilled professionals are lower than in the Netherlands or the US, but the absence of income tax on foreign-sourced income (for certain permit holders) can offset this.
Practical money tips
Shop at local markets (feria) for produce — prices are 30–50% lower than supermarkets.
Negotiate rent before signing — landlords often accept slightly below asking price for longer leases.
Invest in ceiling fans and good insulation to reduce AC dependency and cut electricity bills.
Buy a used car locally rather than renting long-term — rental rates add up quickly.
Register for AZV as soon as you have legal residency — private health insurance is significantly more expensive.
USD is accepted almost everywhere at the fixed AWG 1.79 rate — no need to exchange for daily spending.