Living in Aruba
What life in Aruba actually looks like
From choosing a neighborhood to navigating healthcare and schools — a practical overview for residents and those considering the move.
Average monthly rent (1-bed)
AWG 1,800–2,800
Average monthly utilities
AWG 400–700
Public hospitals
1 (Dr. Horacio Oduber)
International schools
3+
Neighborhoods
An overview of Aruba's main residential areas and what each offers.
Oranjestad
Capital cityThe capital and commercial hub. Mix of historic Dutch colonial architecture and modern development. Good access to government offices, shops, and restaurants. Popular with professionals.
+ Central location, walkable, good amenities
− Traffic congestion, higher rents near center
Eagle Beach / Manchebo
Residential / coastalQuieter residential area on the west coast. Favored by expats and retirees. Close to beaches but away from the busiest tourist zones. Mix of apartments and villas.
+ Peaceful, beach access, expat community
− Car essential, limited local shops
Noord
SuburbanInland residential district north of Palm Beach. Family-friendly with local schools and supermarkets. More affordable than coastal areas. Popular with Aruban families and long-term expats.
+ Affordable, family-friendly, local feel
− No beach access, less walkable
Santa Cruz
Suburban / ruralCentral-eastern district with a more local, residential character. Quieter and more affordable. Growing area with newer housing developments.
+ Affordable, spacious, authentic local feel
− Far from beaches, limited expat services
Palm Beach
Tourist / mixedThe main tourist strip. High-rise hotels and condos. Convenient for short-term stays but expensive for long-term living. Some expats live here for the amenities.
+ All amenities nearby, beach access
− Expensive, touristy atmosphere
Savaneta / San Nicolas
Southern residentialThe southern part of the island. More affordable and authentically local. San Nicolas is Aruba's second city with its own character and community.
+ Affordable, local culture, quieter
− Far from main amenities, less expat infrastructure
Monthly cost of living overview
Estimates for a single person. Costs vary significantly based on lifestyle and housing choice.
Category
Low estimate
High estimate
Notes
Housing (1-bed apartment)
AWG 1,500
AWG 3,500
Location and quality vary widely
Utilities (electricity, water, internet)
AWG 350
AWG 700
Electricity is expensive; AC is the main cost
Groceries
AWG 600
AWG 1,200
Imported goods are pricier; local produce cheaper
Transport (car or taxi)
AWG 300
AWG 800
Public transport is limited; car recommended
Dining out (occasional)
AWG 200
AWG 600
Local restaurants cheaper than tourist areas
Health insurance
AWG 200
AWG 500
Mandatory for residents; varies by plan
Healthcare in Aruba
Aruba has one main public hospital — Dr. Horacio Oduber Hospital (HOH) in Oranjestad — which provides general and specialist care. For complex procedures, patients are often referred to the Netherlands or Colombia.
Health insurance is mandatory for residents. The AZV (Algemene Ziektekosten Verzekering) is the public health insurance scheme for employed residents. Self-employed and non-working residents must arrange private insurance.
There are several private clinics and specialist practices on the island. Dental care is generally good and more affordable than in Western Europe or North America.
Key points
- AZV covers employed residents and their dependents
- Private insurance required for self-employed and retirees
- Complex cases referred to Netherlands or Colombia
- Emergency care available at HOH 24/7
Schools & Education
Aruba has a well-developed education system with both public and private schools. The official language of instruction in public schools is Dutch, though Papiamento is widely spoken.
Several international schools offer English-language curricula, making Aruba accessible for expat families. The International School of Aruba (ISA) is the most established option.
International School of Aruba (ISA)
International / English
Curriculum: IB (International Baccalaureate)
Ages: Ages 3–18
Colegio Arubano
Public / Dutch
Curriculum: Dutch national curriculum
Ages: Secondary
Aruba's public primary schools
Public / Dutch-Papiamento
Curriculum: Dutch national curriculum
Ages: Ages 4–12
Daily life essentials
Language
Papiamento is the local language. Dutch is official. English and Spanish are widely spoken, especially in business and tourism. Expats generally get by easily in English.
Transport
Cars are the primary mode of transport. Public buses (Arubus) cover main routes but are infrequent. Taxis are available but expensive for daily use. Scooters and bicycles are popular.
Shopping & groceries
Several supermarkets including Ling & Sons, Super Food, and Certified. Most goods are imported, which keeps prices higher than in Europe or the US. Local markets offer fresh produce.
Climate
Aruba sits outside the hurricane belt. Dry and sunny year-round with average temperatures of 27–32°C. Trade winds keep it cooler than other Caribbean islands. Rainy season is October–January.
Safety
Aruba is considered one of the safest islands in the Caribbean. Petty crime exists but violent crime is low. Standard precautions apply, especially in tourist areas.
Internet & connectivity
Reliable broadband and 4G/5G coverage across the island. Main providers: SETAR and Digicel. Fiber internet available in most residential areas. Remote work is feasible.
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