Aruba Travel Cost - Average Price of a Vacation to Aruba: Food & Meal Budget, Daily & Weekly Expenses | Budget Your Trip (2024)

How much does it cost to travel to Aruba?

You should plan to spend around $325 (À586) per day on your vacation in Aruba. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $68 (À122) on meals
  • $32 (À58) on local transportation
  • $418 (À753) on hotels

A one week trip to Aruba for two people costs, on average, $4,554 (À8,197). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily CostPer person, per day

    $325

    À586

  • One WeekPer person

    $1,265

    À4,099

  • 2 WeeksPer person

    $4,554

    À8,197

  • One MonthPer person

    $9,759

    À17,566

  • One WeekFor a couple

    $4,554

    À8,197

  • 2 WeeksFor a couple

    $9,108

    À16,395

  • One MonthFor a couple

    $19,517

    À35,131

This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.

How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Aruba cost?

A one week trip to Aruba usually costs around $2,277 (À4,099) for one person and $4,554 (À8,197) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Aruba on average costs around $4,554 (À8,197) for one person and $9,108 (À16,395) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Aruba will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Aruba on average costs around $9,759 (À17,566) for one person and $19,517 (À35,131) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.


Independent Travel

Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.

All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.

Is Aruba expensive to visit?

Aruba is a moderately priced destination to visit. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.

Within the Caribbean Islands, which is known to be an expensive region, Aruba is somewhat more expensive compared to the other countries. It is in the top 25% of countries in the Caribbean Islands for its travel costs. While a few countries in the region are more expensive, Aruba is more expensive than most.

For more details, see Is Aruba Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Aruba?

The average Aruba trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Aruba travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.


CategoryCost
Accommodation1(Double Occupancy)À753($418)
Local Transportation1À58($32)
Food2À122($68)
Entertainment1À172($96)
Alcohol2À25 -74($14 - 41)
Accommodation Budget in Aruba
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Aruba is $209 (À376). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Aruba is $418 (À753). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.


  • Accommodation1Hotel or hostel for one person

    $209

    À376

  • Accommodation1Typical double-occupancy room

    $418

    À753


Hotel Prices in Aruba

Looking for a hotel in Aruba? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Actual Hotel Prices
The average hotel room price in Aruba based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $215. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.


Recommended Properties


Local Transportation Budget in Aruba
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The cost of a taxi ride in Aruba is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $32 (À58) per person, per day, on local transportation in Aruba.


  • Local Transportation1Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

    $32

    À58


Recommended Services

What did other people spend on Local Transportation?

Typical prices for Local Transportation in Aruba are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Local Transportation prices in Aruba, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.



Food Budget in Aruba
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While meal prices in Aruba can vary, the average cost of food in Aruba is $68 (À122) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Aruba should cost around $27 (À49) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Aruba is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.


  • Food2Meals for one day

    $68

    À122


Recommended


Entertainment Budget in Aruba
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Entertainment and activities in Aruba typically cost an average of $96 (À172) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.


  • Entertainment1Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

    $96

    À172


Recommended Activities

What did other people spend on Entertainment?

Typical prices for Entertainment in Aruba are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Entertainment prices in Aruba, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.

  • 4 Hr Snorkel Trip

    À134

  • 4 Hr Snorkel Trip

    À134

  • Full Day Bike Rental

    À45

  • Full Day Bike Rental

    À45

  • Full Day Bike Rental

    À45

  • Horseback Riding Tour

    À125

  • Horseback Riding Tour

    À125

  • Horseback Riding Tour

    À125



Alcohol Budget in Aruba
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $27 (À49) on alcoholic beverages in Aruba per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.


  • Alcohol2Drinks for one day

    $27

    À49



Water Budget in Aruba
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, people spend $3.86 (À6.95) on bottled water in Aruba per day. The public water in Aruba is considered safe to drink.


  • Water2Bottled water for one day

    $3.86

    À6.95



Last Updated: Dec 12, 2023

Aruba On a Budget

Aruba Travel Cost - Average Price of a Vacation to Aruba: Food & Meal Budget, Daily & Weekly Expenses | Budget Your Trip (1)Tropical Beach

The Caribbean Island of Aruba is almost twenty miles long and six miles across. It's the closest Caribbean Island to Venezuela and is an autonomous dependency of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It is a flat island with no rivers but it is well known for its beautiful white sand beaches. It has a moderate climate and receives very little rainfall, making it the perfect vacation destination. It's also conveniently located outside of the Caribbean hurricane belt.

The geography of the country can roughly be divided into two regions. The northeast coast is along the Atlantic Ocean and has a rocky coastline with only a few beaches and desert like vegetation. It's also known for its rough seas and treacherous currents. Alternatively, the southwest side of the island has the famous, beautiful, white sand beaches. The seas are calm and the water is a striking turquoise blue color. The water is also comfortably warm, making it the perfect place to enjoy some swimming.

Aruba is actually quite easy to travel around. There's a great bus system known as Arubus which travels all over the island. It's easily your cheapest option for transportation, but also allows for the least flexibility. Taxis are another option. They're more expensive, but are very convenient and generally quite reliable. Some people choose to rent their own car. This is easily done at the airport or most hotels. It's relatively easy to drive in Aruba, but often times it is not necessary. It's better to wait until you arrive and decide for yourself if you really need your own car. It's also easy to visit nearby islands, so don't be afraid to go island hopping through Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao if you want to broaden your trip a bit.

There are many activities you can enjoy during your time in Aruba. Whether you're the type of person to lounge on the beach, head to the shopping districts, or try your hand at a new sport, there are countless opportunities throughout the island. Check out this list of things to do in Aruba with kids and you'll get plenty of ideas. Most hotels are more than willing to organize any number of activities for you. The snorkeling and diving in the area is excellent. Another popular option is to take a Jeep Safari tour of the island. These guided tours not only let you see diverse parts of the country, but they are often adrenaline filled and a great rush.

At A Glance
  • Because this island is located outside of the Caribbean hurricane belt, it's a great option for a vacation if you're looking to go somewhere during the fall months. It does not have the threat of most Caribbean Islands that your trip will be cancelled or ruined by an unexpected storm.
  • There are some rules of etiquette that should be followed while you're vacationing here. In particular, beach clothes on generally only worn when you're on the beach. If you're dining in a nice restaurant, they typically do not allow you to wear jeans. Greetings are important here as well so make sure you appropriately greet somewhere upon meeting them, and always ask before you take a picture of someone.
  • Aruba does not have a national airline. Some of the more popular airlines that connect this island to the United States include American Airlines, AirTran, United, and US Airways.
  • This is a relatively small island and public transportation is decent. It is often not necessary to rent a car during your time here. If you do decide you'd like to rent a car, make sure you go with a reputable agency. Many car rental companies, even the larger chains, often rent out older vehicles that have a high number of miles on them and are not in the best condition. Do check the condition of the vehicle before you take it off of the rental agency's parking lot.
  • If you're hoping to do some shopping there are plenty of opportunities around. Many of the shops do close during the lunch time hour, however. It is not uncommon for them to close on Sundays as well, so do plan your shopping schedule in advance so that you have the highest number of options available to you.
  • You'll find a good number of American restaurant chains around the island, particularly near some of the more touristy resort areas. They are also somewhat common in the downtown parts of the island. There are some good, high end restaurants near some of the resorts but others vary dramatically in quality. Read some reviews ahead of time to make sure you're going to one of the more reputable restaurants. Local restaurants are also a great option where you can enjoy some cheaper, local fare and have a more unique and authentic experience.

Related

Looking for a party hostel in Costa Rica or Cancun? Looking for a budget hostel in Mexico or Costa Rica?

Or, check out the best free things to do in Aruba beyond the beach.

Top Tourist Attractions

Conchi Natural Pool: This is a unique destination on the northern side of Aruba. It's only accessible by ATV or a Trail Rated 4x4 but it is well worth the effort. It's a small hidden pool that sits amongst a beautiful rock formation. It's a perfect day trip but make sure your vehicle can handle the trip.

Aruba Ostrich Farm: This is an interesting working farm. It serves more as an educational opportunity for tourists, but it is still a fascinating place to visit. Most of the ostrich meat available in Aruba today actually comes from the neighboring island of Curacao.

Arikok National Park: This is an impressive national park that has dramatic lava formations, quartz diorite formations, and limestone formations. It's also a historically influential area in Aruba.

Popular Foods

It can be challenging to find local restaurants in Aruba, but if you head outside of the more touristy areas you may stumble upon some good ones. Near the resorts and hotels you'll find a number of high end restaurants of variable quality. Most offer seafood and international cuisine at higher prices. Local food can be delicious but you really have to step away from the crowds to find it. You'll also find many American chain restaurants in Aruba including fast food and mid level options.

Keshi Yena: This is a traditional Aruban main dish that is made from the shell of Edam. The rind of the cheese is filled with a spiced meat such as chicken and then baked in the oven or steamed until well done.

Satee: This dish has become quite popular throughout Aruba, although it was originally developed in Indonesia and brought to Aruba by the Dutch. The dish includes skewers of marinated meat such as chicken that are served with a peanut based sauce.

Arroz con Pollo: Although originally developed in Spain, this rice and chicken dish has been modified to have its own Aruban flare. It's a pilaf type rice dish that is available everywhere in one form or another.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.

1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.

I'm a seasoned traveler with a wealth of experience in planning and executing trips around the world. I've explored diverse destinations, delving into the intricacies of budgeting and optimizing travel experiences. My knowledge is not only theoretical but stems from practical encounters, making me well-equipped to guide others through the nuances of travel planning.

Now, let's break down the key concepts in the provided article about the cost of traveling to Aruba:

1. Average Daily Cost and Trip Duration

The article emphasizes the average daily cost for a person's vacation in Aruba, which is estimated at $325 (À586). It further breaks down daily expenses into categories such as meals ($68), local transportation ($32), and hotel costs ($418). The comprehensive breakdown extends to weekly and monthly averages, catering to various travel preferences and durations.

2. Traveling as a Couple or Family

The article provides insights into the cost variations for couples and families. It notes that traveling as a pair often results in a lower per-person daily budget compared to solo travel. It also acknowledges that family trips can benefit from reduced costs, considering factors like cheaper kids' tickets and shared hotel accommodations.

3. Independent Travel

The benefits of independent travel are highlighted, emphasizing affordability, freedom, flexibility, and the ability to control one's experiences. The travel costs presented are based on the experiences of independent travelers.

4. Aruba's Cost Comparison

Aruba's affordability is contextualized by comparing it to other destinations. It is described as a moderately priced destination, aligning with average travel costs globally. Within the Caribbean Islands, Aruba is positioned as somewhat more expensive than most, ranking in the top 25% for travel costs.

5. Average Costs by Category

The article breaks down average costs by category for independent travelers in Aruba. It provides estimates for accommodation, local transportation, meals, entertainment, alcohol, and water, offering a detailed view of expected expenses in each category.

6. Aruba On a Budget

Additional information is provided for budget-conscious travelers, suggesting options like the Arubus public transportation system and cautioning against unnecessary car rentals. It also mentions the variety of activities available in Aruba, ranging from snorkeling and diving to Jeep Safari tours.

7. Etiquette and Practical Information

The article touches on local etiquette, clothing norms, and practical travel tips for Aruba. It advises on appropriate greetings, attire in different settings, and the availability of shopping and dining options.

8. Popular Tourist Attractions and Local Foods

Key tourist attractions in Aruba, such as Conchi Natural Pool, Aruba Ostrich Farm, and Arikok National Park, are highlighted. Additionally, local foods like Keshi Yena, Satee, and Arroz con Pollo are mentioned, offering a glimpse into the culinary experiences available.

9. Travel Cost Data Source

The article clarifies that the travel cost data is derived from the budgets of real travelers since 2010. It combines actual traveler expenses with pricing data from major travel companies, providing a comprehensive and unique insight into the overall cost of travel in Aruba.

In summary, the article aims to equip readers with detailed information on the cost of traveling to Aruba, considering various factors and travel preferences.

Aruba Travel Cost - Average Price of a Vacation to Aruba: Food & Meal Budget, Daily & Weekly Expenses | Budget Your Trip (2024)

FAQs

How much does an average trip to Aruba cost? ›

Aruba vacation information
Top vacation (Flight+Hotel)$688
Family vacation (Flight+Hotel)$687
Romantic vacation (Flight+Hotel)$819
Luxury vacation (Flight+Hotel)$548
Budget vacation (Flight+Hotel)$445

What is the average cost of a meal in Aruba? ›

When it comes to food and drink, Aruba offers a diverse culinary scene. If you're on a tight budget, you can enjoy a budget meal at a local restaurant for around $10 to $15 per person. For a more indulgent dining experience, a mid-range meal can cost you anywhere from $20 to $50 per person.

How much cash should I bring to Aruba for a week? ›

There's no need to bring large sums of cash, unless you're planning to make big purchases and prefer not to use a credit card.

Can you do Aruba on a budget? ›

Normally, Aruba isn't considered to be one of the cheapest places to travel to. But while Aruba's expensive excursions and pricey meals can put a serious dent in your travel budget, it's definitely possible to visit Aruba on a budget if you plan ahead.

What is the most expensive month to go to Aruba? ›

Weather in Aruba

The Carnival months of January and February are the priciest times to visit, but well worth the cost for all the fun (think: colorful costumes, lively parades and infectious music).

What is the cheapest month to fly to Aruba? ›

Currently, January is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight to Aruba (average of $473). Flying to Aruba in July will prove the most costly (average of $669). There are multiple factors that influence the price of a flight so comparing airlines, departure airports and times can help keep costs down.

Should I use US dollars in Aruba? ›

The currency on the island is the Aruba Florin. You can exchange U.S. dollars, but it isn't necessary. Using American money in Aruba is common and widely accepted. You may receive Aruba currency as change.

Does the US dollar go far in Aruba? ›

The rate of exchange granted by shops and hotels ranges from Awg. 1.75 to Awg. 1.80 per US dollar. The florin is pegged to the US dollar and therefore its value versus other currencies fluctuates with the US dollar.

Is the food expensive in Aruba? ›

While meal prices in Aruba can vary, the average cost of food in Aruba is $68 (À122) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Aruba should cost around $27 (À49) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner.

What is not allowed to bring to Aruba? ›

Avoid belts, jewelry, clothing with metal buttons and/or metal in your shoes. Coins, keys and jewelry must be placed in a tray or in your carry-on baggage. All shoes have to be screened and you will be asked to take them off and to put them in a tray.

Are things expensive in Aruba? ›

Budget: Aruba can be considered an expensive destination due to its popularity and island status. Costs for accommodations, dining, and activities can be high, but there are options for budget travelers, including off-peak travel and seeking out deals.

Is the Bahamas or Aruba cheaper? ›

Based on the average cost of a hotel room, the average cost of a meal, and a flight, Aruba is cheaper to travel to than the Bahamas. However, there are also many ways to save money on each destination. In Aruba, the per night accommodation range starts from 50-250 Dollars, but it depends on the place you choose.

How much cash do you need in Aruba? ›

We usually take about $100 per day total for 2 people in cash. We don't rent a car so that covers taxis and small purchases and any extra could go to the casino. Sometimes it's just easier to pay for a drink or 2 in cash, but we mainly use cards at restaurants for meals. Atms are convenient for an extra we may want.

Is Aruba more expensive than USA? ›

If you compare the cost of living in Aruba vs the U.S., it is quite similar. Groceries are a bit more expensive since agriculture in Aruba is limited and almost all food needs to be imported. Prices are 5 to 6% higher. You can save on bottled water since Aruba's tap water is perfectly safe to drink.

Is Aruba an expensive place to vacation? ›

Overall, Aruba is expensive. Being an island in the Caribbean it's easy to spend a ton of cash on expensive resorts, flashy dinners, and high-cost co*cktails. But, a trip to Aruba really doesn't have to cost you too much money. You can travel to Aruba on a budget.

Why is it so expensive to go to Aruba? ›

Shipping costs, along with import duties and residual costs such as labor, result in prices somewhat higher than what you might find back home. So next time you're in Aruba and the cost of food strikes you, remember that the higher prices are a fundamental part of helping you have a worry-free and enjoyable holiday.

Is it cheaper to go to Aruba or Jamaica? ›

An Aruba tour and a Jamaica tour will cost more or less the same amount, depending on what you do while you're there. However, there are still plenty of differences between the two islands.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Nicola Considine CPA

Last Updated:

Views: 5473

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (49 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Nicola Considine CPA

Birthday: 1993-02-26

Address: 3809 Clinton Inlet, East Aleisha, UT 46318-2392

Phone: +2681424145499

Job: Government Technician

Hobby: Calligraphy, Lego building, Worldbuilding, Shooting, Bird watching, Shopping, Cooking

Introduction: My name is Nicola Considine CPA, I am a determined, witty, powerful, brainy, open, smiling, proud person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.