Cost of Living in Aruba (2024)

FAQs

How much does it cost to live comfortably in Aruba? ›

Summary of cost of living in Aruba: A family of four estimated monthly costs are 4,102.7$ without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 1,136.9$ without rent. Cost of living in Aruba is, on average, 6.1% higher than in United States.

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.

Living in Aruba as an American

It is an easy place to live for US citizens. You can get by with English, the island functions well, and it is safe. There are many Expats from all over the world. If you like the exciting range of activities in Aruba, getting stuck in and making friends is easy.

HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE

As part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Aruba offers you political stability and a legal system that guarantees your rights. Aruba's health and education systems are renowned for being of the highest quality, making the island perfect for starting a new life and raising a family.

(In mid-2019, the median price for a house in Aruba was about 580,000 Aruban florins, or about $321,000, according to the Central Bank van Aruba.)

All visitors to Aruba with proof of identity and a valid retour ticket may stay up to six months in a calendar year. If you own a home, your visa can also be extended beyond the six months in a calendar year, if you can show Immigration Department of Aruba that you own a house and have a valid retour ticket.

When it comes to affordability, both islands are expensive, as are most in the Caribbean. But, Aruba is cheaper than the Bahamas. The Bahamas has a higher cost of living, compared to living in Aruba, which applies to everything – lodging, restaurants, and entertainment.

The Turks & Caicos beaches are said to have brighter white sand than those in Aruba; Grace Bay Beach on Providenciales, which is protected by an offshore coral reef, is considered one of the best beaches in the world. What is this? Turks & Caicos is more expensive than Aruba.

Aruba has always been known to be "one of the safest places in the Caribbean." Being located well south of the hurricane belt makes it a great place to live all year round.

What is the process to relocate to Aruba? To apply for a residency permit, you will need to apply through the Department of Immigration and Naturalization Services of Aruba (DIMAS). Residency permits are valid for one year and are renewable annually thereafter.

Is it good to retire in Aruba? ›

You won't regret it! Not only does Aruba have one of the highest standards of living in the Caribbean, but the island also offers retirees many opportunities to freely embrace this new stage of their lives. To begin with, the island celebrates many North American holidays, which will make you feel right at home.

Medical services and facilities

Service is available throughout the country. Medical facilities are well-equipped and offer a wide range of services. Medical evacuation can be very expensive and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury.

Medical care is generally considered to be good in Aruba. There is one hospital, Dr. H.E. Oduber Hospital, whose medical standards can be favorably compared to a small hospital in the U.S. The hospital has tiered health care, and accommodations will vary depending on insurance and the ability to pay.

Over the period 1999–2017, noncommunicable diseases were the leading cause of death in Aruba. Overall, the top four causes of death were cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases.

Rent prices in Aruba are relatively low, whereas prices for purchasing a house go from $4100 per m2 to $140,000 per m2. In general, for a comfortable retirement in Aruba, an individual would need approximately $2000 per month.

Taxes. Land taxes in Aruba are relatively low, and are usually based on the value of the property (house and land combined). The first US$33,707 is tax free, and after that the tax is 0.4% or $4 per $1000 of value.