Aruba is a small island located in the southern Caribbean,just off the coast of Venezuela and is one of the four “ABC” islands (the others being Bonaire and Curacao). Aruba is a popular tourist destination, especially with Americans and Europeans. The island is known for its white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and year-round warm weather.
If you are considering moving to Aruba, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved when moving and living in this part of the world.
Quick Aruba Facts:
- Population: 107,948 (2023 estimate)
- Official Language:Aruba is a Dutch territory hence the official language is Dutch. However, English is widely spoken, as are Spanish and Papiamento (a Creole language).
- GDP Per Capita: US$25,995
- Ethnically diverse population: Aruba has one of the world’s most ethnically diverse populations with over 90 nationalities and ethnic groups in its population of 107,948.
- Currency: As of early 2023, £1 = ƒ0.46, €1 = ƒ0.52, $1 CAD = ƒ0.74, $1 AUD = ƒ0.80, US$1 = ƒ0.56
1. Moving and Shipping Costs to Aruba
Below are some sample international container shipping rates to Aruba from other countries around the world.
2. Aruba Housing Costs
Property prices in Aruba are the third lowest in the Caribbean but that certainly doesn’t mean it’s cheap to live in Aruba. Property prices are high compared with many countries around the globe.
Monthly Rental Prices in Aruba
- 1 bedroom apartment in City Centre: ƒ500+
- 1 bedroom apartment outside the City Centre: ƒ400+
- 3 bedroom apartment in City Centre: ƒ1,100+
- 3 bedroom apartment outside the City Centre: ƒ1,000+
- Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: ƒ4,900+
- Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside City: ƒ2,117+
Aruba Housing Cost Comparison
This is how rents in Aruba compare with other countries around the globe.
United States is 125.06% more expensive
United Kingdom is 44.6% more expensive
Canada is 63.7% more expensive
Australia is 93.6% more expensive
France is 15.3% more expensive
Germany is 23.4% more expensive
Italy is 2.9% cheaper
Spain is 4.7% more expensive
Source: Numbeo
How to Save on Housing Costs
- Share an apartment or house. Have a look at the following sites to find your perfect room or flatmate: iRoommates, Erasmusu and Roomlala.
3. Aruba Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs
Aruba has a wide variety of international food options, from fast food to fine dining. The quality of food in both restaurants and stores is excellent. Seafood obviously features widely on most restaurant menus and is also readily available in supermarkets and at local markets.
- Inexpensive Restaurant: ƒ14.40 – ƒ32.40
- Takeout Coffee: ƒ2.10 – ƒ5.58
- Bottle of Coke: ƒ2.00 – ƒ2.50
- 1L of Milk: ƒ1.40 – ƒ3.50
- Loaf of Bread: ƒ2.19 – ƒ4.75
- 12 Eggs: ƒ2.50 – ƒ7.20
- 1kg Chicken: ƒ10 – ƒ20
- 1kg Beef: ƒ5.90 – ƒ17
- 1kg Apples: ƒ2.50 – ƒ5.89
- 1kg White Rice: ƒ1.49 – ƒ8.33
This is how restaurants and food prices compare with other major cities in the world.
- UK restaurants are 4.2% cheaper and groceries are 38.5% cheaper than Aruba.
- US restaurants are 3.5% more expensive and groceries are 7.7% cheaper than Aruba.
- Canadian restaurants are 7.9% cheaper and groceries are 15.8% cheaper than Aruba.
- Australian restaurants are 6% more expensive and groceries are 2.1% cheaper than Aruba.
- French restaurants are 3.6% cheaper and groceries are 16.4% cheaper than Aruba.
- German restaurants are 19.2% cheaper and groceries are 33.6% cheaper than Aruba.
- Italian restaurants are 11.2% cheaper and groceries are 33% cheaper than Aruba.
- Spanish restaurants are 26.1% cheaper and groceries are 48.8% cheaper than Aruba
Source: Numbeo
Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries
- Know your supermarkets: Aruba has many independently owned grocery stores as well as the usual supermarket chains. There are also farmers’ markets and a couple of shops thatsell health foods and organic foods. Popular supermarkets in Aruba are Superfoods Aruba, Ling and Sons Foodmarket, and Springfield Supermarke
- Find Cheap Eats:Aruba isn’t the cheapest place to eat but the food that’s served if definitely worth the price, however, if you look online or ask around you will find some good restaurants that offer specials on various days of the week. Have a look at the following sites for suggestions Trip Advisor, Restaurants Aruba, and 10Best.
4. Aruba Alcohol Costs
Drinking is a popular pastime in Aruba. The relaxed, outdoor lifestyle lends itself to sitting, having a cocktail and watching the world go by. Aruba Ariba is Aruba’s signature cocktail, a heady mix of rum, vodka, Grand Marnier, Crème de Banana and lots of fruit to soak up the alcohol.
- Pint (0.5L) domestic beer at a restaurant/pub: ƒ2.78 -ƒ5.00
- Bottle of imported beer at a restaurant/pub: ƒ4.50 – ƒ8.22
- Pint (0.5L) domestic beer at a supermarket: ƒ2.36 – ƒ2.98
- Bottle of imported beer at a supermarket: ƒ2.50 – ƒ5.00
- Mid-range bottle of wine at a supermarket: ƒ7.78 – ƒ18.00
How to drink for less in Aruba
- Keep an eye online and the local papers and flyers for advertised cheap drinks in supermarkets or bars, clubs and restaurants
- Many restaurants, pubs and clubs have early evening happy hours which offer drinks at two for the price of one. Have a look at the following sites for more tips on where to go to save money on a night out – Visit Aruba, Pinterest and The Culture.
Source: Numbeo
5. Aruba Transportation Fares
Aruba has a good transport system, with buses running regularly between the main towns. The public bus system is the most popular way to get around Aruba. Buses run regularly and are relatively inexpensive.
Renting a car is another option, but it can be expensive. Taxis are also available and can be hailed from the street. Prices are fixed, so it is important to agree on a price before getting in the taxi.
Below are some example ticket costs:
- One day ticket – ƒ5.65
- One way ticket – ƒ2.75
- Monthly season ticket – ƒ40.67
How to save money on public transport
- Buy a bike. Cycling is big in Aruba. There are cycles lanes and lots of rides in and around the city.
- Buy a weekly bus season ticket – ƒ17.99 for unlimited travel for 7 days
- Many people walk to work and the shops in Aruba
- Source: Numbeo
6. Cost of Internet in Aruba
Broadband in Aruba tends to be on the expensive side with prices averaging ƒ108 per month for speeds of 60 Mbps. The most popular ISPs on the island include:
- Digicel Aruba – ƒ117 per month for 30Mbps
- SETAR NV – ƒ75 per month for 20Mbps
7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure
Aruba has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season lasts from December to April, with little or no rainfall. The weather is hot and sunny during this time of year, with temperatures averaging 30C.
The rainy season lasts from May to November, with heavy rainfalls and occasional tropical storms. The weather is hot and humid during this time of year, with temperatures averaging 30C but it will seem a lot hotter due to the high humidity.
Here are some clothing prices, together with other useful prices.
- Pair of Jeans: ƒ30 – ƒ60
- Summer Dress: ƒ29 – ƒ60
- Running Shoes (Trainers): ƒ55 – ƒ100
- Business Shoes: ƒ65 – ƒ130
- Short Doctor’s Visit (15 mins): ƒ123
- Deodorant: ƒ4.78
- Shampoo: ƒ5.74
- Toilet Rolls (4): ƒ4.45
- Gym membership: ƒ20 – ƒ75 per month
- Movie (cinema) ticket: ƒ11 – ƒ15
Source: Numbeo and Expatistan
8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in Aruba
If you plan on owning and operating a car in Aruba, there are a few things you need to know. You need a valid driver’s license from your home country. You need to register your car with the Aruba Chamber of Commerce, and you need to have insurance for your car. Gas prices are relatively high. Aruba has a tropical climate, so it is important to have a car that can handle the heat and the humidity.
Here are some other sample costs of owning and runnin a car in Aruba:
- Volkswagen Golf: ƒ25,111
- 1 litre (¼ gallon) of gas (petrol): ƒ1.11
- Other fees (if any): The average cost of owning and running a car in Aruba is around ƒ600 per month.
Source: Expatistan
Ways to save money driving in Aruba
- Car sharing or pooling is one way to save money. Try Carpool World.
- Taxis are government regulated and reasonably prices. There’s no Uber or Lyft in Aruba.
Need your car/vehicle moved to Aruba? Then read our guide to: Car Transport & Vehicle Shipping
9. Taxes in Aruba
Personal tax in Aruba ranges from 10% to 50% of your income. Have a look at Orbitax for detailed information on personal and corporate tax in Aruba.
There’s no VAT on goods or services in Aruba. It was due to be implemented in January 2023 but has now been postponed until January 2024.
If you own your home, you will be subject to property tax based on the area in which you live and the size of the property you live in. Learn more about property tax in Aruba here. Finally, if you decide to buy an apartment or house in Aruba you’ll have to pay real estate transfer tax.
10. Flight Costs from Aruba
If you do make the move to Aruba, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to other major world cities based on lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner as of early 2023:
- London: ƒ838
- New York: ƒ263
- Toronto: ƒ353
- Sydney: ƒ923
- Paris: ƒ798
- Rome: ƒ810
- Berlin: ƒ793
- Madrid: ƒ827
Other Aruba Relocation Tips
The costs and pricing above should give you a good idea of the cost of living in Aruba but perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go more smoothly.
11. Relocating to Aruba Alone
Moving is always a stressful time but moving on your own can be exceptionally difficult. The laid back holiday atmosphere in Aruba and the welcoming people will help you ease into your new life.
Here are a few tips about settling in Aruba.
- Meetup:Aruba has many Meetup groups covering a wide range of activities from surfing to hiking.
- Attend local events: There is always something going on in Aruba and many of the activities are free. Have a look at the following sites for inspiration –TripAdvisor, US News and Busy Tourist.
12. Moving to Aruba with a Family
Aruba has a lot going on for families. There’s the beach, swimming, diving, snorkelling and every water sport you can imagine. Plus, Aruba is always putting on live concerts, theatre and festivals. Exploring the national park is a great day out with older kids.
- New parents (or parents to be): Check out The Mums and Lajolla Mom for advice, courses and ways to meet other parents or parents to be.
- Live in a family friendly area:Aruba is a family friendly island. One of the most popular areas with expats is Noord.
- Find things to do with the kids:Aruba has lots for children to do. Have a look at the following websites for ideas on where to take the kids – Celebrity Cruises, Families Love Travel and Trip Advisor.
13. Moving to Aruba for Work
Moving to a new country for work is one of the most common reasons people choose to move. While it is possible to move without a job, it makes sense to ensure there are jobs in your field before you make the move.
Aruba is a great place to work, with many opportunities for both locals and foreigners. The most popular industries on the island are tourism, hospitality, and retail.
Here are a few things to consider when moving for work:
- Salary: The costs we outlined above should give you a rough idea of how much more you’ll want to be making to make the move worthwhile. You can also check salary ranges on sites such as Glassdoorand Payscale.
- How to find work: If you want to have a job lined up before you move to Aruba, but aren’t sure where to begin, the following sites are good places to start: Job Monkey, Carib Work Force and Indeed. You may also want to Google recruiters in your industry, as they can often help land you some initial interviews as well.
14. Moving to Aruba from Australia
If you are thinking of moving from Australia to Aruba, here are a few things to consider.
- Size comparison:If you look at the population of Aruba and compare it with cities in Australia, it is slightly bigger than Brisbane
- Join expat groups:Meetup, and Facebook offer ways of meeting up with other Australians in Aruba.
15. Moving to Aruba from Canada
There’s a small number of Canadians living in Aruba. If you’re considering making the move from Canada here are a few things to consider.
- Size:If you compare the population size of Aruba with a city in Canada, then it would be slightly bigger than Sydney, Nova Scotia.
- Expat groups:Meeting up with fellow Canadians helps the moving process. Link up through sites such as InterNations and Meetup.
16. Moving to Aruba from the United Kingdom
The climate and way of life in Aruba attracts people from the UK. There are a number of Brits living and working on the island. If you are considering joining them, here are a few bonus tips:
- Size: Looking at the population size of Aruba, it equates to the population of the Oldham in the UK.
- Expat groups:If you want to get together with others from the UK who are enjoying the weather, then go to Meetup and Facebook.
Hopefully, the tips and costs above are helpful. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to Aruba you can start by comparing moving quotes here.