Curaçao is a territory of the Netherlands and sits a mere 65 kms off the coast of Venezuela in the southern Caribbean. Many people are drawn to the island’s natural beauty, with its beaches and stunning coral reefs. There’s a wealth of history and culture to explore in Curaçao, making it a great destination for expats who want to fully immerse themselves in a new country.
If you are considering moving to Curaçao, 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 Curaçao Facts:
- Population: 165,597 (2022 estimate)
- Official Language:The official language of Curaçao is Dutch. However, the local population speaks a creole language called Papiamentu, a mix of Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, and African languages. English is also commonly spoken on the island.
- GDP Per Capita:US$17,186 (2021)
- EU: Curaçaonians have the right to work in the EU as the country is part of the Netherlands.
- Currency: Netherlands Antillean guilder (NAƒ, NAf, ƒ or f). As of 2022, £1 = f2.01, €1 = f1.77, $1 CAD = f1.30378, $1 AUD = f1.18985
1. Moving and Shipping Costs to Curaçao
Here are some container shipping rates to Curaçao from other countries around the world.
Also see Best International Moving Companies in Curacao.
2. Curaçao Housing Costs
There are many housing options in Curaçao, from apartments to houses and villas. The cost of living in Curaçao is relatively high, but it is still possible to find affordable housing if you are willing to search for it.
Monthly Rental Prices in Curaçao
- 1 bedroom apartment in City Centre: ƒ850 – ƒ1,803
- 1 bedroom apartment outside the City Centre: ƒ700 – ƒ1,000
- 3 bedroom apartment in City Centre: ƒ1,700 – ƒ4,500
- 3 bedroom apartment outside the City Centre: ƒ1,500 – ƒ3,200
Curaçao Housing Cost Comparison
This is how rents in Curaçao compare with other countries around the globe.
United Kingdom is 69.27% more expensive
United States is 157.68% more expensive
Canada is 82.52% more expensive
Australia is 96.92% more expensive
France is 37.63% more expensive
Germany is 41.98% more expensive
Italy is 11.24% more expensive
Spain is 16.91% 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 flat mate: Rent a Room and iRoom Mates.
- Different areas – different prices. Safe areas for expats are all quite expensive. Willemstad is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a popular place for expats to live.
3. Curaçao Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs
There’s a great choice of restaurants in Curaçao, from burger joints and pizza parlours to fine dining and excellent restaurants serving dishes from the Caribbean. Seafood obviously features high up on the list in both restaurants and grocers and supermarkets. Unfortunately, eating out is expensive but the quality and high standard of food makes it worth the price.
- Inexpensive Restaurant: ƒ20 – ƒ50
- Takeout Coffee: ƒ4.75 – ƒ9
- Bottle of Coke: ƒ3 – ƒ4
- 1L of milk: ƒ2.35 – ƒ5.07
- Loaf of Bread: ƒ2.75 – ƒ6
- 12 Eggs: ƒ3.6 – ƒ6
- 1kg Chicken: ƒ7.95 – ƒ18.5
- 1kg Beef: ƒ8 – ƒ25
- 1kg Apples: ƒ5.89 – ƒ10
- 1kg White Rice: ƒ3.35 – ƒ5.07
This is how restaurants and food prices compare with other major cities in the world.
- UK restaurants are 9.20%cheaper and groceries are 19.68% cheaper than Curacao.
- US restaurants are 6.72% cheaper and groceries are 17.98%more expensive than Curacao.
- Canadian restaurants are 14.66% cheaper and groceries are 6.23% more expensive than Curacao.
- Australian restaurants are 14.09% cheaper and groceries are 17.63% more expensive than Curacao.
- French restaurants are 10.42% cheaper and groceries are 6.48%more expensive than Curacao.
- German restaurants are 24.99% cheaper and groceries are 17.03% cheaper than Curacao.
- Italian restaurants are 17.05% cheaper and groceries are 15.44% cheaper than Curacao.
- Spanish restaurants are 30.99% cheaper and groceries are 33.19% cheaper than Curacao.
Source: Numbeo
Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries
- Know your supermarkets: Curaçao has some interesting, independently owned grocery stores and ethnic stores as well as the usual supermarket chains. There are also farmers’ markets, selling fresh produce and today’s catch. Popular supermarkets in Curaçao are: Centrum Supermarket Mahaai, Mangusa Hypermarket, and Carrefour Market Curaçao.
- Find Cheap Eats:Curaçao isn’t the cheapest place to eat but if you hunt around you will find some good restaurants that offer affordable meals. Have a look at the following sites for suggestions – Villa Seashell, Tripadvisor, Cura Stage, and Hotels.
4. Curaçao Alcohol Costs
Drinking with family, friends or business colleagues is a popular pastime in Curaçao. The relaxed, outdoor lifestyle lends itself to sitting, having a cocktail and watching the world go by.
- Pint (0.5L) domestic beer at a restaurant/pub: ƒ2.5 – ƒ7
- Bottle of imported beer at a restaurant/pub: ƒ7 – ƒ8
- Pint (0.5L) domestic beer at a supermarket: ƒ2.58 – ƒ6
- Bottle of imported beer at a supermarket: ƒ3.75 – ƒ8
- Mid-range bottle of wine at a supermarket: ƒ12.5 – ƒ20
How to drink for less in Curaçao
- Keep an eye on local websites, local papers and flyers for cheap drinks on sale in supermarkets, bars, clubs and restaurants.
- Buy your alcohol in supermarkets rather than bars or clubs.
- Most bars and restaurants offer two for one cocktails during the early evening.
5. Curaçao Transportation Fares
Curaçao has a wide range of transportation options available, from buses and taxis to water taxis and rental cars. The cost of transportation varies depending on the mode of transport chosen but is generally affordable. For those traveling on a budget, the bus system in Curaçao is an excellent option.
Here are some example ticket costs.
- One-way Ticket (Local Transport) – ƒ 1.75 – 3.00
- Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) – ƒ20 – 45.00
- Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) – ƒ3.61 – 15.00
- Monthly ticket public transport – ƒ118
How to save money on public transport
- Buy a monthly ticket ƒ118 for 30 days of unlimited travel
- Buy a bike. Cycling is big in Curaçao. There are cycles lanes and lots of rides in and around the various cities/towns on the island.
6. Cost of Internet in Curaçao
Curaçao broadband prices average at ƒ115.88 per month for 60Mbps (unlimited data, cable/fibre). The most popular ISPs on the island include:
- Flow Curaçao – ƒ63.59 per month for 10Mbps
- Digicel Curaçao – ƒ79.00 per 4Mbps
7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure
The climate in Curaçao is tropical, meaning that it is hot and humid most of the year. In terms of temperatures, the average high is around 32C and the average low is 24C. Curaçao does experience some rainfall throughout the year, but it is typically sporadic and doesn’t last long.
Here are some clothing prices, together with other useful prices.
- Pair of Jeans: ƒ60 – ƒ200
- Summer Dress: ƒ50 – ƒ250
- Running Shoes (Trainers): ƒ125 – ƒ450
- Business Shoes: ƒ85 – ƒ300
- Short Doctor’s visit (15 mins): ƒ51
- Deodorant: ƒ8
- Shampoo: ƒ11
- Toilet Paper (4 rolls): ƒ4.56
- Gym membership: ƒ60- ƒ135 per month
- Movie (cinema) ticket: ƒ14- ƒ25
Source: Numbeo and Expatistan
8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in Curaçao
The majority of people living and working in Curaçao own a car. Most EU and US driving licences are accepted, and you’ll also need an International Driving Licence. Most accidents are caused by drunk driving but there’s no law that sets a blood alcohol content percentage, drivers are just told that they mustn’t get behind the wheel if they’re drunk. The major roads are well maintained but the more scenic routes tend to be in a state of disrepair. IDL’s website gives detailed information on driving in Curaçao.
Anyone can buy a car in Curaçao but note that all car parts are imported and therefore expensive, plus there can be long delays in receiving the parts. Buying a new car is always an option but it will be expensive. There is 27% duty to pay on new cars, but you don’t pay duty on electric cars.
Here are some other sample costs of owning and operating a car in Curaçao:
- Volkswagen Golf:ƒ40,000 – ƒ55,000
- 1 litre (¼ gallon) of gas (petrol):ƒ1.88 – ƒ3.25
- Toyota Corolla Sedan – ƒ35, 000 – ƒ40, 000
Source: Expatistan
Ways to save money driving in Curaçao
- Taxis can sometimes be a cheaper option, especially if you are going to have to park all day. Try Welcome Pickups and 24-7 Taxi
- Public transportation in Curaçao is reliable and affordable in the towns. Take the bus instead of driving whenever possible.
9. Taxes in Curaçao
Sales tax (VAT) in Curaçao is 6% and 7% on accommodation and insurance. The rate goes up to 9% on imported goods and some listed luxury goods such as buying or renting yacht. Personal income tax ranges from 9.75% to 46.5% depending on your income. Finally, if you decide to buy property or land in Curaçao you’ll have to pay property tax which ranges from 0.4% to 0.6% depending on the value of the property.
10. Flight Costs from Curaçao
If you do make the move to Curaçao, 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 2022:
- London: ƒ1066
- New York: ƒ643
- Los Angeles: ƒ871
- Toronto: ƒ982
- Vancouver: ƒ591
- Dubai: ƒ2,846
- Sydney: ƒ4,648
- Melbourne: ƒ4,500
- Cape Town: ƒ3,790
- Hong Kong: ƒ2,399
Other Curaçao Relocation Tips
The costs and pricing above should give you a good idea of the cost of living in Curaçao but perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go smoothly.
11. Relocating to Curaçao Alone
Moving is always stressful but moving on your own can be nerve wracking. The locals, expats, tourists and the incredible scenery all add to the relaxed atmosphere in Curaçao, helping to make your transition a really easy one.
Here are a few tips about settling in Curaçao.
- Meetups:Curaçao has many Meetup groups covering a wide range of activities from diving to playing bridge.
- Attend local events: There is always something going on in Curaçao and many of the activities are free. Have a look at the following sites for inspiration – Taste Travel, Tripadvisor, and Expedia.
12. Moving to Curaçao with a Family
Curaçao is a great place to raise a family. The cost of living is high but its relaxed atmosphere and low crime rate make it an ideal spot for everyone.
- New parents (or parents to be):Check out Mums net and Trip Advisor for advice, courses and ways to meet other parents or parents to be.
- Live in a family friendly area:There are many areas in Curaçao that are family friendly. Willemstad is a good choice for families with its colonial architecture, vibrant culture and diverse population. There are many activities and attractions in Willemstad that appeal to all ages. Jan Thiel is great for families who love spending time outdoors, with its white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and wide range of restaurants and shops.
- Find things to do with the kids:Curaçao has lots for children to do. Have a look at the following website for inspiration – Trip Savvy, CuraCao, and Purewander.
13. Moving to Curaçao 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.
Curaçao’s main industry is tourism. Jobs are available in hospitality and tourism, finance, education, medicine and sales.
Here are a few things to consider when moving for work:
- Salary:Salaries in Curaçao are average to high in most professions in the country. You can check salary ranges on sites such as Glassdoor, com, and Indeed.
- How to find work: If you want to have a job lined up before you move to Curacao, but aren’t sure where to begin, the following sites are good places to start Glassdoor, Indeed and LinkedIn.
- 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 Curaçao from Australia
There is a small Aussie contingent living and working in Curaçao. If you are thinking of moving from Australia to Curaçao, here are a few things to consider.
- Size comparison: The whole of Curaçao is about the same size as the city of Brisbane. The island is only 40 kms long and 14 kms wide.
- Join expat groups:MeetUp and Internations offer ways of meeting up with other Australians in Curaçao.
15. Moving to Curaçao from Canada
There are a number of Canadians living in Curaçao. If you’re considering making the move from Canada here are a few things to consider.
- Size: The area of Curaçao is 444 sq. kms. whereas Canada covers an area of 38,246,000 sq. kms.
- Expat groups:Meeting up with fellow Canadians helps the moving process. Link up through sites such as Facebook, Meetup and Internations.
16. Moving to Curaçao from the United Kingdom
Many people from the United Kingdom have moved to Curaçao either for work or to retire. If you’re considering joining them, here are a few bonus tips:
- Size: The UK covers 243,610 sq. kms. and Curaçao covers a mere 444 sq. kms.
- Expat groups:If you want to get together with others from the UK who are enjoying the weather, then go to Facebook, Meetup and Internations
Hopefully, the tips and costs above are helpful. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to Curaçao you can start by comparing moving quotes here.
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