How to budget in Aruba: tips from a local

The price question in Aruba

While Aruba is wonderful in so many ways, it’s not a lie that life on the island can be a bit pricey if you don't know where to get the best deals.

But a little preparation in planning your trip to Aruba goes a long way.

Whether you’re staying for a week or a year, you’ve probably noticed that locals and tourists often pay different prices.

So, are you wondering how expensive Aruba really is?

Here’s what you can expect for food, groceries, nightlife, and activities, and how to stretch your budget like a local!

Eating out in Aruba: tourist restaurants vs. local food

Feel like dining along Palm Beach or at the big hotel strips? The vibes will be great and the food will be delicious, but you gotta brace yourself, because the prices can be steep.

Depending on where you go at Palm Beach, the average price of a cocktail is around $15-20 and the average price of a meal around $20-40. Service charges are built in too, and of course you’re expected to tip as well.

Truth be told, you’re paying for the atmosphere more than anything else. Most locals don’t eat at the tourist areas unless it’s a special occasion.

But away from the tourist strip, things start to look a little different.

Food trucks that glow under streetlights, bakeries full of delicious Aruban snacks, and family-owned takeaway places with terrific portion sizes. 

You can get a pastechi from a local snack bar or bakery for as little as $1.50. A gigantic, family-sized meal from a local Chinese place for $15. 

Finding the right price for a meal in Aruba all depends on where you look.

Grocery shopping in Aruba: imported goods vs. local finds

Grocery stores in Noord like Ling & Sons and Super Food are great because they offer you a large variety of products. But they’re definitely not cheap.

The main reason why groceries in Aruba are so expensive is because most of them are imported from abroad. Which is why you might be shocked to find the same products you see in your grocery store back home, but more expensive.

But most locals don’t do all of their shopping there. In truth, most locals tend to mix it up.

You can get a wide variety of basics from the local Chinese supermarkets and find better prices at grocery stores like Save More, Do It Center, and PriceSmart. Not to mention that markets like the one at the ostrich farm also offer fresh local produce.

With a little strategy, you can keep a week of groceries closer to $100–$120 instead of $200–$300.

Getting around Aruba: car rentals vs. local transport

If you want full freedom in Aruba, a car is usually your best bet.

Renting is the default for most visitors, and at $45–$70 a day, it adds up fast. But it’s worth it.

If you don’t feel like renting a car, however, you can also take the bus. Arubus rides cost just a couple of dollars and connect major parts of the island. It’s slower, but for longer stays it’s a practical way to cut costs. 

Although you may see some people riding a bike around the island, we don’t recommend it as it can be dangerous in traffic (not to mention that the heat in the middle of the day can be intense).

Nightlife in Aruba: resorts vs. local bars

Looking to paint the town red, but you want to be mindful of your wallet? We’ve got you covered!

While partying it up around Palm Beach or Eagle Beach can be very fun, it also drains your wallet fast. A single cocktail can set you back $15. 

Local bars, on the other hand, offer beers for as little as $3. The vibe is also a bit more laid back. Check out Rum Reef by Baby Beach or Chaos in Oranjestad, and you’ll likely walk out with new friends.

Things to do in Aruba: organized tours vs. DIY

Excursions are everywhere, and they’re pricey: snorkeling trips, jeep safaris, and catamaran sails often run $80–$150 per person.

But Aruba is just as rewarding when you explore on your own. Rent snorkeling gear or buy a set from a Chinese grocery store and go for a swim. Spend a day hiking Arikok National Park. The DIY approach not only saves money but lets you set your own pace.

So, what’s the real cost of Aruba?

Tourists definitely pay a premium, and sometimes that’s part of the deal. But slipping into local routines can cut those costs dramatically:

• Dining: $40+ per person at a resort vs. $10–$15 at a local spot

• Groceries: $200 a week at big supermarkets vs. $120 shopping local

• Drinks: $12 cocktails vs. $3 beers

• Activities: $100+ tours vs. $15–$30 DIY adventures

Final thoughts

Don’t let all the price tags scare you. Aruba can definitely seem expensive, but if you know where to look, you can save big. If you never leave the Palm Beach area, expect to pay premium prices the whole way through. But if you’re open to exploring and doing things the local way, it can make all the difference. 

There’s a lot about Aruba that surprises visitors; not just the prices, but the small details of island life you only learn once you’re here. And if you want to splurge on a beachfront cocktail, by all means go for it, but don’t skip the food trucks or local markets – they’re all a part of what makes Aruba so special!

---

P.S. Enjoyed this post? If you'd like to support the blog and help keep Aruba Uncovered going, buy us a coffee ☕ every little bit helps!

P.P.S. Have a question about Aruba, or something you’d like us to cover? We’d love to hear from you! Just drop us a message.