Cost of living in Aruba compared to United States
Currency:
Food | - 11% | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Food in Aruba is 11% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Aruba | United States | Diff | ||
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | ƒ 25 ($14) | $21 | - 33% | |
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | ƒ 14 ($7) | $12 | - 38% | |
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | ƒ 7 ($4.08) | $5.51 | - 26% | |
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | ƒ 4.38 ($2.43) | $1.08 | + 126% | |
12 eggs, large | ƒ 6 ($3.57) | $4.99 | - 28% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | ƒ 8 ($4.41) | $4.47 | - 1% | |
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | ƒ 12 ($7) | $7 | - 2% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | ƒ 8 ($4.71) | $3.78 | + 25% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | ƒ 7 ($3.86) | $1.98 | + 95% | |
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | ƒ 5.98 ($3.32) | $4.06 | - 18% | |
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | ƒ 65 ($36) | $18 | + 100% | |
2 liters of coca-cola | ƒ 7 ($3.85) | $2.91 | + 32% | |
Bread for 2 people for 1 day | ƒ 2.00 ($1.11) | $2.60 | - 57% | |
Housing | - 49% | |||
Housing in Aruba is 49% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Aruba | United States | Diff | ||
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | ƒ 2,500 ($1,387) | $2,769 | - 50% | |
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | ƒ 1,800 ($999) | $2,038 | - 51% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | ƒ 300 ($166) | $228 | - 27% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | ƒ 1,850 ($1,026) | $2,066 | - 50% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | ƒ 1,250 ($693) | $1,473 | - 53% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | ƒ 225 ($125) | $168 | - 26% | |
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | ƒ 54 ($30) | $59 | - 50% | |
40” flat screen tv | ƒ 556 ($308) | $250 | + 23% | |
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | ƒ 300 ($166) | $149 | + 12% | |
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | ƒ 47 ($26) | $15 | + 77% | |
Hourly rate for cleaning help | ƒ 13 ($7) | $34 | - 79% | |
Clothes | + 11% | |||
Clothes in Aruba is 11% more expensive than in United States | ||||
Aruba | United States | Diff | ||
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | ƒ 93 ($51) | $56 | - 8% | |
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | ƒ 113 ($62) | $51 | + 23% | |
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | ƒ 200 ($111) | $106 | + 4% | |
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | ƒ 275 ($153) | $138 | + 11% | |
Transportation | + 20% | |||
Transportation in Aruba is 20% more expensive than in United States | ||||
Aruba | United States | Diff | ||
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | - | $30,320 | - | |
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | ƒ 5.19 ($2.88) | $0.93 | + 209% | |
Monthly ticket public transport | ƒ 152 ($84) | $80 | + 6% | |
Personal Care | - 49% | |||
Personal Care in Aruba is 49% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Aruba | United States | Diff | ||
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | - | $10 | - | |
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | ƒ 15 ($8) | $22 | - 61% | |
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | ƒ 150 ($83) | $173 | - 52% | |
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | ƒ 3.89 ($2.16) | $9 | - 76% | |
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | ƒ 4.99 ($2.77) | $5.28 | - 48% | |
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | ƒ 4.37 ($2.43) | $7 | - 65% | |
4 rolls of toilet paper | ƒ 6.00 ($3.33) | $5.01 | - 34% | |
Tube of toothpaste | ƒ 3.16 ($1.76) | $2.41 | - 27% | |
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | ƒ 28 ($16) | $30 | - 48% | |
Entertainment | - 9% | |||
Entertainment in Aruba is 9% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Aruba | United States | Diff | ||
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | ƒ 75 ($42) | $61 | - 32% | |
2 tickets to the movies | ƒ 30 ($17) | $30 | - 44% | |
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | - | $221 | - | |
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | ƒ 180 ($100) | $104 | - 4% | |
1 cocktail drink in downtown club | ƒ 18 ($10) | $15 | - 33% | |
Cappuccino in expat area of the city | ƒ 7 ($3.88) | $6 | - 36% | |
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | ƒ 11 ($5.88) | $7 | - 20% | |
Ipad wi-fi 128gb | - | $489 | - | |
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | - | $0.55 | - | |
1 month of gym membership in business district | ƒ 185 ($103) | $64 | + 61% | |
1 package of marlboro cigarettes | - | $11 | - | |
TOTAL | - 19% |

These prices were last updated on February 10, 2025.
Exchange rate:
0.555
USD
/
AWG
Cost of living in Aruba is 19% cheaper than in United States
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