In planning mode - how much budget should I keep in mind for Aruba - any experiences?
Three weeks on Aruba cost me about US $90/day - guest room near Eagle Beach, local eateries, bus and occasional car share. Affordable vacation budget in Aruba can hover around US $2,000-2,200 for a month if you skip overpriced resorts and dine locally. Keep room for activity costs if you want diving or sailing. ATM fees affect the small budget, so reimburse-capable cards are wise.
I maintained a daily budget of US $150 during a two-week stay - covering mid-range lodging ($80), seafood dinners ($25), frequent taxi rides, and some water-sport activity. Average daily spending in Aruba can vary widely depending on car rental or resort visits. For a month, you might spend between US $3,800-4,200 with a mix of local meals and occasional splurges like snorkeling tours, golf, or private beach access.
I managed on US $70/day staying in cheap guesthouses, eating local foodstands, and using public buses. Low-cost travel in Aruba is doable if you avoid resorts. Bus rides are AWG 2 each way, meals AWG 10-15, and dorm beds AWG 25-30. For adventure seekers who skip water taxis and resorts, a month costs around US $2,100. Including a few island excursions and car rentals, plan on US $2,500 for more enjoyment.
I spent a month between Palm Beach and Oranjestad remote-working with a daily budget of about US $125. That included a beachfront Airbnb ($60), meals ($15-25), coworking pops ($15/day), car rental ($35/day), and transport. Cost of living in Aruba for digital nomads is higher than mainland Caribbean - accommodations and rental cars drive most costs. Budget around US $3,500-4,000 for a month with mid-range comfort and rental flexibility.