Cost of Living in Santa Cruz - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,141 (excluding rent), and $1,881 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,553 (excluding rent), and $3,863 including rent.

Milk (1 liter)

$2.2 AWG 3.93

White Bread (500g)

$2.65 AWG 4.74

Rice (white) (1kg)

$4.53 AWG 8.12

Eggs

$4.67 AWG 8.36

Local Cheese (1kg)

$8.27 AWG 14.8

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$7.36 AWG 13.18

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$6.78 AWG 12.13

Apples (1kg)

$4.31 AWG 7.72

Banana (1kg)

$4.41 AWG 7.89

Oranges (1kg)

$8.47 AWG 15.16

Tomato (1kg)

$6.68 AWG 11.95

Potato (1kg)

$6.92 AWG 12.38

Onion (1kg)

$1.99 AWG 3.55

Lettuce (1 head)

$3.04 AWG 5.43

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$4.5 AWG 8.06

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$10.21 AWG 18.28

Wine (Bottle)

$19.4 AWG 34.73

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.54 AWG 4.54

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.13 AWG 5.61

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.89 AWG 3.39

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$153 AWG 274

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$19.55 AWG 35

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$19.18 AWG 34.33

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$138 AWG 247

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$71.1 AWG 127

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$202 AWG 362

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$70 AWG 125

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$46.74 AWG 83.7

Cinema Ticket

$8.35 AWG 14.94

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$138 AWG 247

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$77.4 AWG 139

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$110 AWG 196

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$141 AWG 252

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$137 AWG 245

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,280 AWG 2,290

$664 AWG 1,189

$1,895 AWG 3,392

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$549 AWG 983

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,550 AWG 2,774

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,368 AWG 2,449

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$3,662 AWG 6,554

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: November 30, 2025

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Cost of Living in Santa Cruz - Frequently Asked Questions

You can cover daily basics without living in a resort zone, and Cost of Living in Santa Cruz, Aruba tends to feel steadier and more approachable than coastal hotel hubs. Inland life balances modest housing options with dependable services, and local eateries offer solid value, while markets bring in fresh produce at fair prices. It suits digital nomads who want reliable internet in a quieter setting, families seeking room to breathe, and longer-stay travelers who can negotiate longer leases. In short, you’ll find steadier costs, fewer tourist surcharges, and a practical pace that supports longer stays. Tip: Start with a flexible rental period to test neighborhoods and daily rhythms.

Housing search here rewards local networks and longer leases; you’ll find town-center apartments or small houses in nearby neighborhoods rather than beachfront villas. For sustenance, local markets and small eateries offer reliable produce, fresh fish, and flavorful stews; cooking at home helps stretch your budget. Transportation leans on island buses, rental cars, or scooters, with a practical approach to errands and weekend explorations. Co-working spaces and cafes provide work-friendly spots if you’re remote. Understanding the Santa Cruz, Aruba living cost can help you budget for essentials like groceries, transit, and occasional outings. Tip: Map a few weekly routes to minimize back-and-forth and save time.

Build a simple budgeting framework with categories: housing, groceries, transport, utilities, and leisure; in Santa Cruz, Aruba you’ll find that day-to-day costs cluster around essentials, with bigger swings tied to holidays and island events rather than inflation alone. Favor neighborhood fit by prioritizing proximity to groceries, clinics, and reliable Wi-Fi; inland areas like Santa Cruz keep you connected to local life, while coastal pockets pull you toward tourist amenities. Seasonality is mild, so a flexible plan works year-round; bundle errands, shop local markets, and opt for longer-term leases to lock in stable rates. Tip: set a monthly cap for discretionary spending and review it monthly.