Introduction

One of the biggest myths about Aruba is that it’s incredibly expensive.

And yes… it certainly can be.

You can stay in a luxury beachfront resort, dine at high-end restaurants every night and spend hundreds of dollars on activities. But honestly? It doesn’t have to be that way.

One of the things I love most about Aruba is that you can make your vacation as affordable or as luxurious as you want. There are beautiful beaches that cost nothing to visit, amazing local restaurants where two people can eat for the price of one resort lunch, and plenty of unforgettable experiences that don’t require a huge budget.

If you’re willing to stay a little outside the resort area, rent a car and explore like a local, Aruba becomes much more affordable than many people expect.

Here are my favorite ways to experience Aruba without spending a fortune.

Stay in an Airbnb (or another vacation rental)

One of the easiest ways to save money in Aruba is by staying in an Airbnb or another vacation rental instead of a large beachfront resort.

While the high-rise hotels along Palm Beach are beautiful, they also come with premium prices. Vacation rentals often give you much more space for your money, especially if you’re traveling as a couple, family or group of friends.

Another big advantage? You’ll usually have your own kitchen.

Even if you only prepare breakfast each morning or make a few sandwiches for the beach, you’ll save a surprising amount compared to eating every meal at restaurants.

Many vacation rentals are located just a 10 to 20-minute drive from Aruba’s most popular beaches, so you’re never far from the action while paying significantly less for accommodation.

Budget tip: Don’t be afraid to stay a little outside Palm Beach. Areas like Noord, Paradera, Santa Cruz and even Savaneta often offer excellent value while still being within easy driving distance of everything you’ll want to see.

Rent a Car (It Saves More Than You Think)

This might sound surprising, but renting a car is actually one of the best ways to save money in Aruba.

Without a car, you’ll likely depend on taxis between your hotel, restaurants and beaches. Taxi fares add up quickly, especially if you’re making multiple trips each day.

With your own rental car, you can:

Visit every beach on the island.

Eat at affordable local restaurants instead of tourist hotspots.

Shop at supermarkets instead of hotel convenience stores.

Explore places like Arikok National Park, Baby Beach and San Nicolas at your own pace.

Stay in a more affordable vacation rental away from the hotel district.

In many cases, renting a car actually costs less than relying on taxis throughout your vacation.

Do You Need a Jeep?

One thing I sometimes see visitors do is renting a Jeep for their entire vacation.

Unless you’re planning to spend multiple days exploring Aruba’s rugged north coast, you really don’t need one.

A regular rental car is perfectly fine for visiting beaches, restaurants, San Nicolas, Baby Beach, Oranjestad and almost every other attraction on the island.

The main exception is Arikok National Park, especially if you want to drive to the Natural Pool (Conchi). While some areas of the park are accessible with a regular car, you’ll quickly notice that many roads have deep water drainage crossings and rough terrain. A higher vehicle makes the drive much more comfortable, and some parts require a 4×4 vehicle (the Natural Pool).

A smart (and budget-friendly) option is to rent a regular car for (most of) your trip and switch to a Jeep for just one day. Many rental companies are happy to arrange this, allowing you to enjoy Arikok without paying Jeep prices for your entire vacation.

If you’d rather not drive through the park yourself, booking a guided Jeep tour is another great option.

Looking for more info on car rentals? Check out my complete Aruba Rental Car Guide, where I explain everything you need to know before booking.

Eat Like a Local (and Save a Lot of Money)

One of the easiest ways to keep your Aruba vacation affordable is simply by eating where the locals eat.

Skip the tourist restaurants every night and you’ll be surprised how much money you can save. Better yet? You’ll probably eat some of the best meals of your trip.

Many local restaurants serve generous portions at prices that are hard to find in the hotel area. Some meals are easily big enough for two people, making dining out even more budget-friendly.

💡 Local Tip

You’ll often see portion sizes listed as S, M, L or even XL.

Don’t underestimate the Large or XL portions! If you’re unsure, ask the staff how big the portion is. In many restaurants, two people can comfortably share one meal.


Fresh Seafood

If you’re visiting an island, fresh seafood should definitely be on your list—and luckily, it doesn’t have to be expensive.

Zeerover

Probably Aruba’s most famous local seafood spot. Fresh fish and shrimp are fried to order, served with fries and pickled onions, and enjoyed right by the water in Savaneta.

Fish House Island Bar & Restaurant

Another great waterfront restaurant serving fresh seafood at reasonable prices. Less touristy than many beach restaurants and perfect if you’re looking for a relaxed local atmosphere.


Colombian Favorites (Huge Portions)

If you’re trying to stretch your budget, Colombian restaurants are one of the best-kept secrets on Aruba.

Don Jacinto

One of our favorite places for hearty Colombian food. Portions are enormous, prices are excellent, and many dishes are easy to share.

Los Cafeteros

Another fantastic Colombian restaurant with generous portions, grilled meats, traditional dishes, and great value for money.

Kiko Riko

A local favorite for Colombian comfort food. Think grilled chicken, rice, fries, salads, and hearty meat dishes at very reasonable prices. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a filling meal without spending a fortune.


Chinese Restaurants (A Local Favorite)

Chinese restaurants are incredibly popular on Aruba, and for good reason. They’re affordable, portions are generous, and the menus are extensive.

Some favorites include:

Universal Restaurant

Kowloon Restaurant

Ling’s Restaurant

Yang Ming Cuisine

Whether you’re craving fried rice, noodles, chicken, steak or seafood, these are excellent choices when traveling on a budget.


Surinamese Cuisine

Aruba has a wonderful Surinamese food scene that’s often overlooked by visitors.

Some local favorites include:

Sur-Ya

Yanti

Indo

Expect flavorful curries, satay, nasi, bami, roti and plenty of comforting homemade dishes.


Local Restaurants Worth Visiting

These restaurants are all popular with locals and offer great food without the resort prices. Some only open for lunch so make sure to check opening hours. Don’t expect fancy décor: just fantastic food.

La Granja (famous for its rotisserie chicken)

Amistad

Peanuts Restaurant

Pika’s Corner

Jo-Ann Bar & Restaurant

Café Marily (so yummy and a real experience!)

Shiribana Café

Gallo Rojo

Kamini’s Kitchen

Café 080 (Dutch comfort food with generous portions)

Battata Beach Bar (one of our favorite hidden beach spots)

Shawarma To Go
Welcome Back Snack
El Tio Snack


Great Local Bakeries

Looking for breakfast or a quick snack?

Don’t miss:

Bright Bakery

Huchada Bakery

Perfect for fresh pastries, sandwiches and local treats without spending much.


Food Trucks Worth the Stop

Some of Aruba’s best meals come from food trucks.

Keep an eye out for:

Candela Grill

Sabor Tropical

Chalo Burger

BBQ Express
Moko Snack Corner (some of the best pastechis in the morning!)
Shoco Snack (try their chicken empanada. Thank me later)

They’re affordable, delicious, and a fun way to experience Aruba like a local.


Pizza & Pasta

Need a break from local food?

Pizza Italia

A longtime favorite with locations in Palm Beach and Ponton. The pizzas aren’t the cheapest on the island (around $18-20), but they’re excellent quality and they also serve some of the best tiramisu and lasagna!

FIGO Pasta

One of Aruba’s newer Italian spots serving fresh pasta and pizza in a casual setting.


🔥 Local Tip: Sunday = BBQ Day

One of the best budget meals on Aruba isn’t advertised anywhere.

On Sundays, many locals fire up roadside BBQs across the island. As you’re driving around, don’t be surprised if you suddenly smell charcoal and grilled chicken.

Our advice?

If you see a long line of locals… stop.

Those are often the places serving the best BBQ on the island—and usually at very local prices.


Honestly, some of my favorite meals on Aruba aren’t found inside luxury resorts. They’re in small family-run restaurants, roadside food trucks, or places where the menu is only a single laminated page. Those are often the meals I keep coming back for.

Shop Smart at Local Supermarkets

Groceries are one of the easiest ways to save money during your Aruba vacation. Even if you only make your own breakfast, pack snacks for the beach, or prepare lunch a few times, you’ll notice the savings quickly.

Here are our favorite supermarkets on the island.


🛒 Super Food Plaza (Our Favorite)

If we had to recommend just one supermarket, it would be Super Food Plaza.

Yes, it gets busy—but for good reason.

The bakery is excellent, the deli section is fantastic, the cheese selection is unmatched, and you’ll find everything from fresh fruit to ready-made meals.

One of our favorite affordable breakfast spots is Jack’s Café, where you can grab breakfast before heading to the beach. Pair that with supermarket snacks for lunch, and you’ve got a full beach day without spending much.

Want to avoid the crowds?
Go early in the morning (they open at 7 AM if you’re an early bird) and avoid weekends whenever possible.


🛒 Ling & Sons

Ling & Sons is another favorite among visitors, especially if you’re staying in the Eagle Beach area.

The store is spacious, well-organized, and offers a great selection of international products, wines, snacks, and prepared meals.


🛒 Cmart

Staying a little farther south?

Cmart is a fantastic option and is conveniently located not far from the airport.

Besides being a full-service supermarket, they also have an excellent deli with fresh sushi, pizza, noodles, sandwiches, hot meals, and a breakfast and lunch buffet.

It’s an easy place to grab a quick meal before heading out for the day.


🛒 Super Do It Center

Most people know Super Do It as a hardware store, but many visitors are surprised by how good the supermarket section is.

The produce department is excellent, the store is way less crowded than Super Food, and it’s a great place to shop overall.


💡 Budget Tip: Buy Dutch Brands

Here’s a simple trick that can save you quite a bit of money.

Many supermarkets on Aruba carry both American and Dutch brands. The Dutch products are often noticeably cheaper while still being excellent quality.

Whether you’re buying peanut butter, pasta, cookies, cheese, mayonnaise, or snacks, it’s worth comparing the shelves before filling your cart.


🧺 Pack a Beach Cooler

Instead of buying lunch every day, stop by the supermarket in the morning.

Fill a cooler with sandwiches, fruit, drinks, and snacks, and you’ll save a surprising amount over the course of your vacation.

Free Things to Do in Aruba

Some of the Best Things in Aruba Are Completely Free

One of the best things about Aruba? Many of the island’s highlights don’t cost a thing.

From world-famous beaches to scenic viewpoints, you can easily fill several days without spending much money.

If you’re looking to stretch your budget even further, we’ve put together a complete guide with our favorite free activities around the island.

Read our complete guide to the best free things to do in Aruba

More Ways to Save Money in Aruba

A few small choices can make a surprisingly big difference during your trip. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy Aruba while keeping your vacation budget under control.

🍹 Take advantage of happy hours

Many beach bars and restaurants offer daily happy hour specials on cocktails, beer, and appetizers. It’s one of the easiest ways to enjoy the island’s beach bar scene for less.

🏖️ Spend your days at Aruba’s beautiful beaches

Aruba’s beaches are completely free to visit—and honestly, they’re some of the island’s biggest attractions. Eagle Beach, Baby Beach, Arashi Beach and Mangel Halto can easily keep you entertained all day.

💧 Bring a reusable water bottle

Aruba’s tap water is among the cleanest and best-tasting in the Caribbean. Bring a reusable bottle and refill it throughout the day instead of buying bottled water.

🚗 Explore beyond the hotel area

The further you get from the resort district, the more affordable things often become. You’ll discover local restaurants, quieter beaches, food trucks, and neighborhoods that many visitors never see.

🎟️ Book tours for experiences you can’t do yourself

Some experiences—like sailing trips, scuba diving, or guided kayaking—are absolutely worth booking. But for beaches, sightseeing, and exploring the island, renting a car often gives you much more value for your money.

🌅 Visit beaches at sunrise or sunset

The best moments in Aruba don’t cost anything. Sunrise brings peaceful beaches, while sunset often turns the sky into shades of orange, pink, and purple you’ll never forget.

🛍️ Shop where locals shop

Whether you’re buying groceries, snacks, or souvenirs, local supermarkets and neighborhood shops are often much more affordable than resort stores.

Final Thoughts

Traveling to Aruba doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

Stay in an Airbnb, rent a regular car, eat where the locals eat, shop smart, and take advantage of everything the island offers for free. You’ll not only save money—you’ll probably experience a more authentic side of Aruba along the way.

Whether you’re planning your first visit or coming back for another trip, we hope this guide helps you make the most of your budget without missing the very best of the island.


Continue Planning Your Aruba Trip

Ready to keep planning?

Explore some of our most popular guides:

Introduction

One of the biggest myths about Aruba is that it’s incredibly expensive.

And yes… it certainly can be.

You can stay in a luxury beachfront resort, dine at high-end restaurants every night and spend hundreds of dollars on activities. But honestly? It doesn’t have to be that way.

One of the things I love most about Aruba is that you can make your vacation as affordable or as luxurious as you want. There are beautiful beaches that cost nothing to visit, amazing local restaurants where two people can eat for the price of one resort lunch, and plenty of unforgettable experiences that don’t require a huge budget.

If you’re willing to stay a little outside the resort area, rent a car and explore like a local, Aruba becomes much more affordable than many people expect.

Here are my favorite ways to experience Aruba without spending a fortune.

Stay in an Airbnb (or another vacation rental)

One of the easiest ways to save money in Aruba is by staying in an Airbnb or another vacation rental instead of a large beachfront resort.

While the high-rise hotels along Palm Beach are beautiful, they also come with premium prices. Vacation rentals often give you much more space for your money, especially if you’re traveling as a couple, family or group of friends.

Another big advantage? You’ll usually have your own kitchen.

Even if you only prepare breakfast each morning or make a few sandwiches for the beach, you’ll save a surprising amount compared to eating every meal at restaurants.

Many vacation rentals are located just a 10 to 20-minute drive from Aruba’s most popular beaches, so you’re never far from the action while paying significantly less for accommodation.

Budget tip: Don’t be afraid to stay a little outside Palm Beach. Areas like Noord, Paradera, Santa Cruz and even Savaneta often offer excellent value while still being within easy driving distance of everything you’ll want to see.

Rent a Car (It Saves More Than You Think)

This might sound surprising, but renting a car is actually one of the best ways to save money in Aruba.

Without a car, you’ll likely depend on taxis between your hotel, restaurants and beaches. Taxi fares add up quickly, especially if you’re making multiple trips each day.

With your own rental car, you can:

Visit every beach on the island.

Eat at affordable local restaurants instead of tourist hotspots.

Shop at supermarkets instead of hotel convenience stores.

Explore places like Arikok National Park, Baby Beach and San Nicolas at your own pace.

Stay in a more affordable vacation rental away from the hotel district.

In many cases, renting a car actually costs less than relying on taxis throughout your vacation.

Do You Need a Jeep?

One thing I sometimes see visitors do is renting a Jeep for their entire vacation.

Unless you’re planning to spend multiple days exploring Aruba’s rugged north coast, you really don’t need one.

A regular rental car is perfectly fine for visiting beaches, restaurants, San Nicolas, Baby Beach, Oranjestad and almost every other attraction on the island.

The main exception is Arikok National Park, especially if you want to drive to the Natural Pool (Conchi). While some areas of the park are accessible with a regular car, you’ll quickly notice that many roads have deep water drainage crossings and rough terrain. A higher vehicle makes the drive much more comfortable, and some parts require a 4×4 vehicle (the Natural Pool).

A smart (and budget-friendly) option is to rent a regular car for (most of) your trip and switch to a Jeep for just one day. Many rental companies are happy to arrange this, allowing you to enjoy Arikok without paying Jeep prices for your entire vacation.

If you’d rather not drive through the park yourself, booking a guided Jeep tour is another great option.

Looking for more info on car rentals? Check out my complete Aruba Rental Car Guide, where I explain everything you need to know before booking.

Eat Like a Local (and Save a Lot of Money)

One of the easiest ways to keep your Aruba vacation affordable is simply by eating where the locals eat.

Skip the tourist restaurants every night and you’ll be surprised how much money you can save. Better yet? You’ll probably eat some of the best meals of your trip.

Many local restaurants serve generous portions at prices that are hard to find in the hotel area. Some meals are easily big enough for two people, making dining out even more budget-friendly.

💡 Local Tip

You’ll often see portion sizes listed as S, M, L or even XL.

Don’t underestimate the Large or XL portions! If you’re unsure, ask the staff how big the portion is. In many restaurants, two people can comfortably share one meal.


Fresh Seafood

If you’re visiting an island, fresh seafood should definitely be on your list—and luckily, it doesn’t have to be expensive.

Zeerover

Probably Aruba’s most famous local seafood spot. Fresh fish and shrimp are fried to order, served with fries and pickled onions, and enjoyed right by the water in Savaneta.

Fish House Island Bar & Restaurant

Another great waterfront restaurant serving fresh seafood at reasonable prices. Less touristy than many beach restaurants and perfect if you’re looking for a relaxed local atmosphere.


Colombian Favorites (Huge Portions)

If you’re trying to stretch your budget, Colombian restaurants are one of the best-kept secrets on Aruba.

Don Jacinto

One of our favorite places for hearty Colombian food. Portions are enormous, prices are excellent, and many dishes are easy to share.

Los Cafeteros

Another fantastic Colombian restaurant with generous portions, grilled meats, traditional dishes, and great value for money.

Kiko Riko

A local favorite for Colombian comfort food. Think grilled chicken, rice, fries, salads, and hearty meat dishes at very reasonable prices. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a filling meal without spending a fortune.


Chinese Restaurants (A Local Favorite)

Chinese restaurants are incredibly popular on Aruba, and for good reason. They’re affordable, portions are generous, and the menus are extensive.

Some favorites include:

Universal Restaurant

Kowloon Restaurant

Ling’s Restaurant

Yang Ming Cuisine

Whether you’re craving fried rice, noodles, chicken, steak or seafood, these are excellent choices when traveling on a budget.


Surinamese Cuisine

Aruba has a wonderful Surinamese food scene that’s often overlooked by visitors.

Some local favorites include:

Sur-Ya

Yanti

Indo

Expect flavorful curries, satay, nasi, bami, roti and plenty of comforting homemade dishes.


Local Restaurants Worth Visiting

These restaurants are all popular with locals and offer great food without the resort prices. Some only open for lunch so make sure to check opening hours. Don’t expect fancy décor: just fantastic food.

La Granja (famous for its rotisserie chicken)

Amistad

Peanuts Restaurant

Pika’s Corner

Jo-Ann Bar & Restaurant

Café Marily (so yummy and a real experience!)

Shiribana Café

Gallo Rojo

Kamini’s Kitchen

Café 080 (Dutch comfort food with generous portions)

Battata Beach Bar (one of our favorite hidden beach spots)

Shawarma To Go
Welcome Back Snack
El Tio Snack


Great Local Bakeries

Looking for breakfast or a quick snack?

Don’t miss:

Bright Bakery

Huchada Bakery

Perfect for fresh pastries, sandwiches and local treats without spending much.


Food Trucks Worth the Stop

Some of Aruba’s best meals come from food trucks.

Keep an eye out for:

Candela Grill

Sabor Tropical

Chalo Burger

BBQ Express
Moko Snack Corner (some of the best pastechis in the morning!)
Shoco Snack (try their chicken empanada. Thank me later)

They’re affordable, delicious, and a fun way to experience Aruba like a local.


Pizza & Pasta

Need a break from local food?

Pizza Italia

A longtime favorite with locations in Palm Beach and Ponton. The pizzas aren’t the cheapest on the island (around $18-20), but they’re excellent quality and they also serve some of the best tiramisu and lasagna!

FIGO Pasta

One of Aruba’s newer Italian spots serving fresh pasta and pizza in a casual setting.


🔥 Local Tip: Sunday = BBQ Day

One of the best budget meals on Aruba isn’t advertised anywhere.

On Sundays, many locals fire up roadside BBQs across the island. As you’re driving around, don’t be surprised if you suddenly smell charcoal and grilled chicken.

Our advice?

If you see a long line of locals… stop.

Those are often the places serving the best BBQ on the island—and usually at very local prices.


Honestly, some of my favorite meals on Aruba aren’t found inside luxury resorts. They’re in small family-run restaurants, roadside food trucks, or places where the menu is only a single laminated page. Those are often the meals I keep coming back for.

Shop Smart at Local Supermarkets

Groceries are one of the easiest ways to save money during your Aruba vacation. Even if you only make your own breakfast, pack snacks for the beach, or prepare lunch a few times, you’ll notice the savings quickly.

Here are our favorite supermarkets on the island.


🛒 Super Food Plaza (Our Favorite)

If we had to recommend just one supermarket, it would be Super Food Plaza.

Yes, it gets busy—but for good reason.

The bakery is excellent, the deli section is fantastic, the cheese selection is unmatched, and you’ll find everything from fresh fruit to ready-made meals.

One of our favorite affordable breakfast spots is Jack’s Café, where you can grab breakfast before heading to the beach. Pair that with supermarket snacks for lunch, and you’ve got a full beach day without spending much.

Want to avoid the crowds?
Go early in the morning (they open at 7 AM if you’re an early bird) and avoid weekends whenever possible.


🛒 Ling & Sons

Ling & Sons is another favorite among visitors, especially if you’re staying in the Eagle Beach area.

The store is spacious, well-organized, and offers a great selection of international products, wines, snacks, and prepared meals.


🛒 Cmart

Staying a little farther south?

Cmart is a fantastic option and is conveniently located not far from the airport.

Besides being a full-service supermarket, they also have an excellent deli with fresh sushi, pizza, noodles, sandwiches, hot meals, and a breakfast and lunch buffet.

It’s an easy place to grab a quick meal before heading out for the day.


🛒 Super Do It Center

Most people know Super Do It as a hardware store, but many visitors are surprised by how good the supermarket section is.

The produce department is excellent, the store is way less crowded than Super Food, and it’s a great place to shop overall.


💡 Budget Tip: Buy Dutch Brands

Here’s a simple trick that can save you quite a bit of money.

Many supermarkets on Aruba carry both American and Dutch brands. The Dutch products are often noticeably cheaper while still being excellent quality.

Whether you’re buying peanut butter, pasta, cookies, cheese, mayonnaise, or snacks, it’s worth comparing the shelves before filling your cart.


🧺 Pack a Beach Cooler

Instead of buying lunch every day, stop by the supermarket in the morning.

Fill a cooler with sandwiches, fruit, drinks, and snacks, and you’ll save a surprising amount over the course of your vacation.

Free Things to Do in Aruba

Some of the Best Things in Aruba Are Completely Free

One of the best things about Aruba? Many of the island’s highlights don’t cost a thing.

From world-famous beaches to scenic viewpoints, you can easily fill several days without spending much money.

If you’re looking to stretch your budget even further, we’ve put together a complete guide with our favorite free activities around the island.

Read our complete guide to the best free things to do in Aruba

More Ways to Save Money in Aruba

A few small choices can make a surprisingly big difference during your trip. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy Aruba while keeping your vacation budget under control.

🍹 Take advantage of happy hours

Many beach bars and restaurants offer daily happy hour specials on cocktails, beer, and appetizers. It’s one of the easiest ways to enjoy the island’s beach bar scene for less.

🏖️ Spend your days at Aruba’s beautiful beaches

Aruba’s beaches are completely free to visit—and honestly, they’re some of the island’s biggest attractions. Eagle Beach, Baby Beach, Arashi Beach and Mangel Halto can easily keep you entertained all day.

💧 Bring a reusable water bottle

Aruba’s tap water is among the cleanest and best-tasting in the Caribbean. Bring a reusable bottle and refill it throughout the day instead of buying bottled water.

🚗 Explore beyond the hotel area

The further you get from the resort district, the more affordable things often become. You’ll discover local restaurants, quieter beaches, food trucks, and neighborhoods that many visitors never see.

🎟️ Book tours for experiences you can’t do yourself

Some experiences—like sailing trips, scuba diving, or guided kayaking—are absolutely worth booking. But for beaches, sightseeing, and exploring the island, renting a car often gives you much more value for your money.

🌅 Visit beaches at sunrise or sunset

The best moments in Aruba don’t cost anything. Sunrise brings peaceful beaches, while sunset often turns the sky into shades of orange, pink, and purple you’ll never forget.

🛍️ Shop where locals shop

Whether you’re buying groceries, snacks, or souvenirs, local supermarkets and neighborhood shops are often much more affordable than resort stores.

Final Thoughts

Traveling to Aruba doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

Stay in an Airbnb, rent a regular car, eat where the locals eat, shop smart, and take advantage of everything the island offers for free. You’ll not only save money—you’ll probably experience a more authentic side of Aruba along the way.

Whether you’re planning your first visit or coming back for another trip, we hope this guide helps you make the most of your budget without missing the very best of the island.


Continue Planning Your Aruba Trip

Ready to keep planning?

Explore some of our most popular guides: