Maldives Budget Basics

Accommodation Costs

Accommodation is the single largest expense in the Maldives, and the range is enormous. Where you choose to stay determines the overall shape of your budget more than any other factor.

On local islands, guesthouses typically cost between $50 and $150 per night for a double room. These are clean, air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, and many include breakfast. Islands like Maafushi, Dhiffushi, and Fulidhoo have well-established guesthouse scenes with dozens of options.

Mid-range resorts start around $300 to $500 per night, typically including breakfast or half-board meal plans. These offer private beaches, house reefs, and a more polished experience than guesthouses.

Luxury resorts range from $500 to $3,000 or more per night. Overwater villas, private pools, personal butlers, and world-class dining define the top end. During peak season (December to April), prices at premium properties can exceed $5,000 per night. Read more in our resort stays guide.

Food and Drink Costs

Food costs vary dramatically depending on whether you eat at a resort, a guesthouse, or a local cafe. On local islands, a meal at a small restaurant costs $5 to $15. Guesthouses often offer meal packages for $20 to $40 per day covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Resort dining is significantly more expensive. A main course at a resort restaurant typically costs $25 to $60, and a bottle of water can be $5 to $10. This is why meal plans (half-board, full-board, or all-inclusive) are worth considering carefully. An all-inclusive plan can save money if you would otherwise spend heavily on a la carte dining and drinks.

Alcohol is not available on local islands due to local regulations, but resorts serve it freely. Cocktails typically cost $12 to $25, beer $8 to $15, and wine by the glass $10 to $20. Learn more about Maldivian cuisine in our food guide.

Activity and Excursion Prices

The Maldives offers incredible marine experiences, and most come at an additional cost. Typical prices for popular activities include:

• Snorkelling trips: $30 to $80 per person from guesthouses, $50 to $150 from resorts
• Scuba diving: $60 to $100 per dive from local operators, $80 to $150 from resort dive centres
• Dolphin watching: $25 to $60 per person
• Fishing trips: $30 to $80 for sunset fishing, $100+ for big-game fishing
• Sandbank picnics: $40 to $100 per person
• Whale shark excursions: $80 to $150 from South Ari Atoll
• Manta ray trips: $60 to $120 depending on location

Booking excursions through local island guesthouses is almost always cheaper than booking through a resort. The experience is often identical since many operators serve both markets.

Transport Costs

Getting around the Maldives adds a significant cost to your trip. The type of transfer you need depends on where you are staying. See our detailed getting around guide for full information.

• Public ferries: $1 to $5 per trip. The cheapest option but slow and limited schedules. Read more in our ferries and speedboats guide.
• Speedboat transfers: $20 to $60 per person for nearby islands, $100 to $300+ for longer distances.
• Seaplane transfers: $300 to $600+ return per person. Required for many resorts beyond speedboat range. See our seaplane guide.
• Domestic flights: $100 to $300 return to regional airports like Hanimaadhoo or Fuvahmulah.
• Male taxi: $1.50 to $3 flat rate within the city.

Budget Breakdown by Travel Style

Here is a rough daily budget per person based on three travel styles. These figures assume double occupancy and exclude international flights.

Budget: $80 to $150 per day

Stay in guesthouses on local islands, eat at local cafes, use public ferries, and book excursions through guesthouse operators. Islands like Maafushi, Thulusdhoo, and Rasdhoo are popular budget destinations. See our detailed Maldives on a budget guide for more strategies.

Mid-Range: $300 to $600 per day

Stay at a mid-tier resort or upscale guesthouse, enjoy half-board meals, take speedboat transfers, and book a few excursions. A mix of local island and resort nights can stretch this budget further.

Luxury: $800 to $3,000+ per day

Stay at a premium resort in an overwater villa, dine on all-inclusive plans, arrive by seaplane, and enjoy spa treatments, private excursions, and personalised service. The sky is truly the limit.

Tips for Saving Money

Even in one of the world's most expensive destinations, there are practical ways to reduce costs without sacrificing the experience.

• Travel in the off-season: May to November (the wet season) offers significantly lower prices at resorts and guesthouses. See our best time to visit guide.
• Book direct: Many guesthouses and smaller resorts offer better rates when you book directly rather than through third-party platforms.
• Compare meal plans: Calculate whether a meal plan saves money compared to ordering a la carte. For resorts, half-board is often the sweet spot.
• Mix local and resort stays: Spend part of your trip on a local island and part at a resort to balance the budget.
• Bring your own snorkel gear: Rental fees of $10 to $20 per day add up quickly. Check our packing guide.
• Use USD: The Maldives accepts US dollars widely, and you avoid unfavourable exchange rates. Read more about payment methods.
• Tipping is optional but appreciated: Budget $5 to $10 per day for tipping at resorts if you choose to tip.