How much does the Maldives cost?
The Maldives has two very different price worlds. Private-island resorts are famously expensive, while inhabited "local islands" like Maafushi, Thulusdhoo, Dhigurah and Fulidhoo make the country surprisingly affordable for budget travellers.
The currency is the Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR), but US dollars are accepted almost everywhere and resorts price in USD. Cards work at resorts and most guesthouses; carry some cash for small cafes and ferries.
Daily budgets
- Budget (local island): 60 to 90 USD per day. Guesthouse room 35 to 60 USD, local cafe meals 4 to 8 USD, public ferry rides 2 to 4 USD.
- Mid-range: 150 to 300 USD per day. Better guesthouse or small hotel, a couple of excursions, speedboat transfers.
- Resort/luxury: 500 to 1,500+ USD per day. Overwater villas often start around 600 to 900 USD a night before the seaplane transfer.
Sample prices
- Local cafe "short eats" (snacks): 0.50 to 1 USD each
- Tuna curry with rice (local cafe): 4 to 7 USD
- Resort dinner per person: 60 to 120 USD
- Half-day snorkelling trip: 25 to 45 USD
- Sandbank or dolphin cruise: 30 to 60 USD
- Public ferry Male to Maafushi: about 2 to 3 USD
- Speedboat Male to Maafushi: 25 to 35 USD one way
- Seaplane transfer to a resort: 350 to 700 USD round trip
Money and cards
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted; bring some USD cash for tips, ferries and island shops. A green tax (3 to 6 USD per night) and service charges are added at most properties, so check whether quoted rates include them.
How to save
- Stay on local islands and visit resorts on a day pass instead of sleeping there.
- Take the public ferry instead of speedboats where schedules allow (they skip Fridays).
- Eat at local cafes, not tourist restaurants.
- Book excursions directly through your guesthouse to skip agency mark-ups.
- Travel in the wetter shoulder season (May to November) for lower room rates.
- Remember most local islands are dry: alcohol is only on resorts or floating bars.
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