Maldives Travel Budget - Visit Maldives on a Budget or Travel in Style


The Maldives is a fun country that's famous for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. We've got the ultimate travel cost guide to make sure your adventure is incredible and affordable. Dive into average costs for hotels, food, activities, sightseeing, and transportation. We'll cover all the essentials for a wallet-friendly trip.

How much does it cost to travel to the Maldives?

You should plan to spend around $351 (MVR5,406) per day on your vacation in the Maldives. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $129 (MVR1,988) on meals
  • $139 (MVR2,140) on local transportation
  • $235 (MVR3,621) on hotels

A one week trip to the Maldives for two people costs, on average, $4,911 (MVR75,684). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $351
    MVR5,406
  • One Week Per person
    $2,456
    MVR37,842
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $4,911
    MVR75,684
  • One Month Per person
    $10,524
    MVR162,180
  • One Week For a couple
    $4,911
    MVR75,684
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $9,822
    MVR151,368
  • One Month For a couple
    $21,048
    MVR324,360
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to the Maldives cost?

A one week trip to the Maldives usually costs around $2,456 (MVR37,842) for one person and $4,911 (MVR75,684) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to the Maldives on average costs around $4,911 (MVR75,684) for one person and $9,822 (MVR151,368) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in the Maldives will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to the Maldives on average costs around $10,524 (MVR162,180) for one person and $21,048 (MVR324,360) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




How much do package tours cost in the Maldives?

Organized tours are usually more expensive than independent travel, but offer convenience and peace of mind that your trip has been planned by a travel expert.

The average price for an organized tour package in the Maldives is $292 per day. While every tour varies by total price, length, number of destinations, and quality, this is the daily average price based on our analysis of available guided tours.



Independent Travel

Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.

All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.

Is the Maldives expensive to visit?

The Maldives is a moderately priced destination to visit. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.

Within Asia, the Maldives is very expensive compared to the other countries. It is in the top 10% of countries in Asia for its travel costs. There are only a few countries as expensive or more expensive than the Maldives in the region.

The Maldives offers a great mix of sights and accommodations, making it a destination that works for travelers of all budgets and preferences. Whether you're traveling on a budget or ready to indulge, there are hotel options for you, with luxury choices for affluent guests and mid-range options for families and couples.

It's true that the Maldives can be expensive, but eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities can help you make the most of your money.

On average, budget travelers spend $142 (MVR2,181) per person per day, mid-range travelers spend $351 (MVR5,406) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $850 (MVR13,086) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to the Maldives.

For more details, see Is the Maldives Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to the Maldives?

The average Maldives trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Maldives travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to the Maldives cost?

the Maldives on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
$48
(MVR739)
$117
(MVR1,811)
$274
(MVR4,227)
Local Transportation 1 $55
(MVR855)
$139
(MVR2,140)
$342
(MVR5,278)
Food 2 $50
(MVR773)
$129
(MVR1,988)
$338
(MVR5,202)
Entertainment 1 $16
(MVR247)
$37
(MVR564)
$70
(MVR1,077)
Alcohol 2 $7-22
(MVR115-345)
$17-51
(MVR263-789)
$33-98
(MVR502-1,507)
From real travelers - How these numbers are calculated
The Maldives The Maldives

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

Having a realistic perspective on your travel budget is very important. While many like to think of themselves as "budget" travelers, most people are not prepared for the discomfort and lack of amenities that come with traveling on a shoestring budget. Consider what you really love about travel and thinkg about your previous travel experiences. Are you more inclined to stay in hostels, or do you prefer more comfortable hotels, resorts, or vacation rentals? Is dining out a priority for you? Do you want to visit the major sights and attractions? Your answers to these questions will shape your overall travel budget significantly.

What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?

Many travelers hear that exploring the Maldives can be done for $142 a day, but if you want to keep some comforts, expect to pay a lot more.

Backpackers might find a way to travel around on that tight budget, but that usually means dorm stays in hostels, eating at budget-friendly restaurants or fast food places, using public transport or walking, and focusing on free attractions.

Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?

Couples or families on vacation will probably choose mid-range hotels, popular dining spots, and visits to major museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Most visitors to the Maldives will want to visit the major attractions, sights, and landmarks. Since most activities have a cost, you should realisticly plan for your budget to be closer to $351 per person, per day.

the Maldives has tons of hotels and vacation rentals available. If you're traveling with a group or family, sharing accommodations with a partner, friend, or your family will cut back on the daily per-person budget. Popular family-friendly destinations like Male and Maafushi offer hotels and restaurants that cater specifically to kids. For a family-friendly stay, consider Sala Boutique Hotel in Male or Kaani Beach Hotel in Maafushi. You can discover more family and couples options in our hotel guide for the Maldives here.

Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?

If you're planning a vacation with all the finer things in life, prepare for a budget that can reach $850 per day. If you want upscale hotels, world-class dining, premium excursions, and private drivers, this will put you firmly in the "luxury" category. Some of the more high-priced destinations include the major cities and resort areas. Another option would be to splurge on a multi-day high-end tour that takes care of everything for you, such as Luxury Maldives beach and water villa experience, ALL INCLUSIVE - offered by Payless tours india.

Accommodation Budget in the Maldives

The variety of accommodation prices in the Maldives can be surprising. Some areas and hotels are much more expensive than others, and prices soar during peak season. You'll save more if you visit in the off-season or book in advance.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in the Maldives for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $235 (MVR3,621). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $117 (MVR1,811) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.


  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $117
    MVR1,811
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $235
    MVR3,621

Hotels in the Maldives

Looking for a hotel in the Maldives? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in the Maldives

The average hotel room price in the Maldives based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $333 in the low season and $621 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)


Recommended Properties


Local Transportation Budget in the Maldives

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $139 (MVR2,140) per person, per day, on local transportation in the Maldives. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in the Maldives is significantly more than public transportation.


  • Local Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $139
    MVR2,140
Local Transportation Tips

Recommended Services


Food Budget in the Maldives

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in the Maldives can vary significantly, the average cost of food in the Maldives is $129 (MVR1,988) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.


  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $129
    MVR1,988

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in the Maldives is around $129 (MVR1988) per person, with previous travelers spending from $50 to $338. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in the Maldives are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $23 to $39
  • Lunch: $19 to $65
  • Dinner: $45 to $103
  • Coffee: $12
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $21

As far as the resorts go, breakfast is almost always included and visitors can opt to purchase package deals that can include lunch and/or dinner buffet. (Check out Dhigurah Island Beach and Diving Resort if you're looking for one of the nicer places to stay.) Typically the food here is European or Asian to meet the expectations of guests, but there are options outside of the resorts that will have a wider range of local offerings. Being an island nation, the Maldives mainly serves up cuisine that revolves around fish (mas), drawing heavily from Sri Lankan and south Indian traditions. Tuna (kandu mas), in particular, is widely used, and dishes are often hot and spicy, served with rice, and flavored with coconut. Curries (riha) are also popular and usually served with roshi (unleavened bread) and other local flatbreads. A few additional Maldivian specialties include:

mas huni: a common Maldivian breakfast that consists of shredded smoked fish with grated coconuts and onions

fihunu mas: barbequed fish, basted with chili

bambukeylu hiti: breadfruit curry (breadfruit is from a flowering South Pacific tree, potato-like in flavor)

hedhikaa: snacks that are usually fish-based and deep-fried

bajiya: a pastry stuffed with fish, coconut, and onions

gulha: pastry balls stuffed with smoked fish

keemia: deep-fried fish rolls

kulhi borkibaa: spicy fish cake

masroshi: mas huni (see above) wrapped in roshi bread and baked

theluli mas: fried fish cooked with chili and garlic

Food & Dining Tips

Traveling with kids? Look for restaurants that have a dedicated kids menu. This can help you save some cash since those meals are often cheaper. Additionally, some restaurants might not list the childrens' options, so don't forget to ask the waiter first.

Many hotels have breakfast included in the room rate, while some charge for it separately. The cost and quality of breakfast can differ from hotel to hotel. Being aware of this ahead of time can help you choose whether to enjoy the hotel buffet or opt for a more affordable option at a nearby bakery or café.

Opt to carry a water bottle with you instead of splurging on drinks all the time. It's a choice that benefits the environment too.

If you're organizing a tour, take the time to find out which meals are included ahead of time. Having to pay for some of your meals can increase your total expenses.



Sightseeing and Activities Budget in the Maldives

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in the Maldives typically cost an average of $37 (MVR564) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.


  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $37
    MVR564
Sightseeing Tips

Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore the Maldives. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Half-Day Original Eco Tour to Villimale From Malé for $85 details
  • Full Day Maldives Adventure for $280 details
  • Male' City Tour - Language options (English/Spanish/French/Italian) for $40 details
  • Maafushi Parasailing Experience for $145 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in the Maldives

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $34 (MVR526) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in the Maldives per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.


  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $34
    MVR526
Nightlife Tips

Nightlife can be fun, but trimming your drink expenses can make a big difference in your travel savings.



Travel Costs Last Updated: Dec 22, 2024

Budgeting and Travel Tips

  • Tourism in the Maldives really takes off during the summer months, and with that surge in visitors comes a spike in prices. Hotels fill up fast, and you'll notice accommodation and activity costs climb as demand goes up. If you're hoping to keep your travel expenses in check, it's smarter to visit in the shoulder or low seasons when there's less hustle, and prices are much more reasonable.

Budgeting Challenges

  • The Maldives doesn't have a ton of hostels, so if you're a budget traveler expecting to stay in cheap dorms, be prepared for a bit of a surprise.


Traveling in the Maldives
Maldives The Maldives

The Maldives is a tropical nation located in the Indian Ocean, consisting of ring-like coral islands or atolls. It is a popular destination for honeymooners, as well as for visitors interested in scuba diving or snorkeling explorations along the unique reef ecosystem.

At a Glance
The Maldives consist of 20 administrative atoll groups, only ten of which are open to tourism. The naming of these groups are complex as they have traditional names as well as code names that are easier to remember and used most often by tourists. The 10 that are open to tourism include Lhaviyani (Faadhihpolhu), Raa (Maalhosmadulu Uthuruburi), Baa (Maalhosmadulu Dhekunuburi), Kaafu (North and South Male Atoll), Alifu (Ari), Vaavu (Felidhu), Meemu (Mulak), Faafu (Nilandhe Atholhu Uthuruburi), Dhaalu (Nilandhe Atholhu Dhekunuburi), and Seenu (Addu). The code names, most used by the general public, are listed in bold. Of these ten, Kaafu is the most popular and most developed with tourism. It is home to the capital (Male), the airport island (Hulhule), and most Maldivian resorts. The second most popular group of atolls is Alifu, located just to the west of Kaafu. Here there are many additional resorts that can be reached by seaplane in 20-30 minutes, or speed boats, which take several hours. Seenu is the southernmost atoll group, which is home to Gan International Airport, and has a series of four islands connected by a causeway. The second largest city in the Maldives is also located here. The remaining atoll groups, which are not open to tourists, consist of Gaafu Alifu, Gaafu Dhaalu, Gnaviyani, Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu, Laamu, Nyavinani, Seenu, Shaviyani, and Thaa.

Many people flock to the Maldives to enjoy the serenity of their own personal water bungalow at one of the main resort destinations.

The next most popular activities are scuba diving and snorkeling. Since the islands are actually coral reefs, located far away from any mainland, the water is crystal clear and the underwater wildlife is abundant. Prices for diving excursions vary from resort to resort, but generally can range between $50-$100 USD, depending on whether or not you have your own gear, boat usage, guides, etc. Another option is to stay on a Liveaboard dive boat in the Maldives for several days. This way you can have all of your meals and sleep on the boat. Then, you just spend the entire time scuba diving whereever the boat takes you. For more information, check out this guide to the best liveaboards in the Maldives.

Surfing is another popular activity during a visit to the Maldives. The best period for surfing here is between March and October, with the biggest waves occurring in June, July, and August. The unique setting of the Maldives' turquoise waters has become a draw for surfers, divers, snorkelers, swimmers, sunbathers, and honeymooners alike.

Top Tourist Attractions

While Kaafu and Alifu are the most popular atolls for tourists seeking out a tranquil bungalow escape, there are several other locations throughout the tropical nation that are frequented for different reasons. Hanifaru Bay, for example, in the Baa atoll is one of the Maldives' most famous marine sites. Especially notable is one of the largest seasonal gatherings of manta rays in the world. Whale sharks are also seen seasonally, especially during monsoon when many species gather to feed on plankton that have washed into the lagoon. Another noteworthy site within Baa is the Blue Hole, which is very popular with snorkelers and scuba divers, who have the opportunity to experience a coral-lined underwater chimney that gradually narrows from 22 meters to seven meters. As a whole, the Baa atoll is an UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, meaning its waters are protected, which has allowed for an abundance of more than 200 species of coral and over 1,000 species of reef fish.



We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.