How Much Does a Trip to the Maldives Cost? (Complete Budget Guide)

The Maldives is a dream destination known for turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and luxurious overwater villas. Whether you’re looking for an affordable getaway or a luxury escape, it’s important to understand the total cost of a Maldives trip before you start planning.

In this guide, we’ll break down flight costs, accommodation prices, food expenses, and transportation fees, helping you estimate your total Maldives travel budget.

✈️ How much do flights to the Maldives Cost?
🏝️ What’s the cost of staying at a resort or hotel?
🍽️ How much should you budget for food and activities?

Let’s dive into everything you need to know!

Where Do You Fly Into in the Maldives?

The main international airport in the Maldives is Velana International Airport (MLE), located near MalΓ©, the capital city. Some travelers from Europe may also arrive at Gan International Airport (GAN) in the Addu Atoll.

The cost of flights varies based on your departure city, season, and airline.

Departure City
Economy Class
Business Class
Flight Duration
Florida (USA)
$1,800
$3,495
~19 hrs
Los Angeles (USA)
$1,200
$4,000
~20 hrs
San Francisco (USA)
$1,385
$3,500
~21 hrs
London (UK)
$900
$3,200
~10 hrs
Dubai (UAE)
$500
$2,200
~4 hrs

πŸ’‘ Best Ways to Save on Flights:
βœ… Book flights 3-6 months in advance for the best deals.
βœ… Use fare comparison tools like Skyscanner or Google Flights.
βœ… Fly from nearby hubs like Dubai or Singapore for cheaper tickets.

How Much Do Hotels & Resorts Cost in the Maldives?

The Maldives offers accommodation options for every budget, from luxury resorts to budget guesthouses on local islands.

πŸ’Ž Luxury Resorts ($900 – $2,500 per night)

If you’re looking for a premium overwater villa experience, consider:

🏝️ Baros Maldives – From $900/night
🏝️ Constance Moofushi Maldives – From $1,000/night
🏝️ Four Seasons Resort at Landaa Giraavaru – From $2,200/night

Luxury resorts often include all-inclusive packages, private pools, and exclusive access to white sandy beaches.

🌴Mid-Range Resorts ($250 – $500 per night)

If you want comfort at a lower price, try:

βœ… Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives – From $250/night
βœ… Paradise Island Resort & Spa – From $313/night
βœ… Kurumba Maldives – From $250/night

Mid-range resorts offer great amenities like private beaches, pools, and spa services without the high-end price tag.

🏑Budget Guesthouses ($25 – $100 per night)

For a budget-friendly Maldives trip, stay in guesthouses on local islands like Maafushi or Thulusdhoo.

πŸ’‘ Budget Tip: Local island guesthouses cost as little as $25 per night, making the Maldives surprisingly affordable for budget travelers!

How Much Does Food Cost in the Maldives?

The cost of food depends on where you eat. Resorts charge higher prices, while local island restaurants offer affordable meals.

πŸ’‘ How to Save on Food:
βœ… Stay on a local island and eat at local restaurants.
βœ… Choose all-inclusive resort packages to save on meal costs.
βœ… Buy snacks & drinks at supermarkets instead of ordering from hotels.

Dining Option
Estimated Cost Per Meal
🍽️ Luxury Resort Restaurants
$60+ per person
🏝️ Mid-Range Restaurants
$30–$50 per person
πŸ› Local Island Restaurants
$10–$20 per person
πŸ›’ Supermarket Meals
$5–$10 per meal

How Much Do Transportation & Activities Cost?

Transportation in the Maldives

The Maldives has multiple transport options, including ferries, speedboats, seaplanes, and yachts.

Transport Type
Cost Estimate
Best For
πŸš• Taxi (Male City)
$1.30–$2 per ride
City travel
🚌 Bus (Male-Hulhumale)
$0.20–$1.30
Budget transport
⛴️ Ferry (Inter-island)
$2–$5
Cheap island hopping
🚀 Speedboat
Up to $228
Faster transfers
✈️ Seaplane
$228–$456 per trip
Quick resort access

πŸ’‘ Budget Tip: Use public ferries instead of speedboats to save money!

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Best Time to Visit the Maldives for the Best Prices

The Maldives has two main seasons:

β˜€οΈ Dry Season (Nov–Apr) – Best weather, but highest prices πŸ’²πŸ’²πŸ’²
🌧️ Wet Season (May–Oct) – Cheaper hotels & flights, but some rain πŸ’²

πŸ’‘ When to Visit for the Best Deals:
βœ… April & November – Best balance of weather & cost
βœ… May to October – Cheapest prices (but more rain)
βœ… December to March – High season, highest prices

How Much Money Do You Need for a Maldives Trip?

Here’s a one-week budget estimate per person:

Budget Type
Estimated Cost (1 Week)
🏝️ Budget Traveler (Guesthouses + Ferries + Local Food)
$1,500 – $2,000
🌴 Mid-Range Traveler (3-Star Resorts + Some Speedboats)
$2,500 – $4,000
πŸ’Ž Luxury Traveler (5-Star Resorts + Seaplanes + Private Dining)
$6,000 – $10,000+

πŸ’‘ Money-Saving Hacks:
βœ” Book flights & hotels in advance for discounts.
βœ” Stay on local islands for budget-friendly options.
βœ” Use ferries instead of speedboats for island transfers.

Final Thoughts: Is the Maldives Expensive?

A Maldives trip can be as expensive or as affordable as you want! While luxury travelers can spend $10,000+, budget travelers can enjoy the Maldives for under $2,000.

🌍 Find the Best Maldives Flight & Hotel Deals: Click Here

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