Maldives · tool
How much does Malé cost?
Daily budget breakdown across three tiers — so you can realistically plan your Malé trip before you book anything.
Photo by Mike Swigunski on Unsplash
Malé, Maldives travel budget
Realistic daily cost per person across three spending tiers. All figures in USD.
Budget
$70–$130
per day
Hostels, street food, public transit
Accommodation
$25–$45
Guesthouse on Malé or Hulhumalé, or a budget guesthouse on a local island accessible by public ferry.
Food
$15–$30
Street food, local cafes ('hotaa') in Malé, and self-catering if available.
Transport
$5–$15
Public ferries between islands, local buses within Malé and Hulhumalé, and walking.
Activities
$10–$20
Exploring local markets, public beaches, and free walking tours.
Misc
$15–$20
Souvenirs, bottled water, and incidentals.
Mid-range
$200–$400
per day
3-star hotels, mix of restaurants, some taxis
Accommodation
$100–$200
Mid-range hotel in Malé or Hulhumalé, or a comfortable guesthouse on a more developed local island.
Food
$40–$80
Mix of local restaurants and tourist-oriented cafes and mid-range eateries.
Transport
$20–$50
Taxis within Malé, speedboats for inter-island travel, and occasional resort day passes via shared transfers.
Activities
$30–$50
Snorkeling trips, diving excursions, island hopping tours, and visiting historical sites.
Misc
$10–$20
Snacks, drinks, and small purchases.
Luxury
$600–$1700
per day
4-5 star hotels, premium dining, private transfers
Accommodation
$350–$1000
Luxury resort (overwater villa or beachfront suite) or a high-end hotel in Malé.
Food
$100–$300
Fine dining at resort restaurants, private beach dinners, and gourmet experiences.
Transport
$50–$150
Private speedboat transfers, seaplane transfers, and chauffeured services.
Activities
$50–$150
Private diving or snorkeling charters, spa treatments, sunset cruises, and water sports.
Misc
$50–$100
Premium beverages, exclusive souvenirs, and personal services.
Destination-specific money tips
- •US Dollars are widely accepted and often preferred over Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) in tourist areas and resorts. Always check if prices are in USD or MVR.
- •ATMs are available in Malé and on some larger local islands, but withdrawal fees can be high. Consider withdrawing larger amounts at once.
- •While tipping is not mandatory, a service charge of 10% is often included in bills at hotels and restaurants. Additional tipping for exceptional service is appreciated.
- •Importing alcohol is prohibited, but available at resorts. Be aware of customs regulations.
- •Many local islands have restrictions on public displays of affection and dress codes; respect these to avoid issues.