Cost to Travel in the Maldives, Our 2024 Budget breakdown

Introduction

Hey everyone! In this article, we’re breaking down exactly what it costs to travel in the Maldives—sharing our Cost to Travel in the Maldives and all the little details that helped us enjoy paradise without breaking the bank.

We absolutely loved our time there, and without a doubt, it’s a destination we’d return to in a heartbeat. Traveling in the Maldives was surprisingly smooth—locals were kind, public islands were affordable, and the landscapes were simply breathtaking. From cheap resorts in the Maldives to stunning excursions, it’s a destination that fits more budgets than you might expect.

Many people assume it’s impossible to take a cheap trip to the Maldives, but with the right planning, you can absolutely experience the best of the islands while sticking to a reasonable budget. Our itinerary took us to two public islands: Maafushi, the most budget-friendly and accessible, and Dhigurah, a peaceful paradise that felt like our little slice of heaven.

With 26 atolls and nearly 1,200 islands (only 187 inhabited), the Maldives is one of the most unique destinations in the world—and it’s the smallest country in Asia, both in size and population. That said, it’s also one of the most dream-worthy.

We spent 6 days exploring the islands, and if you’re looking for a cheap trip to the Maldives or wondering if there’s such a thing as an affordable resort in the Maldives, this guide is for you. We started in Dhigurah and then went to Maafushi, but if you’re trying to reduce transport costs, we’d recommend doing it the other way around.

Throughout our trip, we never felt restricted by budget. On the contrary, we discovered that the cost to travel in the Maldives can be manageable, even with beautiful excursions, delicious food, and dreamy beaches.

So let’s dive into our full budget breakdown to show you how you can experience this incredible country affordably

Read: The perfect 6-day Maldives Itinerary on a budget

What’s included in our budget

Our cost to travel in the Maldives and complete budget breakdown covers everything we spent during our 6-day adventure—accommodation, transportation within the country, food, activities, and other side expenses.

We haven’t included international flights to the Maldives (Maldives flight cost), as airfare can vary greatly depending on where you’re flying from and the time of year. Instead, we focused on what you’ll actually spend once you’re on the islands.

All prices shared are for two people, as we travelled as a couple. It’s also worth noting that most of our payments in the Maldives were made in US dollars (USD), though a few small purchases were in Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR)—you’ll see both currencies reflected, with all totals shown in euros (€) for consistency.

Whether you’re planning a cheap trip to the Maldives or simply want to know if an affordable resort in Maldives is within reach, this guide gives you a realistic look at what to expect budget-wise.

Here are all your hotel options in Maafushi and in Dhigurah

Our complete itinerary

To give you some perspective, here’s our original Maldives itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrive at Malé International Airport and take a speedboat to Dhigurah
• Day 2: Full-day snorkeling trip to see manta rays and whale sharks
• Day 3: Relax on Dhigurah’s stunning beaches, snorkel, and explore the island
• Day 4: Transfer to Maafushi and discover the island
• Day 5: Join a full-day tour to swim with nurse sharks, stingrays, enjoy lunch on a sandbank, and snorkel
• Day 6: Final swim in the Maldivian waters before heading back to Malé Airport

That’s the trip we did—but if you’re looking to reduce the cost to travel in the Maldives and make the most of your time, we’d suggest the following, more optimized route. Not only is it a more efficient Maldives trip itinerary, but it also saves you on transportation costs and fits perfectly with a cheap trip to the Maldives:

• Day 1: Arrive in Malé and take a speedboat to Maafushi. Spend the afternoon exploring the island.
• Day 2: Take the popular full-day tour to see nurse sharks, stingrays, snorkel, and enjoy a sandbank lunch.
• Day 3: Join the manta and whale shark snorkeling tour, which also transfers you to Dhigurah—saving time and money.
• Day 4: Chill on Dhigurah’s incredible bikini beach, go snorkeling, and enjoy the laid-back vibe.
• Day 5: Bike to the tip of Dhigurah, enjoy brunch, and relax at the beach.
• Day 6: Have one last swim before heading to the airport via speedboat.

This improved route is ideal for anyone looking for a cheap trip to the Maldives without sacrificing unforgettable experiences or staying at a budget resort in the Maldives.

We usually travel with Airalo eSIMs, but when we need unlimited data for work, we go with Holafly.

Maldives hotel price

We booked all our accommodations for this Maldives trip itinerary through booking.com., which had a wide range of options—from boutique hotels to charming local stays. What stood out to us was the incredible hospitality, especially on Dhigurah, where the welcome felt personal and genuine. In contrast, Maafushi felt more like a tourist hub, with staff primarily from India and Sri Lanka.

We aimed to keep our Maldives hotel price within a mid-range budget, targeting accommodations between €80 and €125 per night. Unsurprisingly, Dhigurah—being a more secluded island with fewer options—was a little pricier, but the quality and tranquility made it absolutely worth it. On the other hand, Maafushi offered more options for a cheap trip to the Maldives, though some lacked the charm or views you’d want from an island escape.

Our Maldives hotel price:

• Dhigurah: 125 €/night
• Maafushi: 80 €/night

Even though we enjoyed our experience, we’d recommend slightly increasing your Maldives hotel price for Maafushi to around €100 per night if you’d like a room with a sea view or just a bit more comfort:

• Our total Maldives hotel price: €532 for 5 nights (for two people)
• Average Maldives hotel price per Night: ~€106
• With a slightly higher Maldives hotel price in Maafushi, expect around €575 total (~€115/night)

That’s still a fraction of the Maldives hotel price compared to a stay on a private island resort. Initially, we considered splurging on one of those postcard-perfect overwater villas for the full Maldives experience—but quickly realized the price tag:

• Private Island Half Board: ~$850 USD per night
• Full Board: ~$950 USD per night
• All-Inclusive: ~$1,100 USD per night

Unless you’re heading on a luxury honeymoon, those prices add up fast.

Recommended Stays for Every Budget:

• Maafushi: Triton Prestige Seaview
• Dhigurah: Seaside Dhigurah

If you’re looking for a cheap resort in Maldives or an affordable resort in Maldives that doesn’t compromise on experience, going the local island route like we did is the way to go. It’s the perfect balance between comfort and cost, proving that a cheap trip to Maldives is totally possible—without giving up on the dream.

Here are all your hotel options in Maafushi and in Dhigurah

Cost of Transportation in The Maldives

Transportation around the Maldives is straightforward but not always the most budget-friendly. Since the country is made up entirely of islands, you’ll rely on boats, domestic flights, or seaplanes to get around.

Still, if you plan it well, you can keep this part of your Maldives itinerary smooth and efficient without overspending. Here’s a breakdown of each option and what we paid during our trip:

Speedboats – The Most Affordable and Convenient Option

Speedboats are by far the most budget-friendly and common mode of transport in the Maldives. They’re fast, comfortable, and if you’re lucky—you might even spot dolphins along the way.

This is what we used throughout our trip and it’s also how locals get around. We always asked our accommodation to book the speedboat for us, usually a day in advance, and it was super easy and hassle-free. Plus, we paid directly to our guesthouse with no extra charges.

Here’s what it cost us:

• Male Airport ⇄ Dhigurah: $60 USD per person, per way
• Male Airport ⇄ Maafushi: $25 USD per person, per way

Important tip: There are no direct speedboats between Dhigurah and Maafushi. You would have to transit via Male, which adds cost and time. To save both, we recommend booking the Whale Shark Snorkeling Tour from Maafushi, which takes place near Dhigurah and allows you to be dropped off directly on Dhigurah afterward.

Domestic Flights

If you want to reach Dhigurah faster (or are coming from a different region), you can take a domestic flight from Male Airport to Maamigili Airport with Flyme (20 min), followed by a short 15-minute boat transfer to Dhigurah.

• Cost: $175 USD per person, per way

This is much faster but significantly more expensive, and you’ll still need to arrange the boat transfer on arrival.

Seaplane Transfers

The most scenic but priciest option is the seaplane from Male to South Ari Atoll, followed by a 10-minute boat ride to Dhigurah.

• Cost: $250 USD per person, one way

If you’re on a cheap trip to the Maldives, we don’t recommend this option—but it’s popular for those staying at luxury resorts or all-inclusive private islands.

On-Island Transportation

Once you’re on the island, things get easier and more affordable:

• Maafushi: The island is tiny—you can walk everywhere within minutes.
• Dhigurah: It’s much longer, but most accommodations offer complimentary bikes. If not, you can rent: $5 USD for 3 hours, $10 USD for 6 hours

Need a lift with luggage or late-night arrival? Your hotel can arrange a tuktuk-style electric vehicle for about $10 USD per ride (fits up to 4 people). Sometimes it is even included in the price.

Our Total Transportation Costs

Here’s what we spent during our Maldives trip:

• Male Airport → Dhigurah: $120 USD
• Dhigurah → Male Airport: $120 USD
• Male Airport → Maafushi: $50 USD
• Maafushi → Dhigurah (via Male): $50 USD
• Total: $340 USD (approx. €325 for two people)

Cost of food in the Maldives

When we travel, we often like to cook our own meals to keep costs down and make sure we can stick to a mostly whole food, plant-based diet. But in the Maldives, that wasn’t really an option—nor did we feel the need for it.

We didn’t cook a single meal during our trip. Breakfast was always included in our accommodations, and for lunch and dinner, we either dined in at our hotel or tried local restaurants.

And let us tell you—we loved the food in the Maldives. It was flavorful, fresh, and satisfying. While traveling we’re a bit more flexible with our diet, but even so, we had no trouble finding vegetarian or plant-based options on both islands.

Here are a few dishes we absolutely recommend trying:

• Vegetable noodles
• Vegetable curry
• Vegetable Kotu
• Mas Huni (shredded smoked tuna) or its delicious vegan version made with pumpkin

Despite being on remote islands, the food was surprisingly affordable. Prices were very similar on both Maafushi and Dhigurah, and a typical meal for two, including drinks, cost us between €24 and €35.

Including lunch, dinner, bottled water, drinks, and snacks (breakfast was always included in our stay), we spent a total of €186 for two during our 6-day trip.

That’s pretty good value—especially considering how expensive the Maldives is perceived to be. You don’t need to dine in luxury resorts to eat well here. Whether you’re on a cheap trip to the Maldives or just looking to keep your Maldives itinerary budget-friendly, eating local is the way to go.

Cost of Activities in The Maldives

Traveling to a new destination always means discovering new experiences—and the Maldives has no shortage of unforgettable ones. While most of the activities here are ocean-based, some can be done freely, while others require joining a tour.

Our favorite thing to do in Dhigurah was hands down the snorkeling around Turtle Beach. We spent the entire day on a little mission to find a turtle. It took time, but the reward of finally spotting one was totally worth it—and made the experience feel all the more special.

In Maafushi, we joined the popular Nurse Sharks & Stingrays full-day tour. While the nurse sharks themselves were impressive, the whole thing felt a bit too touristy for our taste—more like a “stand here, take a photo, next” kind of day. That said, the stingray encounter was incredible and ended up being the highlight of the day.

We also booked the Whale Shark and Manta tour, but unfortunately, we didn’t get lucky with the whale sharks. Wildlife can be unpredictable! Still, we enjoyed some fantastic snorkeling and even spotted our first blacktip reef shark—a moment we won’t forget.

Cost of Activities in the Maldives

One thing to note is that tour prices vary quite a lot depending on which island you’re on. Here’s what we paid for two people:

• Whale Shark & Manta Tour (from Dhigurah): 240 USD (Discounted from 300 USD as we didn’t see whale sharks)
• Nurse Sharks, Stingrays & Shipwreck Tour (from Maafushi): 150 USD

In total, our activities cost €368 for two, which we found reasonable considering the experience.

If you follow our recommended 6-day Maldives itinerary and start from Maafushi, here’s what you’d likely spend:

• Nurse Sharks & Stingrays Tour (from Maafushi): 150 USD
• Whale Shark & Manta Tour (from Maafushi): 200 USD

So around 350 USD for two, and worth every cent if you’re looking to enjoy the best of the ocean while keeping your Maldives trip itinerary within budget.

These types of excursions are a perfect way to elevate your cheap trip to the Maldives, all while experiencing the incredible marine life the country is known for.

Tip: We use the DJI Action 4 to film our vlogs — compact, durable, and perfect for capturing every adventure.

Other costs in the Maldives

VISA: Good news! For most nationalities, including Europeans, no pre-arranged visa is needed for the Maldives. Instead, you’ll just need to fill out a free online declaration form before arrival. It’s quick, easy, and hassle-free.

Souvenirs: We love to bring home a little something from every trip. This time, we kept it simple and picked up a fridge magnet—our go-to souvenir—which cost us €8.90. The Maldives isn’t known for big souvenir shopping, so don’t expect much beyond a few small shops and airport stands.

SIM Card & Internet: One of our least favorite travel tasks is dealing with SIM cards—figuring out which operator to choose, where to find a shop, and going through the whole registration process. That’s why, for trips where our regular SIM doesn’t offer coverage, we now use Airalo.

Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store, and it lets you install a digital SIM (eSIM) directly on your phone. No need to find a store or swap cards. For the Maldives, 30 GB costs €46.50—super convenient, especially if you want to stay connected right from the moment you land.

Travel Insurance: We didn’t take out separate travel insurance for this trip because our French credit card includes a full travel protection package. If something happens, we’re covered through that.

However, if your card doesn’t offer similar coverage, we highly recommend getting travel insurance. WorldNomads is a solid and trusted option, especially for adventurous destinations like the Maldives. It covers everything from medical emergencies to lost baggage and unexpected cancellations.

Tip: We never travel without our DJI Mini 3 PRO drone anymore — it’s totally worth having to capture places from a whole new perspective.

Total Cost of our trip in The Maldives

After 6 incredible days in the Maldives, our total cost came to €1,422 for two people, which is approximately €255 per day. And yes, that includes everything—accommodation, transportation, food, activities, and even little extras.

Here’s how the cost to travel in the Maldives breaks down:

• Accommodation: Total: €532 for 6 nights, Per person: €266, Average: €106 per night for two
• Transportation: Total: €325, Per person: €162.50
•  Food: Total: €186, Per person: €93, Average: €31 per day
• Activities & Tours: Total: €368, Per person: €184
• Other expenses: Total: €8.90

Grand Total: €1,422 for two people, Or €711 per person, €255 per day (for two)

Can it be even cheaper?

Yes! By optimizing your Maldives trip the way we recommend (starting in Maafushi and transferring to Dhigurah via the whale shark tour), you can reduce both transportation and tour costs.

That would bring your trip to around €1,255 for two people, or just about €209 per day—a pretty cheap trip to the Maldives considering how dreamy the destination is.

And when you compare that to €850–1,100 per night for a private resort, this version of paradise becomes not just possible—but incredibly affordable.

Read: The perfect 6-day Maldives Itinerary on a budget