If you’re planning a tropical escape, you’re probably asking: how much is a trip to the Maldives? On average, a one-week trip to the Maldives costs $2,500–$5,000 per person. Budget travelers staying on local islands can do a week from about $1,800, while premium overwater-villa honeymoons often run $8,000–$10,000 per couple per week. Your trip to Maldives cost hinges on where you stay (guesthouse vs private-island resort), whether you choose an all inclusive trip to Maldives, and how far you’re flying.
Average Trip to Maldives Costs
| Duration | Budget Traveler | Mid-Range Traveler | Luxury Traveler |
| 1 week | $1,800 – $2,500 | $3,000 – $5,000 | $7,000+ |
| 2 weeks | $3,000 – $4,200 | $5,500 – $8,000 | $12,000+ |
| 3 weeks | $4,500 – $6,000 | $8,000 – $11,000 | $18,000+ |
How Much Is a Trip to the Maldives from the US
Flights are the largest variable for Americans. Round trips from New York or Los Angeles to Malé (MLE) typically cost $1,200–$1,800 with one or two layovers. A realistic one-week total for US travelers is $2,500–$3,500 on a budget and $4,500–$6,000 mid-range.
| Duration | Budget Traveler | Mid-Range Traveler | Luxury Traveler |
| 1 week | $2,500 – $3,500 | $4,500 – $6,000 | $9,000+ |
| 2 weeks | $4,000 – $5,800 | $6,500 – $9,000 | $14,000+ |
Flights to the Maldives
| Origin Region | Typical Round Trip |
| US (East/West Coast) | $1,200 – $1,800 |
| Europe (major hubs) | $700 – $1,000 |
| Middle East | $400 – $700 |
| South/Southeast Asia | $250 – $600 |
High season (December–April) brings pricier fares; shoulder months (May, November) are better value; low season (June–October) can be 15–30% cheaper. Popular carriers include Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Turkish Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and SriLankan.
Best Time to Visit the Maldives
| Season | Weather & Experience | Price Trend |
| Dec–Apr (High) | Sunniest, driest, best for snorkeling/diving | Highest hotel and flight prices |
| May & Nov (Shoulder) | Mixed sun/showers, good visibility | Moderate prices, fewer crowds |
| Jun–Oct (Low) | More rain but many clear stretches | Lowest prices, best deals on villas |
Accommodation Costs in the Maldives
- Guesthouses on local islands (e.g., Maafushi, Dhigurah): $80–$150 per night
- Mid-range hotels: $200–$400 per night
- 4-star resort islands: $500–$800 per night
- 5-star luxury overwater villas: $1,000–$2,500 per night
All inclusive trip to Maldives options can simplify budgeting but check what’s included (alcohol, premium restaurants, excursions). For couples, how much is a trip to the Maldives for 2 for one week? Mid-range: $6,000–$8,000; luxury overwater-villa honeymoons: $9,000–$12,000.
Regional Price Variations
- Local islands near Malé (Maafushi, Hulhumalé): most affordable stays and meals
- South Ari Atoll (Dhigurah): great whale-shark snorkeling, mid-range prices
- North Male / Baa / Raa atolls: more luxe inventory, higher transfer costs
- Ultra-premium private islands (e.g., Soneva/Jumeirah): top-tier rates
Food and Drink Costs
Daily food budget per person
- Budget: $20–$35 (local cafés, set meals)
- Mid-range: $40–$80 (resort buffets, à la carte)
- Luxury: $100–$200+ (fine dining, specialty venues)
Typical prices
- Local café meal: $8–$15
- Resort buffet/à la carte: $40–$100
- Coffee/soft drink: $3–$6
- Cocktails/wine (resorts/liveaboards): $15–$25
Transportation and Transfers
| Mode | Typical Cost | Notes |
| Public ferry | $3 – $10 | Cheapest between local islands (limited schedules) |
| Speedboat | $30 – $100 pp one way | Common for resorts near Malé |
| Seaplane | $300 – $600 pp round trip | For distant atolls; spectacular views |
| Taxi (Malé/Hulhumalé) | $2 – $5 short ride | Fixed zone fares |
| Bike rental (local islands) | $5 – $10 per day | Affordable, easy for short distances |
Transfers can be a hidden 10–20% of your total budget. Always confirm if your resort price includes transfers.
Activities and Attractions in the Maldives
- Guided house-reef snorkeling: $25–$50
- Scuba dive (per tank, excluding gear): $70–$120
- Whale shark or manta excursion: $80–$150
- Sunset dolphin cruise: $50–$100
- Sandbank picnic/private island day: $150–$300
- Spa treatments: $100–$250
- Underwater restaurant experience: $150+ per person
- Non-motorized watersports (kayak/paddle): often free at resorts; motorized $40–$120
Hidden Costs People Forget
- Seaplane/speedboat transfers not included in some packages
- 10% service charge + 12% GST added to most resort bills
- Premium alcohol and imported snacks are expensive on resorts
- Dive insurance or activity surcharges
- SIM card/data or resort Wi-Fi fees in some properties
- Gratuities for staff and guides (while not mandatory, appreciated)
Sample Itineraries and Costs
How much is a trip to the Maldives for a week (budget, local islands)
- Guesthouse: $700
- Meals: $250
- Ferries/speedboats: $100
- Activities: $250
- Flights (EU or ME average): $700
- Total: ~$2,000 per person
Mid-range 1-week (resort + local mix)
- Hotel/resort: $1,200
- Meals/drinks: $500
- Transfers: $300
- Activities: $400
- Flights (US–MLE average): $1,200
- Total: ~$3,600 per person
Luxury 1-week honeymoon trip to Maldives (overwater villa)
- Villa: $5,000
- All-inclusive meals/drinks: $1,500
- Seaplane: $600
- Spa/excursions: $800
- Flights (US average): $1,500
- Total: ~$9,400 per couple
Money-Saving Tips
- Travel in shoulder season for 20–30% lower rates
- Choose half-board instead of full all-inclusive if you don’t drink much alcohol
- Mix stays: split between a few nights in an overwater villa and the rest in a beach villa or local guesthouse
- Bring snorkel gear to avoid rental fees
- Verify whether transfers are included before booking
- Compare the resort’s direct offers vs OTAs for meal/transfer bundles
Honeymoon Trip to Maldives
A honeymoon trip to Maldives typically runs $6,000–$10,000 per couple for one week, depending on villa category and board plan. For picture-perfect weather, aim for January–April. Resorts like Baros, Kuramathi, Milaidhoo, Conrad Rangali, and Gili Lankanfushi are perennial honeymoon favorites with private dining, sunset cruises, and spa packages. If you need to how to plan honeymoon trip to Maldives efficiently, prioritize your villa type first, then select a meal plan that fits your dining style.
Family or Group Travel
Families do well on larger islands with kids’ clubs and multiple restaurants. Expect $7,000–$10,000 for a week for four with mid-range dining and a couple of excursions. Apartment layouts or connecting beach villas can reduce costs, and some resorts include complimentary non-motorized watersports.
Radical Storage: Stress-Free Travel in the Maldives
If you arrive early in Malé or face a long wait before your transfer, storing luggage can make your day far easier. With Radical Storage, you can drop bags at verified local businesses in Malé and explore hands-free until your boat or seaplane is ready. Each booking is secure and insured.
Conclusion
So, how much is a trip to the Maldives? A typical one-week mid-range vacation costs $3,000–$5,000 per person, while a budget guesthouse trip can be done for about $2,000 and a luxury overwater-villa stay often tops $9,000 per couple. By choosing the right season, board plan, and transfer type, your trip to the Maldives can match your budget without sacrificing the bucket-list experience.
FAQs about a Trip to the Maldives
Most travelers spend $2,500–$5,000 per person for one week, with the big variables being flights, resort category, and transfers. Guesthouse stays and shoulder-season travel can trim costs dramatically, while premium overwater villas and seaplanes increase the total.
It has a luxury reputation, but travelers willing to stay on local islands and use public ferries can keep costs modest. The biggest price spikes come from resort dining, alcohol, and seaplane transfers, so choosing half-board and nearby islands helps control spend.
Expect $2,000 on a tight budget (guesthouse + public ferries) and $3,000–$5,000 mid-range (resort + speedboat). Luxury one-week trips, particularly in high season and in overwater villas, can exceed $7,000 per person when you add spa treatments and premium dining.
Decide on island type first (local vs resort), then check transfer logistics and whether meals are included. For best weather and prices, aim for shoulder months and compare packages that bundle meals and transfers to avoid surprise add-ons at checkout.
Base yourself on a local island with a reputable guesthouse, use public ferries, and bring your own snorkel gear. Book a couple of day trips for reefs or sandbanks rather than paying for a full-time luxury resort, and you’ll still enjoy the iconic lagoons and beaches.
Most nationalities receive a free 30-day visa on arrival, but always confirm the latest entry rules before flying. Keep proof of onward travel, accommodation details, and sufficient funds available during immigration.
References and Useful Sources
- Visit Maldives – Official Tourism Site
- Skyscanner – Flights to Maldives
- Numbeo – Cost of Living in Maldives