Yes, the Maldives can be very expensive, but it does not have to be. The cost depends heavily on how you travel, where you stay, and what experiences you choose.

Why the Maldives has a reputation for being expensive

The Maldives is famous for luxury resorts, private islands, and overwater villas, which naturally come with high prices.

Common reasons for high costs include:

• Luxury resorts charging premium nightly rates

• Seaplane or speedboat transfers adding extra cost

• Imported food and goods increasing prices

• Private island experiences with limited competition

For travelers choosing this style, the Maldives is indeed one of the most expensive destinations in the world.

How the Maldives can be affordable

In recent years, local island tourism has changed everything. Visitors can now stay on inhabited islands at a much lower cost.

Affordable options include:

• Guesthouses on local islands

• Budget hotels instead of private resorts

• Public ferries instead of speedboats

• Local cafés serving Maldivian food

With smart planning, it is possible to visit the Maldives on a budget similar to many Asian destinations.

Is Maldives expensive for locals?

For locals, the Maldives can feel expensive due to:

• High cost of imported food and fuel

• Housing shortages in major cities

• Limited job opportunities outside tourism

This means that while tourists can choose budget options, the cost of living for residents remains relatively high.

Luxury vs budget: two very different experiences

The Maldives offers two extremes:

• Luxury travel: Overwater villas, private pools, fine dining — very expensive

• Budget travel: Local islands, guesthouses, public ferries — affordable

Both experiences exist side by side, which is why opinions about cost vary so much.

Final answer

So, is Maldives so expensive?
It depends on your choices.

The Maldives is expensive for luxury travelers, but surprisingly affordable for budget travelers who explore local islands and plan wisely.