Living in Aruba: Pros and Cons and What You Need to Know
Wondering what it’s like to live in Aruba? You’re in the right place! As an avid lover of all things Aruba, I know that living here is a bit different than visiting.
I connected with locals around Aruba to discuss what they love about the island, what they don’t love about the island, and what you need to know before making the big move.
The year-round weather is attractive to island lovers, the risk of natural disasters, such as hurricanes, is low due to its proximity to the hurricane belt, and the environment is politically stable.
From sunny skies and great beaches to cultural benefits and a thriving nightlife, there are plenty of reasons to consider living in Aruba.
Of course, there are also a few drawbacks that should be considered before deciding to relocate, such as higher prices and an overcrowded tourist season!
Let’s take a closer look at some of the pros and cons so I can help you decide whether this is…or isn’t… the right move for!
There are many pros and cons to consider before you decide whether living in Aruba is right for you! The weather and climate in the Caribbean differ from what you may be used to. You won’t have access to some of your staple items. But, you’ll also get to learn new skills, like kitesurfing and snorkeling, and experience the culture of an amazing Caribbean island!
The PROS
1. Sunny Skies and Great Weather
Aruba only gets, on average, 17 inches of rain per year. No need to pack your rain jacket and rain boots! It’s one of the sunnier islands to choose from in the Caribbean.
2. Aruba Does Not Sit in the Hurricane Belt
Speaking of great weather, Aruba is located south of the Hurricane Belt, meaning it’s much less likely to get hit by the standard Caribbean hurricanes! The same is true for Bonaire and Curacao, the other ABC islands. Because of this, living in Aruba can be a much less risky island to live on than an island more likely to get hit with hurricanes, like living in St Thomas, USVI.
3. White Sand, Clear Water Beaches
Aruba boasts some of the best beaches in the world. With 40 different beaches to choose from, there is something for everyone on this island. The most popular being Palm Beach and Eagle Beach and some local favorites, Surfside Beach and Baby Beach.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to relax or a place to soak up some rays, you’ll find it here. Many of the beaches also offer excellent opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and windsurfing.
4. English Speaking
While Aruba’s multi-cultural residents speak a variety of languages, including Dutch, Spanish, and Papiamento. Dutch, due to it’s Netherland ties, and Papiamento, the native language of the island.
However, English is taught in the schools and most people on the island do speak English. So, you won’t find much of a language barrier if you decide Aruba living is right for you!
5. Culture Benefits
The island has a diverse population made up of people from all over the world. This diversity is reflected in the food, music, and art that can be found on the island.
One of the best things about being part of such a close-knit community is that you really get to know your neighbors and develop lasting relationships.
There is also a strong sense of pride in being Aruban, which can be contagious. You’ll find yourself feeling more connected to the island and its people in no time.
For culture and diversity, also consider life in the Cayman Islands.
6. Politically Stable
Aruba has an extremely politically stable environment as a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and is considered a parliamentary representative democratic country.
The country has three strong political parties, all which have been electorally successful in the past!
They have their own constitution, along with legislative, executive and judicial powers. The parliament consists of 21 four-year term members elected by proportional representation.
7. Aruba is Safe
The government has placed Aruba in Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions, out of 4 cautionary levels. While petty theft happens on occasion, the crime is mostly light. At times, there may be drug-related street crime.
Whether you’re in Noord, San Nicolas, or Eagle Beach, you’ll find safe neighborhoods and friendly locals.
You should take normal precautions in Aruba as you would in any city. Do not keep room doors or car doors unlocked, do not keep valuables on your person or in plain sight, and don’t wander around secluded areas or dark areas alone, especially at night!
Always use your best judgment to remain safe. Otherwise, Aruba will feel like home and you should feel safe living here.
8. Clean Water System
Aruba is known for having some of the cleanest tap water in the Caribbean! This makes daily life much easier, not having to worry about always have bottled water or boiling water.
There is no source of freshwater in Aruba, but their tap is filtered through a saltwater desalination plant, meeting some of the highest quality water standards around! You can feel safe enjoying cleaning your food, brushing your teeth, and drinking the water in Aruba.
Other Safe Caribbean Islands to Consider:
Is St John Worth Visiting?
Is Punta Cana Worth Visiting?
9. Quality Healthcare
According to the Netherlands Government, every legal citizen and resident has access to Aruba’s universal healthcare, regardless of status or medical history, “equal access is guaranteed.”
Aruba takes pride in this level-based healthcare system providing quality healthcare to its residents.
Additionally, they have four major hospitals on the island and the ability to airlift patients to other islands if the situation calls for it. The Aruba healthcare system continues to put time and money into building a progressive, technology-based healthcare system.
10. Great Nightlife Scene!
Aruba is home to a vibrant nightlife scene. If you enjoy going out and socializing, you’ll never find yourself bored here. There are plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants to keep you entertained well into the wee hours of the morning. This is a great way to meet locals and tourists while supporting your new, local community.
11. Direct Flights from Aruba to United States
The Queen Beatrix International Airport in Aruba offers many direct flights in and out of Aruba every day from the United States! There are nonstop flights from New York, Boston, Miami, and Atlanta.
This can make visitors coming to you and you going home to family and friends much easier, though the cost of visiting home is still a bit more expensive than if you were traveling within the United States.
More Caribbean Adventures:
St Thomas vs St John
St Thomas vs Turks and Caicos
CONS
There are many cons to living on an island, as well as things to avoid in Aruba.
12. Tourist Season
Of course, no paradise is perfect and there are also a few drawbacks to consider before making the decision to move to Aruba.
One downside to living on this island is that it is very popular with tourists. Aruba is Americanized, cost-friendly for vacationers compared to other Caribbean islands, and easy to travel to from many cities, making it a very attractive Caribbean destination for vacationers.
On the other hand, tourist season means plenty of opportunities to explore the island’s natural attractions and tourism through exciting ATV tours, snorkeling tours, and more!
This means that during the tourist season, the island can be quite crowded! Tourist season runs from December to April, and can even extend further into the summer, since Aruba has year-round great weather being far away from the hurricane belt. If you’re looking for year-round peace and quiet, island-living in a high-tourist island might not be for you!
13. Higher Cost of Living
Another potential drawback is that the cost of living on Aruba can be higher than in other parts of the world. This is due in part to the fact that many goods must be imported onto the island, which can make them more expensive than if they were locally sourced.
14. Distance from “Home”
Aruba is also located quite far from many major cities, which can make travel back home more difficult (and expensive).
If you have family or friends spread out across different parts of the globe, keeping in touch can be tough – though not impossible thanks to modern technology like Zoom and Facetime!
The good news? There are many direct flights from Aruba to major US cities! So, it’s not impossible to keep up with your visiting schedule, if you choose to.
15. Can’t Rely on Public Transportation
If you’re coming from a larger city and used to taking the busses, trains, or metros around, you’ll need to consider buying a car for your move to Aruba. I generally never use the public transportation in Aruba, and you likely won’t want to rely on it either.
The public transportation bus system is known as the “Arubus“. Busses run every 15 minutes from 5:45 a.m. until 6 p.m. and every 40 minutes until 11:30 p.m. So, it’s not entirely convenient for getting around Aruba, especially after dinner and partying hours.
Ridesharing services like Uber do not operate in Aruba either, which means you’ll need to rely on taxis after hours.
16. Living on Island Time Can Be Slow
Coming from America, you’ll be used to things moving fast, and getting done fast! In Aruba, the people, the businesses (including the government), and the processes move on island-time, much slower than in the US!
If you’re not prepared for this change from moving fast to moving slow, you may get a bit antsy living in Aruba, or any Caribbean island. Be prepared to take some deep breaths and get ready to live the slow life!
17. Small Population
The population in Aruba as of 2021 was just over 100,000 people. The communities can be close-knit, but if you enjoy always meeting new people, living in Aruba may not be for you.
You’ll likely be running into the same people day by day, as this small island does not hold a large population!
18. Potential for Island Fever
Aruba has a small population of just over 100,000 people, and is just under 70 square miles! Because of its small size, island fever is a common problem for people who live on Aruba.
Island fever is a condition that is caused by living on a small island with a small population. It can cause feelings of isolation, boredom, and depression. If you’re coming from a large city or are used to living in close proximity to other people, you might feel island fever when adjusting.
You can combat island fever by getting involved in the community, traveling to other islands, and keeping busy with hobbies and activities in your new home.
19. Importing Makes Obtaining Common Items More Difficult (and More Expensive)
Living on an island, everything is more expensive. This is because almost everything needs to be imported. This means some of your favorite, common items that you’re used to may not be so common in Aruba!
General items, like milk and juice, will be much more expensive than you’re used to. And less common items, like sparkling drinks or your favorite snack, either won’t be available or will have a very high cost.
Living in Aruba as a US Citizen
U.S. citizens moving to Aruba will find that they are warmly welcomed by the local community. Many Americans choose to retire in Aruba for all the reasons I’ve mentioned and more.
English is widely spoken, so you won’t find a language barrier. But, if you really want to acclimate into the local community, you can learn some Dutch or Papiamento, the native language of Aruba.
There are many activities and events to enjoy on Aruba, from scuba diving and windsurfing to exploring the island’s unique desert landscape, there’s plenty to do and plenty to keep busy. U.S. citizens may be taxed anywhere from 7% to 59%. U.S. citizens a will find that it is a safe and friendly place to call home.
What Do You Need Before Moving to Aruba?
Residents looking for permanent residency in Aruba will need a residence permit without a working permit. This includes submitting a variety of documents and paperwork from bank references, residence history, and police clearance.
Additionally, you’ll need an Aruba passport, an updated vaccination certificate, legal fees paid, and more. This process may seem daunting, but will be worth it when you have your feet in the sand!
If you don’t want to worry about living outside of the US, but still want to live the island life, consider living in St Thomas, USVI.
Final Thoughts Pros and Cons of Life in Aruba
Aruba is a beautiful Caribbean island that offers many benefits to its residents, including great weather, stunning beaches, and an unforgettable culture. However, there are also some downsides to living on this small island. Tourist season can be crowded and the cost of living is relatively high compared to other parts of the world.
But overall, Aruba is a wonderful place to call home and, all things considered, it’s a beautiful island with plenty to offer its residents. If you’re considering making a move here, weigh both the pros and cons of living in Aruba carefully to decide if it’s right for you.
Hopefully, this gives you everything you need to know to start planning your move to the beautiful island of Aruba and living the good island life!
Looking to compare Aruba to other islands?
Aruba vs Turks and Caicos
