How much does a trip to the Maldives cost in 2025: from guesthouses to five-star villas

White sandy beaches, turquoise water, the tranquility of tropical islands, and endless sunsets — all lure travelers. But before packing their bags, most people wonder: how much does a trip to the Maldives cost, and is it possible to stay within a reasonable budget? The answer depends on various factors such as the season, accommodation category, meal plan, and even the type of transportation between islands. This article provides a detailed overview of prices, tips, and options for every budget.

Average Cost of a Vacation: From Budget to Premium

In 2025, the price range for a vacation in the Maldives varies from affordable guesthouses to luxurious overwater villas. It’s important to understand the cost of a trip to the Maldives in 2025 to avoid overpaying. On average, a package for two costs between $2000 and $5000, but there are more modest and more expensive options available.

The price usually includes flights, transfer to the island, accommodation, meals (sometimes all-inclusive), and a minimal set of excursions.

Cost of a Trip to the Maldives Depending on the Season

From December to April is the high season. During this time, it’s sunny, comfortable, and there are hardly any rains. Prices are 30–50% higher. May to October is the rainy season. However, the showers are short-lived, and the discounts are impressive. If budget-friendly vacation in the Maldives is a priority, it’s worth booking a package for two during the off-peak season.

Holidays (New Year, February school break) also increase the cost, sometimes doubling it. On the other hand, in June to September, you can find last-minute deals, especially with departures from Moscow or Istanbul.

Expenses to Prepare For

Understanding the cost of a trip to the Maldives involves breaking it down into several key categories:

• airfare — $700 to $1500 per person;
• accommodation — $40 to $600 per night per room;
• transfer (boat, seaplane) — $60 to $500;
• meals (if not all-inclusive) — $20 to $80 per day;
• entertainment, excursions, diving — optional;
• fees and taxes (T-GST, Green Tax) — mandatory.

The total amount can easily exceed $2000, especially if not planned in advance.

Where to Stay for Less: Hotels and Guesthouses

There are two types of tourism: resort islands (where the hotel occupies the entire island) and local islands with guesthouses. Prices in guesthouses start from $40 per night. It’s an excellent way to organize a budget vacation while being steps away from the beach.

In resorts, the cost varies: standard room from $250, overwater villa from $500. The advantage is all-inclusive, seclusion, and luxury-level service. But with such luxury comes a higher price tag — it’s challenging to give a brief answer to how much a trip to the Maldives costs without reservations.

How to Save Money in the Maldives: Proven Tips

With proper planning, even a tropical paradise can be affordable. Below are practical ways to reduce expenses:

• book in advance or look for last-minute deals;
• choose local islands and guesthouses;
• opt for a speedboat over a seaplane;
• eat at cafes rather than the hotel;
• purchase excursions from locals, not through tour operators;
• avoid peak seasons;
• look for packages departing from neighboring countries with cheaper flights.

By following these recommendations, you can easily save 20–40% off the total vacation cost.

Where Tourists Often Waste Money

Mistakes in planning can turn even budget-friendly Maldives into a very expensive vacation. Below are common miscalculations to avoid:

• choosing an expensive transfer without alternatives;
• booking tours without considering the season;
• ordering meals à la carte at the hotel without a prepaid package;
• not knowing about additional fees (12% tax, $6/day environmental fee);
• unnecessary spending on “mandatory” excursions that can be done independently.

Understanding the details helps accurately calculate how much a trip to the Maldives costs and stay within the budget.

Cost of a Trip to the Maldives: Examples for 2025

To answer how much a trip to the Maldives costs as precisely as possible, you need to consider the chosen vacation format. For a budget option with accommodation on a local island for a 6-night stay, the total amount will be around $1300 per person. If looking at a mid-range tour with a 4-star resort and all-inclusive for a 7-night stay, expenses will increase to approximately $3100 per person or $6200 for two. And for those planning a luxury vacation in an overwater villa with transfers and meals, the total cost approaches $6000 per person for a week.

Thus, the price range for a Maldives vacation confirms that there is no universal answer to the question. However, with a smart choice of location and season, finding an option for any budget is entirely possible.

Season, Island, Food — How to Choose Optimal Options?

The key to a balanced trip is the right combination: a suitable season, a favorable island, and a flexible approach to meals. For savings, it’s better to choose May or October, islands with good logistics (Maafushi, Thoddoo, Ukulhas), and guesthouses with breakfast included.

Trips to the Maldives can already be booked: early booking offers the best prices, including for flights and all-inclusive hotels.

What Influences the Cost the Most?

To understand how much a trip to the Maldives costs, it’s essential to consider key factors that affect the total amount. Primarily, the price depends on the accommodation format: guesthouses on local islands are significantly cheaper than resorts with individual villas. The type of transfer also plays a significant role — a speedboat costs less than an internal flight or seaplane. The season also impacts the cost: during the high season, prices are considerably higher, especially for accommodation.

The meal plan is equally important — tours without meals or with breakfast only will be more affordable than all-inclusive formats. The remoteness of the island also matters: the further from the capital and the less popular the island, the more chances to find budget-friendly accommodation. And finally, the booking method affects the total amount: self-planning often turns out to be more cost-effective than packages from operators, especially with promotions and discounts.

By combining these parameters, you can assemble both an inexpensive vacation within a thousand dollars and an ultra-luxury class holiday.

So, How Much Does a Trip to the Maldives Cost in 2025?

Today, the destination is becoming more democratic. The answer to the question “how much does a trip to the Maldives cost” depends on dozens of factors, but the main point is that the vacation can be adapted to different budgets.

Prices in the Maldives in 2025 are rising, but with early booking or a flexible approach, the trip remains accessible. Knowing the season, choosing the right island, understanding how to save, and finding a suitable tour — then your journey to a tropical paradise will start without stress and unnecessary expenses!