Family cost of living rose by Afl. 144; food accounts for Afl. 86 of the increase

ORANJESTAD — A household consisting of two adults and two children now needs approximately Afl. 5,663 per month to cover the minimum cost of living in Aruba. This is Afl. 144 more than a year ago, according to CBS.

The largest part of the increase comes from food and non-alcoholic beverages, which added Afl. 86 to the family’s monthly budget. Transportation increased by Afl. 35, while miscellaneous goods and services added Afl. 14 and housing Afl. 10.

In August 2025, the minimum subsistence level for a family of four was Afl. 5,519. One year later, that amount had risen to Afl. 5,663.

CBS defines the minimum subsistence level as the minimum amount of income considered necessary for a person or family to function in society in an adequate and socially acceptable manner. The calculation is updated monthly based on changes in the prices of food, housing, transportation and other basic necessities.

The figures show that food and transportation in particular continue to place greater pressure on the monthly budgets of families in Aruba.