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Living As A Part-Time Aruban
I have lived part-time in Aruba, as an occasional expat for over fiteen years. Before the pandemic, travel to the island was easy, efficient and comfortable. I expect that shortly after the vaccines are commonly available, it will return to the same ease and comfort.
As a comparison, when I live in the United States, I do so in the midwest. So for me, the cost of living on the island is roughly only around 5–8% more than living here. Primarily, this is the cost of groceries and common goods. Generally speaking, services in Aruba are quite a bit more affordable than here. That price difference ranges from home maintenance to healthcare and personal care, as well. In fact, once you get used to the island and the Caribbean lifestyle, and stop living as a tourist, it becomes increasingly affordable and natural to live a more relaxed life style. You still cook like home, spend your time in the usual ways, and adapt to life in a small island. Even better, when you do have a special event, so many options exist for shops, restaraunts and fun, that choosing is often the biggest challenge. The plentiful options for entertainment and enjoyment are just another reason that Arubans enjoy such a high living standard.
Sure, the white sand beaches are still there, and you see them every day. For the first several years I lived there, I spent nearly every moment available at the…
