As of November 12, 2026, the cheaper of the two for travelers is St. Lucia: a mid-range day costs about $197 there, against $224 in the other (Aruba), a gap of 13.7%. Over the past year the one that moved more in the US-dollar traveler's favor is Aruba (+1.9% after inflation, against +0.7%). The lower US advisory belongs to Aruba (Level 1, against Level 2). The easier of the two to travel: Aruba.
| Measure | Aruba | St. Lucia |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-range day | $224 | $197 |
| Lean day | $102 | $83 |
| Comfortable day | $508 | $517 |
| Real change, 12 months | +1.9% | +0.7% |
| Exchange rate alone, 12 months | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Versus 5-year average | +6.2% | +3.8% |
| US advisory | Level 1 · Normal precautions | Level 2 · Increased caution |
| Ease of travel | 4.5 · Effortless | 3.9 · Well set up |
| Index score | 53 | 47 |
| Best months | Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr |
| Shoulder months | Sep, Oct, Nov | May, Jun, Nov |
The better figure in each row is in bold. Costs are modeled estimates per person, excluding international flights.
A dry, breezy island outside the hurricane belt, built for easy beach weeks.
The catchIt is one of the most expensive islands in the southern Caribbean, and most of the coast is high-rise resorts.
The Pitons, rainforest and a honeymoon industry built around both.
The catchResort prices dominate, taxis are costly and the airport transfer to the north is 90 minutes. Take ordinary precautions against crime.
Source: Trip Arbitrage (triparbitrage.com), reading of November 12, 2026. How this is calculated.