7 Most Expensive Caribbean Islands (& Cheaper Alternatives) (2024)

From vibrant cultures to tropical weather, gorgeous beaches, and delicious cuisine, it makes sense the Caribbean is a bucket list destination for many people around the world. The region is famous for its diverse marine life and some of the most incredible coral reef ecosystems, allowing for unforgettable snorkeling and scuba diving adventures.

Many of the Caribbean islands are associated with luxury and expensive lifestyles, which may make them unsuitable for budget vacationers. After all, the Caribbean has some of the best beaches in the world, so such beauty typically comes at a premier price, but that doesn't have to be the case.

Fortunately, many of the cheapest Caribbean islands are just as stunning, fun, and adventurous as the fancy, high-cost ones and still guarantee perfect tropical experiences without a heavy price tag. If you want to enjoy the best of this beautiful region without breaking the bank, read on to find out the expensive Caribbean islands you should ditch for cheaper alternatives.

7 Turks & Caicos

It costs around $2,294 for a one-week solo vacation on this beautiful island

Whether an adventure seeker, a beach bum, or a foodie, Turks and Caicos is a destination for everyone. It’s home to many of the best Caribbean beaches, abundant marine life, luxury hotels, and endless opportunities for taking in spectacular vistas.

It’s also home to the world’s third-largest barrier reef, which makes snorkeling and scuba diving some of the most fun adventures you can enjoy on the islands. With so many lavish resorts and fine-dining restaurants, these islands are known to offer the ultimate luxury getaway. A one-week vacation for one person typically costs $2,294, which is an expensive getaway for a budget traveler. Luckily, there's a cheaper Caribbean alternative.

Cheaper Alternative: Opt For Bonaire Instead

Bonaire shares a lot of similarities with Turks and Caicos, including beautiful beaches and marine sports. Unlike Turks and Caicos, its resorts are relatively smaller, but definitely stylish, yet affordable.

Bonaire also offers some of the finest scuba diving experiences in the Caribbean. You will also find some amazing restaurants serving delicious treats that are charged at much lower prices than in Turks and Caicos. It costs around $1,792 to visit Bonaire for seven days.

6 British Virgin Islands

It costs around $2,313 for a one-week solo vacation on these islands

Famous for their calm, pristine waters, gorgeous beaches, and fresh seafood, the British Virgin Islands are an iconic Caribbean destination that dazzles with luxury. This spot is home to vibrant beach bars, upscale resorts, and luxury sailing experiences. It also offers numerous hiking trails, delicious seafood, historic attractions, and multiple watersports to choose from.

Given its offerings, a trip to this part of the Caribbean is going to be memorable. However, it can cost a pretty penny to enjoy a tropical Caribbean vacation here. Expenses usually range from $300 to $600+ per day, but a one-a-week trip costs $2,313 for a solo vacationer, on average.

Cheaper Alternative: Opt For The U.S. Virgin Islands Instead

Although the British Virgin Islands guarantee a perfect luxury Caribbean travel experience, the USVI makes a great alternative not only for a cheaper trip, but a more bustling environment with lots of historical treasures, beautiful beaches, lush landscapes, and a bit of an American vibe. Plus, you’ll only spend around $1,743 for a seven-day getaway per person there.

5 Barbados

It costs $2,632 for a seven-day solo vacation in Barbados

Located in the eastern Caribbean, Barbados, a former British colony, is a popular holiday destination, loved for its sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and vibrant culture. It’s also home to numerous museums and historic sites you can explore before sampling a few of the traditional delicious dishes.

Characterized by upscale resorts, Barbados is one of the most expensive and luxurious islands in the Caribbean. On average, a solo tourist would spend around $2,632 for a seven-day trip to Barbados.

Cheaper Alternative: Opt For The Bahamas Instead

From hosting one of the largest barrier reefs in the world to offering some of the most luxurious Caribbean lifestyles, it’s no surprise the Bahamas is a favorite destination for many travelers across the globe. It is known for having long, soft, white sandy stretches with crystal clear, calm, and shallow waters, making it a great family destination.

Lavish experiences in the Bahamas range from some of the finest restaurants to upscale hotels and resorts, plus excursions like scuba diving with sharks at Tiger Beach and swimming with the Exuma pigs. These experiences can make your trip pretty pricey; however, a one-week trip that costs $1,748 on average means this island can also be affordable, and despite also being a luxurious destination, it's a perfectly affordable alternative to Barbados.

4 Antigua & Barbuda

It costs around $2,467 to enjoy a one-week trip to this Caribbean island

Antigua and Barbuda offers a perfect blend of outdoor recreation, delicious food, breathtaking natural scenery, and a rich history. From the Frigate Bird Sanctuary to Shirley Heights Lookout, there are so many beautiful places to visit in Antigua and Barbuda, but such beauty does come at a cost.

An estimated travel cost of $350+ per day makes it one of the most expensive islands in the Caribbean, so why not opt for a more affordable one? In one week, you can spend $2,467 on average here, which is quite pricey, after all.

Cheaper Alternative: Opt For Saint Lucia Instead

Saint Lucia is one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean and comes with a great mix of delicious food, picture-perfect scenery, and amazing cultural experiences. From spectacular waterfalls to pristine sandy stretches and the imposing Pitons, the natural signatures of Saint Lucia, there is so much to discover.

You will discover many similarities between Antigua and Barbuda and Saint Lucia, including white-sand beaches, but Saint Lucia offers more fun experiences for avid adventurers. It’s also among the cheapest islands in the region with a one-week trip costing around $1,480.

3 Aruba

It costs around $2,274 for a one-week solo vacation in Aruba

Aruba is the perfect destination for first-time international travelers based in America, thanks to numerous direct flights from the US, multiple familiar hotel brands to stay with, delicious cuisine, and more. The island is home to many gorgeous beaches as well as historical and cultural experiences that make it worth visiting.

However, it is expensive, and spending a lot of money on its lavish resorts, flashy dinners, and high-end bars is very easy. On average, a solo vacationer can spend $2,274 in Aruba for one week.

Cheaper Alternatives: Opt For Jamaica Instead

Jamaica makes a perfect budget alternative to Aruba, as it only costs $895 for a one-week solo trip on average.

Just like Aruba, there are so many amazing experiences in Jamaica, from dining to all-inclusive resorts. However, it’s larger and lusher, featuring beautiful mountain hikes in the Blue Mountain area, stunning waterfalls, and white-sand beaches, which makes it more of a tropical paradise than Aruba.

2 Curaçao

It costs around $2,323 for a one-week solo trip

Curaçao is known for its incredible scuba-diving adventures with dive sites available for all levels of experience. It offers exotic cuisine, picturesque beaches, and a vibrant nightlife scene with multiple bars and nightclubs to choose from. It’s also famous for its vibrant culture and impressive architecture.

Although it’s considered a hidden gem, Curaçao is associated with lots of luxury, and travelers will find lavish resorts, high-end restaurants, and private beaches. The average cost of a seven-day trip to Curacao is $2,323, which is quite high for tourists on a low budget.

Cheaper Alternative: Opt For Puerto Rico Instead

Although Puerto Rico boasts more of a big-city feel, while Curaçao is more laid back, this US territory is more affordable.

It also has its own fair share of lavish experiences and beautiful beaches that rival Curaçao's, and you will definitely vacation like royalty in one of its upscale resorts. A one-week vacation costs around $1,524 for one person.

1 Cayman Islands

It costs around $2,273 for a one-week solo trip

The Cayman Islands, an archipelago that’s made up of three islands: Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman, is among the most breathtaking places in the Caribbean and has a lot to offer, especially gorgeous beaches, with Seven Mile Beach being the most famous.

It’s a luxury oasis that’s mostly frequented by the wealthy, which isn’t a surprise, as its residents enjoy the highest standard of living in the Caribbean. Its largest island, Grand Cayman, is home to several top-tier restaurants, world-class spas, and decadent hotels and resorts that come with fantastic amenities. All this comes at a hearty price, though.

Cheaper Alternative: Opt For The Dominican Republic Instead

The Dominican Republic is also a well-recognized Caribbean island, loved for its scenic beaches, vibrant cities, and breathtaking architecture. It offers a wonderful culinary scene, a rich history, and some of the best rums in the world.

It shares a lot of similarities with the Caymans, except it’s more affordable, and a seven-day vacation costs around $1,032 for a solo tourist.