Budget & Pricing
Maldives Budget Plan 2026: Compare Complete Resort Quotes
Build a trip budget with written room, tax, transfer and meal inclusions rather than unsupported market-wide fare ranges.
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Open SelectorPublished by Madai Live. Read our data and editorial methodology。
On This Page
Use one worksheet for the complete trip
Enter the same number of travellers, children's ages, stay dates and currency for every option. Separate confirmed, estimated and awaiting quote figures. A blank field is not a zero-cost inclusion.
| Budget line | Record before deciding |
|---|---|
| International travel | Actual fare, baggage and change conditions |
| Room | Nights, precise room category, guest capacity and payment terms |
| Taxes and service charge | Whether each is already in the displayed total |
| Island transfer | Mode, return price for every guest, timing and missed-connection terms |
| Meals | Specific plan, restaurants, drinks, children and exclusions |
| Activities | Only items you plan to buy, with their actual quotes |
| Reserve | An amount you choose for uncertain or discretionary costs |
Replace transfer price bands with a booking-specific quote
An earlier version of this page listed generic speedboat, seaplane and domestic-flight fare ranges without a resort, date or source that proved them for your booking. They are removed. Ask your hotel for a tax-inclusive round-trip price for every adult and child, plus a written late-arrival plan. The transfer guide details the questions. TMA's official FAQ, checked 2026-09-30, says its resort transfers are arranged through partner resorts or travel agents; it does not supply a universal price for every island.
Do not count tax twice
MIRA's Green Tax FAQ and GST FAQ, checked 2026-09-30, list resort Green Tax of USD 12 per taxable guest-day (with an under-two check-in exemption) and tourism GST of 17% from 2025-07-01. Both require care when comparing prices: obtain the actual tax-inclusive payable total and property category. Do not multiply a quote by 17% if that quote already includes GST. Details and the smaller inhabited-island accommodation category are in the resort-fees guide.
Compare dates and meal plans with like-for-like quotes
Request at least two feasible date and room combinations from the same hotel, keeping guests and inclusions constant. An earlier blanket claim that changing dates beats changing room tier is not established for every resort. Compare the written totals instead.
For meal plans, ask which restaurants, drinks, children's meals and reservation conditions the exact package covers. “All inclusive” and “half board” are labels, not a complete list of entitlements. Use the meal-plan guide to prepare questions.
Set your own reserve and payment gate
There is no official rule requiring a 10–15% contingency. Choose a cash reserve you can afford for optional activities and possible schedule changes. Keep compulsory amounts still awaiting quote outside that reserve; request them before paying the deposit. Store the final itemised offer and cancellation terms alongside your booking.
The previous market fare bands and fixed reserve rule have been removed because they were not verified booking facts. Recheck official tax pages and your actual hotel quote before payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main budgeting mistake for a Maldives trip?
Comparing room-only prices with package totals. Put the same guests, stay dates, taxes, transfers and meal inclusions into both quotes.
Is it always cheaper to move travel dates than change room type?
No universal rule applies. Obtain written quotes for the same resort and guest mix across the dates and room categories you can actually travel.
Must I add a fixed 10–15% contingency?
That is not an official requirement. Set a reserve your own budget can support for uncertain extras and missed connections, and keep unknown mandatory charges separate until quoted.