How much food costs in the Maldives: meal plans, taxes and what to check
Food costs in the Maldives depend on the meal plan and the type of island far more than on any average figure. How the plans work, what gets added to the price and where to look for restaurant prices.
Meal plans
- Bed and breakfast (BB): breakfast only. Half board (HB): breakfast and dinner. Full board (FB): breakfast, lunch and dinner. All-inclusive (AI): all meals plus a set of drinks and snacks.
- Plans are not standardised: one resort’s half board may include drinks and another’s may not, and all-inclusive usually excludes à la carte restaurants, excursions and the service charge. Ask for the inclusions in writing.
- At Relax Residence all of these meal plans are available. Meals are not priced separately when you stay with us. What a guesthouse is
Taxes and charges
- Tourism businesses commonly add a service charge of at least 10% and TGST of 17% (from 1 July 2025). Check whether the price you see already includes them. Green tax
- Sources differ on whether the two are calculated separately or one on top of the other, so look at the final total.
Eating outside your plan
- On a local island you can eat in cafés and restaurants as well as, or instead of, the hotel plan. Food on Thoddoo Restaurants
- On a resort island the restaurants are usually inside the resort, so the plan matters more. For the whole budget, see Cost of a trip.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
How much does a meal cost in the Maldives?
It depends on the island and the plan, so we do not give an average. Check what is included and whether service charge and TGST are added.
What does half board include?
Usually breakfast and dinner, often without drinks. Confirm in writing.
Which meal plans do you offer?
All of them at Relax Residence.
Are taxes included?
Often not. A service charge of about 10% and TGST of 17% are commonly added.
Reviewed by the Relax Residence team in October 2026.
