Living in Utila: A Realistic Monthly Budget for Divers and Backpackers
- Cecília Garcia
- May 26
- 6 min read
Thinking about living in Utila for a month? Here's your treasure map — with real numbers, local tips, and budget hacks from someone who's actually lived it.
Why planning makes all the difference?
If you know me in real life, you know I’m a spreadsheet nerd. A die-hard advocate of financial planning in service of big dreams. My trips are simple but intentional—over 40 countries and a round-the-world journey under my belt. The secret? Planning.
And that’s what this post delivers: real numbers, no fluff, showing how much it costs to live in Utila for a month.
📌 Spoiler: Utila is more affordable than you think. But your expenses will depend on your travel style—from hardcore backpacker to budget-conscious comfort seeker.
Living in Utila: the longer you stay, the cheaper it gets
I spent three months in Utila, which helped spread out my costs. Slow travel means you can negotiate better deals, cook more meals, share a house with other travelers, and avoid tourist traps.
If you’re only staying for a week, your monthly cost will be much higher. But if you're planning to stay for a month or more, the guide below will help you plan wisely.
Currency: Lempiras or US Dollars?
The official currency in Honduras is the Honduran lempira (HNL), but US dollars are widely accepted—especially for big expenses like dive centers and accommodation.
To make life easier (for both of us), all prices in this post are in US dollars (USD). I didn’t convert to other currencies because exchange rates fluctuate a lot. If you want a rough idea in your currency, just check the current exchange rate and do a quick calculation. 😉
Where to Stay in Utila: Hostels, Hammocks, and Local Rentals
Accommodation costs vary depending on your travel style. If you book ahead through Airbnb or Booking, expect to pay $20–$30 per night for a double room. Backpackers will find dorm beds from $10–$15 per night, per person.
But if you plan to stay longer, renting directly from locals is the best option. Most of the affordable apartments and houses aren’t listed online, so it’s best to book your first few nights ahead and then find something permanent once you’re there. Dive shops are super helpful with this—many even connect divers looking to share a house. On average, a two-person apartment costs between $400 and $700 per month.
Bonus tip for divers: Bigger dive centers like Bay Islands College of Diving, Utila Dive Center, and Underwater Vision often include free accommodation during your course (or rather, it's already baked into the course price). It’s a great deal if you’re just arriving on the island and want to settle in while looking for a longer-term place.
Try to stay in downtown Utila, near dive shops, bars, restaurants, and beaches. You’ll be able to walk everywhere and save on transport.
Real talk: The best places are found through word-of-mouth. Facebook groups and direct contact with divers and locals are pure gold.
Electricity in Utila: Budget (and Fan) Alert
If you’re staying just a few days in a hostel, skip this part. But if you're renting a place for a month or more, budget $50 to $100 per month for electricity—not including air conditioning, which can add $5 to $10 per day. Yep!
Fun fact: Electricity in Utila is prepaid. You get a code from your landlord, pay the amount at a local spot, and receive a new code to punch into the meter. When the credit runs out, the power just... shuts off. Literally. Tip: check your meter often so you're not surprised at 2 a.m. during a heatwave.
Real talk: Power outages are frequent. Have a flashlight, power bank, and patience.
💡 Accommodation Summary
Option | Monthly Cost | Pros | Cons |
Hostel (shared dorm) | US$ 300–450 | Cheap, social | Less privacy |
Airbnb / Booking | US$ 600–900 | Comfortable, private, can book in advance | More expensive |
Local rental | US$ 400–700 | Best value, cook at home, save money | Requires on-site search |
How to Get to Utila: Plane, Ferry, and Flip-Flops
Getting to Utila takes a bit of effort—but it’s totally doable with some planning.
The nearest airport is San Pedro Sula (SAP). From there, you’ll head to La Ceiba, where ferries depart for Utila. The drive takes around 4 hours by car or shared van (longer if, like me, you go right before a holiday and hit traffic). Expect to pay around $20 for the ride.
⚠️ Note: Ferries from La Ceiba to Utila run at 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. If you arrive later, you’ll need to spend the night in La Ceiba. The ferry costs 800 lempiras (about $30), and schedules are available at hondurasferry.com.
If you are flying from US or Europe, Copa Airlines often has the best deals and may offer a free stopover in Panama City—great chance to add another destination to your trip.
Getting Around Utila: A Walker’s Paradise
The good news: almost everything in Utila is walkable. The island is small, and most places—dive shops, bars, restaurants, markets—are in the central area. If you want extra comfort, tuk-tuks charge around $3 to $5 per ride.
💡 Transport Summary
Trip | Average Cost | Practical tips |
San Pedro – La Ceiba shuttle | US$ 20 - 30 | Be ready for traffic |
Ferry La Ceiba – Utila | US$ 30 | Double-check the schedule |
Getting around the island | US$ 0–5 | Walking is safe and easy |
How to Eat Cheap and Well in Utila: Baleadas & Quesadillas
Food is one of the easiest things to budget for in Utila. Local eateries serve delicious, filling meals starting at $3. In trendier “gringo-style” spots, meals range from $10 to $30.
Beer is also budget-friendly: around $2 per bottle. Cocktails are usually $4. And if you love a good party, many bars offer free shot hours to liven things up.
Real talk: Cooking at home drastically cuts costs. And baleadas are the perfect post-dive snack.
💡 Food Summary
Category | Estimated Cost | Practical Tips |
Local restaurants | $3–6/meal | Tasty, simple, generous portions |
Tourist restaurants | $10–30 | Ideal for special occasions |
Groceries | $30–50/week | Fresh produce is worth it |
Alcohol | $2–4 | Happy hour is the island’s soul |
How Much Does Diving in Utila Cost? From Open Water to Divemaster Courses
If diving is your main reason for visiting Utila, it’ll likely be your biggest expense. But if you’re not planning to go beyond snorkeling, feel free to skip this section.
If you're already certified and just want to fun dive, expect to pay $50–$80 for a two-tank dive, depending on the dive shop. Paradise Divers and Parrots Dive usually have the best prices. More established centers like Alton’s, BICD, and UDC are pricier but better equipped.
For beginners, Utila is one of the cheapest places in the world to get dive certified. Most dive centers are well-organized and respond quickly via Instagram or email with course details and prices.
If you're planning to do your Divemaster or Instructor course, many dive centers offer the famous “free diving for life,” which lets you dive for free during and after your course. Some charge small fees for tanks or gear rental if you don’t have your own.
Should You Bring Your Own Dive Gear to Utila?
If you’re doing long courses like Divemaster or Instructor, bringing your own gear is worth it—for comfort and to save on rentals.
But if you’re just planning a few dives, do the math: compare airline baggage fees to rental prices. Renting on the island is often cheaper and easier logistically.
💡 Diving Summary
Dive Type | Average Cost | Practical Tips |
Fun dive (2 tanks) | $50–80 | Ask for discounts on multi-dive packages |
Open Water / Advanced | $280–450 | Gear included with course |
Divemaster | $800–1,300 | Some schools offer unlimited diving for life |
Gear rental | $5–10/dive | Bring your own if staying long term |
Guaranteed Fun: Parties & Endless Sunsets
There’s something happening every night—karaoke, quiz night, beer pong, full moon parties. A local beer like SalvaVida costs around $2, and many parties offer free shots.
Real talk: Party, but if you’re diving the next day, know when to call it a night. ;)
💡 Entertainment & Nightlife Summary
Activity | Average Cost | Notes |
Party entry | $0–10 | Usually free |
Drinks | $2–5 | Don’t miss happy hours |
Free activities | priceless 💛 | Pumpkin Hill trail, snorkeling, views |
📊 So… How Much Does It Cost to Live in Utila for a Month?
Here’s a realistic monthly budget for a backpacking diver in Utila:
Category | Monthly Cost (USD) |
Accommodation | US$ 200–600 |
Food | US$ 150–250 |
Diving | US$ 0–300 |
Transportation | US$ 5–10 |
Utilities & extras | US$ 30–60 |
Fun & parties | US$ 50–100 |
Total | US$ 450–1.200 |
🌴 Is it worth going to Utila? My Final Thoughts (and Invitation!)
Utila is one of the cheapest places to dive in the Caribbean—and one of the most special. It’s not perfect: it’s noisy, buggy, and has power outages. But it also has unforgettable dives, people from all over the world, and a pace of life that softens even the most restless souls.
If your dream is to dive, learn, and live simply and beautifully—plan it out and go! Utila is waiting for you.
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