Hi, The.walker! Things are more expensive in the Maldives than in the US due to having to ship everything. That being said, a lot depends on where you stay and how you go about paying for that. Yes, you will pay more for things, and depending on where you are it may not be as high of quality (airport food court vs your resort). I didn't find it EXTREME, but we stayed on points and were expecting HUGE costs for meals. Was there last year for 6 days and spent $2k which included all meals for 2 adults (and cocktail hour at Ithaa), the $1k sea plane transfer to the Conrad and a whale shark excursion. I'd say roughly $500 - $700 in food and alcohol for 6 days, we had free breakfast, but probably about what I would pay in San Fran per day.
There are plenty of all-inclusive resorts and other options. It is expensive to get there and stay there, but you can drastically cut your costs by staying on points, etc.
And did I mention it is worth every penny?
