The Cost of Living Index in Haiti is 54.0 (NYC = 100), indicating moderate costs. Groceries (51.5) and restaurants (56.0) are moderately priced, while rent (27.4) is relatively affordable compared to NYC.

The Property Price to Income Ratio is 5.1 years, suggesting an affordable housing market. The Rent Index is 27.4, indicating that rental costs are also relatively low.

Haiti's Purchasing Power Index is 72.2 (NYC = 100), indicating below-average buying power. The minimum monthly wage in 2024 was around $135-$150 USD, with average monthly salaries for formal sector workers estimated at $150-$200 USD in early 2026.

Haiti operates a progressive income tax system with a top marginal rate of 10% for individuals. The standard Value Added Tax (VAT) rate is 10%. Property taxes are a primary source of municipal revenue and are considered progressive. Foreigners on temporary stays providing services are subject to a 20% withholding tax.

The business environment in Haiti faces significant challenges. Port-au-Prince ranks 1294th globally in the StartupBlink Ecosystem Index (2025), reflecting a difficult environment. While improvements have been made in company registration, bureaucratic processes can be cumbersome. The corporate tax rate is approximately 30%.

Haiti has mandatory social insurance for old age, disability, and survivors (ONA and PRAP), and sickness/maternity benefits (OFATMA). However, healthcare access is extremely limited, with only about 60% of residents able to access services, and no public health insurance system. Unemployment benefit coverage is very low, at 6.6% of the population in 2022.

Haiti does not have an explicit deposit insurance scheme; a planned stability fund by the Central Bank (BRH) has not yet been created. The banking sector is regulated by the BRH, with some oversight improvements, but faces vulnerabilities due to political instability, violence, and high non-performing loans (around 13% in 2025). Haiti has been on the FATF gray list since June 2021 due to anti-money laundering deficiencies.