Vanuatu flagCost of Living Guide · Vanuatu

Cost of Living Guide in Vanuatu

Complete pricing for housing, food, transportation, and everyday expenses

Vanuatu's cost of living is moderately high for Oceania, with overall costs including rent about 51% higher than the regional average, driven by elevated rents that are 114% above Oceania norms while consumer prices excluding rent are 33% higher. It's a paradise for expats seeking tropical beaches and zero taxation, but requires careful budgeting around imports and housing in Port Vila. Digital nomads can thrive outside the capital with self-sufficient setups, slashing expenses significantly.

Estimated Monthly Budget

Frugal
150,000–250,000 Vatu (~$1,200–$2,000 USD) — local markets, shared housing outside Port Vila, buses.
Comfortable
400,000–600,000 Vatu (~$3,200–$4,900 USD) — central 1BR, mix local/imports, occasional dining, reliable internet.
Family of four
900,000–1,500,000 Vatu (~$7,300–$12,200 USD) — 3BR apartment, imported groceries, car, schooling.

Vanuatu offers solid value for beach-loving expats with external income, undercutting Australia/NZ by 20–40% via local living, but it's 51% pricier overall than Oceania averages due to housing—ideal for self-sufficient nomads on islands like Santo.

Economic & Living Costs in Vanuatu
Food & Dining Costs

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

652.27-2000 VUV
Avg: 1326.13 VUV
-24.2% vs 3 months ago

Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant (3-course)

5000-12000 VUV
Avg: 8500 VUV
0.0% vs 3 months ago

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

1400-1500 VUV
Avg: 1450 VUV
+29.5% vs 3 months ago

Domestic Beer (0.5L draught)

412.21-800 VUV
Avg: 606.1 VUV
-11.5% vs 3 months ago
Housing & Real Estate Costs

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

119389-350000 VUV
Avg: 234694.5 VUV
-19.8% vs 3 months ago

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside Centre

100000-350000 VUV
Avg: 225000 VUV
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

210000-750000 VUV
Avg: 480000 VUV
-12.3% vs 3 months ago

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside Centre

160000-500000 VUV
Avg: 330000 VUV
-15.2% vs 3 months ago
Transportation Costs

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

150-300 VUV
Avg: 225 VUV
+12.5% vs 3 months ago

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

1000-3000 VUV
Avg: 2000 VUV
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Monthly Transport Pass

N/A
Avg: N/A

Gasoline (1L)

189-280 VUV
Avg: 234.5 VUV
0.0% vs 3 months ago
Utilities & Communications Costs

Utilities for 85m² Apartment

51000-85000 VUV
Avg: 68000 VUV
+3.8% vs 3 months ago

Internet (60 Mbps+, Unlimited)

10000-60000 VUV
Avg: 35000 VUV
+40.0% vs 3 months ago

Mobile Plan (10GB+ Data)

2500-3000 VUV
Avg: 2750 VUV
Grocery Costs

Milk (1L)

250-500 VUV
Avg: 375 VUV
+25.0% vs 3 months ago

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

150-550 VUV
Avg: 350 VUV
1.4% vs 3 months ago

Eggs (12)

600-780 VUV
Avg: 690 VUV
+32.2% vs 3 months ago

Local Cheese (1kg)

1499.14-3000 VUV
Avg: 2249.57 VUV
0.0% vs 3 months ago
Entertainment & Sports Costs

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee

N/A
Avg: N/A

Tennis Court (1 hour, weekend)

N/A
Avg: N/A

Cinema Ticket

1500 VUV
Avg: 1500 VUV
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Preschool / Kindergarten (monthly, private)

N/A
Avg: N/A
Last updated: 2026-04-03