Avarua, the capital of the Cook Islands, offers a unique blend of island charm and modern amenities. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering a move or extended stay.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Avarua, including housing, dining, groceries, and more, to help you plan your budget effectively.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay around $58.64.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal costs approximately $8.80.
  • Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) - A domestic beer costs about $4.40.
  • Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) - An imported beer is priced at $4.40.
  • Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) - A bottle of Coke or Pepsi costs $2.35.
  • Water (0.33 liter bottle) - A small bottle of water is priced at $1.76.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced at $1.76 per liter.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs $3.46.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs are priced at $4.98.
  • Local Cheese (1kg) - Local cheese costs $11.73 per kilogram.
  • Water (1.5 liter bottle) - A 1.5-liter bottle of water is priced at $2.93.
  • Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) - A mid-range bottle of wine costs $14.66.
  • Chicken Fillets (1kg) - Chicken fillets are priced at $8.21 per kilogram.
  • Apples (1kg) - Apples cost $2.93 per kilogram.
  • Oranges (1kg) - Oranges are priced at $3.52 per kilogram.
  • Potato (1kg) - Potatoes cost $2.93 per kilogram.
  • Lettuce (1 head) - A head of lettuce costs $2.35.
  • Tomato (1kg) - Tomatoes are priced at $9.38 per kilogram.
  • Banana (1kg) - Bananas cost $1.76 per kilogram.
  • Onion (1kg) - Onions are priced at $2.35 per kilogram.
  • Beef Round (1kg) - Beef round or equivalent red meat costs $10.56 per kilogram.

Transportation

We currently don't have enough Transportation data available for Avarua

    Housing Costs

    • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre is approximately $152.47.
    • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is also around $152.47.
    • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $117.28 to $222.84, averaging $170.06.
    • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent for a 3-bedroom apartment is approximately $222.84.
    • Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre is $5049.68.
    • Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter is between $498.45 and $895.61, averaging $697.03.

    Utilities

    • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost $117.28.

    Cost of Living Data

    The following pricing data has been gathered from 6 user contributions, as of the most recent update in October, 2024.
    Restaurants
    Avg / Range
    Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
    $58.64
    McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
    $8.80
    Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
    $4.40
    Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
    $4.40
    Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
    $2.35
    Water (0.33 liter bottle)
    $1.76
    Cappuccino (regular)
    $3.52
    Markets
    Avg / Range
    Milk (regular), (1 liter)
    $1.76
    Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
    $3.46
    Eggs (regular) (12)
    $4.98
    Local Cheese (1kg)
    $11.73
    Water (1.5 liter bottle)
    $2.93
    Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
    $14.66
    Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
    $4.40
    Chicken Fillets (1kg)
    $8.21
    Apples (1kg)
    $2.93
    Oranges (1kg)
    $3.52
    Potato (1kg)
    $2.93
    Lettuce (1 head)
    $2.35
    Rice (white), (1kg)
    $1.76
    Tomato (1kg)
    $9.38
    Banana (1kg)
    $1.76
    Onion (1kg)
    $2.35
    Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
    $10.56
    Rent Per Month
    Avg / Range
    Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
    $152.47
    Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
    $152.47
    Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
    $170.06
    Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
    $222.84
    Utilities (Monthly)
    Avg / Range
    Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
    $117.28
    Clothing And Shoes
    Avg / Range
    1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
    $65.68
    1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
    $72.13
    Buy Apartment Price
    Avg / Range
    Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre
    $5,049.68
    Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre
    $697.03
    Avarua Cost of Living

    "Key Takeaways"

    Avarua offers relatively affordable housing options, especially for rentals, compared to many urban centers.

    Dining out can be moderately priced, with fast food being a more economical option.

    Grocery prices vary, with some items like tomatoes and beef being more expensive, while staples like milk and bananas are reasonably priced.

    Conclusion

    Living in Avarua, Cook Islands, presents a unique blend of affordability and island lifestyle. While some costs, such as dining and certain groceries, can be moderate, housing remains quite affordable.

    Prospective residents should consider these factors when planning their move, ensuring a balanced budget that accommodates both essential and leisure expenses.

    Avarua

    Nearby Cities

    We don't have any relevant "Quality of life" data on cities with a 200 mile radius of Avarua
    All cities in Cook Islands