Cost of living in Rarotonga

Rarotonga, the largest of the Cook Islands, is a tropical paradise known for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture. 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 Rarotonga, covering everything from dining and groceries to transportation and housing, helping you plan your budget effectively.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants
  • Inexpensive Restaurant MealA meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $8.76 on average, with a range between $5.84 and $11.68.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two)For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $46.74, with prices ranging from $35.05 to $89.38.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's)A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $7.3, with a range between $5.84 and $8.76.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi)Domestic beer ranges from $3.51 to $9.93, imported beer $5.26 to $8.76, cappuccino $2.92 to $5.55, and Coke/Pepsi $2.34 to $4.97.
Grocery Prices
  • MilkMilk is priced between $1.46 and $2.92 per liter, averaging $2.19.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread)A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.77 and $2.92, with an average price of $2.85.
  • Eggs (Dozen)A dozen eggs average $6.31.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges)Apples cost $2.89 per kg, while oranges average $3.48 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce)Potatoes and lettuce are priced at $1.75 per kg and per head, respectively.
Transportation
  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket)A one-way local transport ticket costs $2.92.
  • Fuel (Gasoline)Gasoline is priced at $1.76 per liter.
  • Taxi FaresTaxi fares start at $20.45, with a cost of $23.37 per km and $35.05 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre)The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre is not specified.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre)The price per square meter outside the centre is not specified.
Utilities
  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.)Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment average $87.63.
  • InternetInternet services range from $87.05 to $116.84, with an average cost of $101.94.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 7 user contributions, as of the most recent update in May, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$8.76
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$46.74
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$7.30
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$5.84
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$7.01
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.21
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.34
Cappuccino (regular)
$3.99
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$2.19
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$2.85
Eggs (regular) (12)
$6.31
Local Cheese (1kg)
$8.47
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$3.51
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$8.76
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$3.51
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$5.26
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$14.60
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$7.01
Apples (1kg)
$2.89
Oranges (1kg)
$3.48
Potato (1kg)
$1.75
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.75
Rice (white), (1kg)
$1.46
Tomato (1kg)
$2.92
Banana (1kg)
$2.92
Onion (1kg)
$1.34
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$7.01
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$2.92
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.76
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$11,684.00
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$20.45
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$23.37
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$35.05
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$87.63
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$101.94
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$29.21
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$24.34
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)
$23.37
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$6.72
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
8%
Childcare
Avg / Range
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$1,402.08
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