Cost of living in Papeete

Papeete, the capital city of French Polynesia, is a vibrant hub known for its unique blend of French and Polynesian cultures. Understanding the cost of living in Papeete is crucial for anyone considering relocating or planning an extended stay in this tropical paradise.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you make informed financial decisions.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $15.89 on average, with a range between $8.83 and $44.15.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $68.43, with prices ranging from $52.98 to $114.79.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $12.14, with a range between $11.04 and $13.24.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $2.21 to $7.95, imported beer $2.65 to $8.83, cappuccino $1.32 to $4.41, and Coke/Pepsi $2.12 to $4.41.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced between $1.32 and $1.77 per liter, averaging $1.53.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs $2.21 on average.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $3.53 to $5.56, averaging $4.8.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $5.3 per kg, while oranges are priced at $10.6 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.77 and $8.83 per kg, and lettuce costs $3.53 to $5.3 per head.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $1.77.
  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.32 and $1.41 per liter.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $8.83, with a cost of $13.24 per km.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $662.23 to $1147.86, averaging $905.04.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $529.78 to $1059.56, averaging $794.67.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre is $1765.94.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1147.86 to $1324.46, averaging $1236.16.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $5297.82 to $13244.56, averaging $9124.03.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter is $4551.83.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost $132.45.
  • Internet - Internet services range from $52.98 to $70.64, with an average cost of $61.81.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 10 user contributions, as of the most recent update in March, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$15.89
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$68.43
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$12.14
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.53
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.53
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.50
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.50
Cappuccino (regular)
$3.09
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.53
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$2.21
Eggs (regular) (12)
$4.80
Local Cheese (1kg)
$11.04
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.94
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$8.83
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.21
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.21
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$10.95
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$11.92
Apples (1kg)
$5.30
Oranges (1kg)
$10.60
Potato (1kg)
$4.41
Lettuce (1 head)
$4.41
Rice (white), (1kg)
$1.32
Tomato (1kg)
$5.89
Banana (1kg)
$1.53
Onion (1kg)
$1.55
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$18.10
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$1.77
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.37
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$19,425.35
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$8.83
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$13.24
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$30,021.00
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$905.04
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$794.67
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$1,765.94
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$1,236.16
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$132.45
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$61.81
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$26.49
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$70.64
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$13.24
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$105.96
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$88.30
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$114.79
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$105.96
Buy Apartment Price
Avg / Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre
$9,124.03
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre
$4,551.83
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,677.64
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$441.49
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$8,829.71
OverviewJob Market
Papeete Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Papeete offers a unique living experience with a blend of cultural influences, but it comes with a relatively high cost of living.

Dining out can be expensive, especially in mid-range restaurants, while grocery prices vary significantly.

Housing costs are moderate compared to other major cities, but buying property is notably expensive.

Transportation is affordable, with reasonable public transport and fuel prices, though taxi fares are high.

Conclusion

Living in Papeete, French Polynesia, provides a unique cultural experience, but it's important to be prepared for the associated costs.

While some expenses like transportation and basic utilities are manageable, dining and housing can be costly.

Prospective residents should budget carefully and consider all aspects of the cost of living to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in this tropical paradise.

Papeete

Nearby Cities

We don't have any relevant "Quality of life" data on cities with a 200 mile radius of Papeete
All cities in French Polynesia