Tahiti, the largest island in French Polynesia, is renowned for its stunning landscapes 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 Tahiti, including housing, dining, transportation, and more, to help you plan your budget effectively.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $14.52 on average, with a range between $12.28 and $16.22.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $51.92, with prices ranging from $45 to $61.39.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10.76, with a range between $10.52 and $11.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4.53 to $7, imported beer $5.26 to $7, cappuccino $4 to $5.19, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $2.63.

Grocery Prices

  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs average $9.21.
  • Tomatoes (1kg) - Tomatoes are priced at $7.19 per kg.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $1.75.
  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced at $1.36 per liter.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1227.72.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $1052.33.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $2192.35.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $2104.66.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost $67.36 on average.
  • Internet - Internet services average $130.66.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 9 user contributions, as of the most recent update in October, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$14.52
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$51.92
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$10.76
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$5.26
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$6.13
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.32
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.41
Cappuccino (regular)
$4.53
Markets
Avg / Range
Eggs (regular) (12)
$9.21
Tomato (1kg)
$7.19
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$1.75
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.36
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$1,227.72
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$1,052.33
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$2,192.35
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$2,104.66
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$67.36
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$130.66
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$48.19
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)
$16.05
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$11.40
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$125.58
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$83.72
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$156.97
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$125.58
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,183.87
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
4.81%
Tahiti Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Tahiti offers a unique living experience with its beautiful surroundings, but it comes with a relatively high cost of living.

Dining out can be affordable, especially at casual restaurants, but groceries like eggs and tomatoes are on the pricier side.

Housing costs are significant, particularly in the city centre, and utilities and internet services also add to monthly expenses.

Transportation is reasonably priced, with affordable public transport and gasoline costs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, living in Tahiti provides a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness, albeit at a higher cost.

Prospective residents should budget carefully, considering the higher prices for housing and groceries, while taking advantage of affordable dining and transportation options.