HomeNorthern Mariana IslandsSaipan

Cost of living in Saipan

Saipan, the largest island of the Northern Mariana Islands, offers a unique blend of cultural influences and natural beauty. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering relocating or planning an extended stay.

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

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants
  • Inexpensive Restaurant MealA meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $8 on average, with a range between $6 and $15.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two)For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $40, with prices fixed at $40.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's)A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $12, with a fixed price of $12.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi)Domestic beer ranges from $3 to $7, imported beer $5 to $9, cappuccino $3 to $5.5, and Coke/Pepsi $1 to $2.
Grocery Prices
  • MilkMilk is priced between $1.06 and $2.99 per liter, averaging $2.23.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread)A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $3 and $4, with an average price of $3.33.
  • Eggs (Dozen)A dozen eggs range from $4 to $8, averaging $6.33.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges)Apples and oranges both average $6.59 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce)Potatoes are priced between $1.99 and $2.18 per kg, and lettuce costs $4.99 per head.
Transportation
  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket)Public transport is not typically priced, indicating limited or free services.
  • Fuel (Gasoline)Gasoline is priced between $1.32 and $1.55 per liter.
  • Taxi FaresTaxi fares start at $6.5, with a cost of $1.86 per km.
Housing Costs
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $600 to $650, averaging $625.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent ranges from $350 to $600, averaging $450.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1000 to $1100, averaging $1050.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent ranges from $800 to $900, averaging $850.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre)The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $1800.
Utilities
  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.)Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment average $332.7.
  • InternetInternet services average $60.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 10 user contributions, as of the most recent update in April, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$8.00
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$40.00
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$12.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$5.50
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$6.00
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.50
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.90
Cappuccino (regular)
$4.83
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$2.23
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$3.33
Eggs (regular) (12)
$6.33
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$15.00
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$13.23
Apples (1kg)
$6.59
Oranges (1kg)
$6.59
Potato (1kg)
$2.09
Lettuce (1 head)
$4.99
Rice (white), (1kg)
$45.00
Banana (1kg)
$2.20
Onion (1kg)
$2.28
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$0.00
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.40
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$36,999.00
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$6.50
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$1.86
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$22,999.50
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$625.00
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$450.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$1,050.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$850.00
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$332.70
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$60.00
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$65.00
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$47.50
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$8.00
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$30.00
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$40.00
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$70.00
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$55.00
Buy Apartment Price
Avg / Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre
$1,800.00
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,010.00
Childcare
Avg / Range
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$6,000.00
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