Cost of living in Honiara

Honiara, the capital city of the Solomon Islands, offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern living. Understanding the cost of living in Honiara is crucial for anyone considering moving to or visiting this vibrant city.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you plan your budget effectively.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants
  • Inexpensive Restaurant MealA meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $5.98 on average.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two)For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $62.83, with prices ranging from $53.86 to $71.81.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's)A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $14.96, with a range between $14.36 and $15.56.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi)Domestic beer ranges from $1.56 to $2.99, imported beer $2.39 to $5.39, cappuccino $1.8 to $5.39, and Coke/Pepsi $1.2 to $1.8.
Grocery Prices
  • MilkMilk is priced between $2.15 and $2.99 per liter, averaging $2.39.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread)A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.2 and $1.56, with an average price of $1.36.
  • Eggs (Dozen)A dozen eggs range from $3.59 to $6.46, averaging $4.71.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges)Apples cost $2.75 to $11.97 per kg, while oranges range from $4.31 to $11.97 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce)Potatoes are priced between $1.2 and $2.87 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.6 to $4.19 per head.
Transportation
  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket)A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.36 and $0.72.
  • Fuel (Gasoline)Gasoline is priced between $1.2 and $1.62 per liter.
  • Taxi FaresTaxi fares start at $1.2, with a cost of $1.2 per km and $11.97 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $418.88 to $718.09, averaging $538.57.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent ranges from $359.04 to $1196.81, averaging $628.33.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $777.93 to $4787.25, averaging $1232.72.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent ranges from $478.72 to $2992.03, averaging $837.77.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre)The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre is $83776.84.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, the price per square meter is $59840.54.
Utilities
  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.)Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment average $718.09.
  • InternetInternet services average $119.68.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 15 user contributions, as of the most recent update in November, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$5.98
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$62.83
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$14.96
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.27
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.39
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.40
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.20
Cappuccino (regular)
$3.79
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$2.39
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$1.36
Eggs (regular) (12)
$4.71
Local Cheese (1kg)
$4.55
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.03
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$8.08
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.87
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.67
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$3.83
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$10.77
Apples (1kg)
$8.08
Oranges (1kg)
$9.77
Potato (1kg)
$2.06
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.35
Rice (white), (1kg)
$1.46
Tomato (1kg)
$3.43
Banana (1kg)
$2.69
Onion (1kg)
$3.35
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$18.75
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$0.36
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$29.92
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.38
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.20
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$1.20
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$11.97
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$538.57
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$628.33
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$1,232.72
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$837.77
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$718.09
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$119.68
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$14.36
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)
$5.98
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$3.29
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$20.27
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$89.76
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$75.80
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$75.80
Buy Apartment Price
Avg / Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre
$83,776.84
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre
$59,840.54
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$572.48
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
15.67%
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$95.74
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$2,752.67