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Cost of living in Nuku'alofa

Nuku'alofa, the capital of Tonga, offers a unique blend of traditional culture and modern amenities. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering relocation or extended stay.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Nuku'alofa, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants
  • Inexpensive Restaurant MealA meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $8.35 on average, with a range between $4.17 and $10.43.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two)For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $62.6, with prices ranging from $41.73 to $62.6.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's)A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10.43.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi)Domestic beer ranges from $2.5 to $4.17, imported beer $2.92 to $5.01, cappuccino $2.09 to $3.76, and Coke/Pepsi $1.67 to $4.59.
Grocery Prices
  • MilkMilk is priced between $1.46 and $1.67 per liter, averaging $1.57.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread)A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.83 and $1.17, with an average price of $1.04.
  • Eggs (Dozen)A dozen eggs range from $4.67 to $5.34, averaging $5.12.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges)Apples cost $2.09 to $4.17 per kg, while oranges range from $2.09 to $4.17 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce)Potatoes are priced between $2.5 and $4.17 per kg, and lettuce costs $2.09 to $2.5 per head.
Transportation
  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket)A one-way local transport ticket costs $2.09.
  • Fuel (Gasoline)Gasoline is priced between $1.25 and $1.67 per liter.
  • Taxi FaresTaxi fares start at $2.09, with a cost of $8.35 per km.
Housing Costs
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $417.32.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent ranges from $208.66 to $625.98, averaging $417.32.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre)The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $417.32.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $250.39.
Utilities
  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.)Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $83.46 and $292.12, averaging $187.79.
  • InternetInternet services average $125.2.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 8 user contributions, as of the most recent update in August, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$8.35
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$62.60
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$10.43
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.34
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$5.01
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.64
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.36
Cappuccino (regular)
$2.92
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.57
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$1.04
Eggs (regular) (12)
$5.12
Local Cheese (1kg)
$9.04
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.39
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$17.11
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$3.20
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.34
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$10.22
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$5.91
Apples (1kg)
$2.78
Oranges (1kg)
$2.92
Potato (1kg)
$3.20
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.23
Rice (white), (1kg)
$2.07
Tomato (1kg)
$3.76
Banana (1kg)
$2.78
Onion (1kg)
$2.64
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$7.72
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$2.09
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$41.73
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.46
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$5,842.49
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$2.09
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$8.35
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$41.73
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$8,346.41
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$417.32
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$417.32
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$187.79
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$125.20
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$22.26
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$31.30
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)
$41.73
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$41.73
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$4.17
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$17.74
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$20.87
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$29.21
Buy Apartment Price
Avg / Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre
$417.32
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre
$250.39
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$684.81
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$158.58
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$250.39
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