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 Meal - A 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

  • Milk - Milk 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 Fares - Taxi 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.
  • Internet - Internet 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
OverviewJob Market
Nuku'alofa Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Nuku'alofa offers a relatively affordable cost of living, especially in terms of housing and dining.

Transportation costs are moderate, with affordable public transport and fuel prices.

Grocery prices are reasonable, though some imported goods may be more expensive.

Utilities and internet services are on the higher side, which is an important consideration for budgeting.

Conclusion

Overall, Nuku'alofa presents a balanced cost of living with affordable housing and dining options.

While utilities and internet costs are higher, the city remains an attractive option for those seeking a blend of traditional and modern living.

Potential residents should consider these factors when planning their move to ensure a comfortable lifestyle within their budget.

Nuku'alofa

Nearby Cities

We don't have any relevant "Quality of life" data on cities with a 200 mile radius of Nuku'alofa
All cities in Tonga