Port Vila, the capital city of Vanuatu, is a vibrant hub known for its beautiful landscapes and rich culture. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering relocating or planning an extended stay.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Port Vila, covering everything from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you make informed financial decisions.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $11.2 on average, with a range between $4.21 and $13.03.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $63.17, with prices ranging from $40.81 to $101.08.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $9.57, with a range between $6.51 and $12.63.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $3.26 to $5.9, imported beer $2.92 to $5.86, cappuccino $2.5 to $10.11, and Coke/Pepsi $1.35 to $2.61.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced between $1.43 and $3.2 per liter, averaging $2.26.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.18 and $4.63, with an average price of $2.46.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.32 to $6.52, averaging $5.2.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $3.96 to $5.47 per kg, while oranges range from $4.63 to $7.24 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.9 and $9.27 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.84 to $2.95 per head.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $1.26 and $2.11.
  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.59 and $2.36 per liter.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.11, with a cost of $0.84 per km.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1095 to $2948.06, averaging $1867.11.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1347.69 to $1474.03, averaging $1407.24.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1600.38 to $6317.28, averaging $2937.53.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1500 to $4211.52, averaging $2059.61.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $3248.52.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $1968.19.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $210.58 and $673.84, averaging $454.84.
  • Internet - Internet services range from $84.23 to $336.92, with an average cost of $228.83.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 28 user contributions, as of the most recent update in June, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$11.20
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$63.17
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$9.57
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$4.56
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.21
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.16
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.72
Cappuccino (regular)
$5.07
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$2.26
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$2.46
Eggs (regular) (12)
$5.20
Local Cheese (1kg)
$20.21
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.07
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$12.63
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$3.00
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.95
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$9.27
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$18.53
Apples (1kg)
$4.91
Oranges (1kg)
$5.59
Potato (1kg)
$4.37
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.53
Rice (white), (1kg)
$3.96
Tomato (1kg)
$2.53
Banana (1kg)
$2.11
Onion (1kg)
$2.12
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$18.49
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$1.68
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$67.38
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.90
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$23,163.36
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$2.11
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$0.84
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$5.05
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$37,903.67
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$1,867.11
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$1,407.24
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$2,937.53
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$2,059.61
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$454.84
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$228.83
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$25.27
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)
$16.85
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$12.63
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$46.33
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$67.38
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$101.08
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$50.54
Buy Apartment Price
Avg / Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre
$3,248.52
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre
$1,968.19
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$537.53
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
8%
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$469.58
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$6,586.82
Port Vila Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Port Vila offers a unique blend of affordability and luxury, with dining and grocery prices generally moderate, but housing and utilities can be on the higher side.

Transportation is relatively affordable, especially for public transport and fuel, though car ownership can be expensive.

Potential residents should budget carefully for housing and utilities, which are significant expenses in Port Vila.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Port Vila presents a diverse cost of living landscape, where everyday expenses like dining and groceries are manageable, but housing and utilities require careful financial planning.

For those considering a move to this picturesque city, understanding these costs is essential to ensure a comfortable and sustainable lifestyle.

Port Vila

Nearby Cities

We don't have any relevant "Quality of life" data on cities with a 200 mile radius of Port Vila
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