Cost of Living in Funafuti, Tuvalu
Tuvalu · Oceania
$1,150
Monthly Cost
avg/person
45
Cost Index
NYC=100
36
Rent Index
NYC=100
42
Quality of Life
Below Average
62
Safety Index
Moderate
0.0059M
Population
AUD
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $7 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $25 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $0 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $3 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $4.5 |
| Cappuccino | $3 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $1.5 |
| Water (0.33L) | $1 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $3 |
| Bread (500g) | $2.5 |
| Rice (1kg) | $1.8 |
| Eggs (12) | $5.5 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $10 |
| Beef (1kg) | $16 |
| Apples (1kg) | $6 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.8 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $4 |
| Potato (1kg) | $3.5 |
| Onion (1kg) | $3 |
| Water (1.5L) | $1 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0 |
| Monthly Pass | $0 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.5 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.8 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $32000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $25000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $150 |
| Mobile Plan | $30 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $70 |
| Fitness Club/month | $25 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $550/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $350/mo |
| 3BR Center | $1,250/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $750/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $1,800/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $1,100/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $350 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 9% |
Cost of Living in Funafuti — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Funafuti, Tuvalu is approximately $1,150 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Funafuti has a cost index of 45, making it around 55% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Funafuti costs around $350/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $550/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $1,250/month. The rent index is 36 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Funafuti scores 42/100 on the quality of life index and 62/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 38/100. The climate index is 68/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Funafuti is approximately $350/month. With a purchasing power index of 30/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is AUD, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Funafuti
The average monthly salary in Funafuti is approximately $350. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $1,150, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 30/100.
Healthcare Costs in Funafuti
Healthcare quality in Funafuti is rated 38/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Funafuti
Funafuti has a quality of life score of 42/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Funafuti
Students living in Funafuti should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Funafuti
Expats moving to Funafuti often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Funafuti, Tuvalu is approximately $1,150 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 45 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Funafuti
Living in Funafuti offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 45 and a quality of life score of 42/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $350 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Funafuti provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Tuvalu and around the world.
Key Facts About Funafuti
- Average Monthly Cost: $1,150
- Cost Index: 45
- Rent Index: 36
- Average Salary: $350
- Quality of Life: 42/100
- Safety Score: 62/100
- Country: Tuvalu
- Currency: AUD
Is Funafuti Expensive?
Funafuti has a cost index of 45 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Funafuti compare to other cities?
Funafuti is located in Oceania with a population of approximately 0.0059M. At a cost index of 45 (NYC = 100), it is one of the most affordable cities in the world, ideal for budget-conscious expats, remote workers, and retirees. Use the free comparison tool to see how Funafuti stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Funafuti?
The average cost of living in Funafuti, Tuvalu is approximately $1,150 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 45 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Funafuti?
Rent in Funafuti varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 36 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Funafuti alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Funafuti expensive to live in?
Funafuti has a cost index of 45 compared to New York City (100). At 45, Funafuti is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $1,150.
What is the quality of life in Funafuti?
Funafuti has a quality of life index of 42/100 and a safety index of 62/100. The city is located in Oceania and offers a below average quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Funafuti compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Funafuti with any city worldwide. Funafuti's cost index is 45 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Funafuti?
Many residents live comfortably in Funafuti with a monthly budget of around $1,150 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Funafuti good for expats?
Funafuti is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Funafuti?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $1,150 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Funafuti.
Is Funafuti cheaper than New York?
Yes, Funafuti has a cost index of 45 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Funafuti?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Funafuti.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Funafuti
Cheapest Ways to Live in Funafuti
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Funafuti typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $350/month compared to $550/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Funafuti, Tuvalu.
Is Funafuti Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 30/100 and a quality of life score of 42/100, Funafuti is a budget-friendly option, though residents should weigh lifestyle trade-offs carefully. Combined with a cost index of 45 relative to New York City, Funafuti remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Tuvalu has to offer against other destinations in Oceania.
Funafuti Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Funafuti", "Funafuti monthly expenses 2026", and "is Funafuti affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $1,150, a safety score of 62/100, and healthcare rated 38/100, Funafuti offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Tuvalu.
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Last reviewed: 7/4/2026