Cost of Living in Honiara, Solomon Islands
Solomon Islands · Oceania
$1,050
Monthly Cost
avg/person
40
Cost Index
NYC=100
32
Rent Index
NYC=100
44
Quality of Life
Below Average
50
Safety Index
Moderate
0.082M
Population
SBD
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $5 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $20 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $0 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $2.5 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $4 |
| Cappuccino | $2.5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $1.5 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.8 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $2.5 |
| Bread (500g) | $2 |
| Rice (1kg) | $1.2 |
| Eggs (12) | $4 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $7 |
| Beef (1kg) | $12 |
| Apples (1kg) | $4 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.4 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $2.5 |
| Potato (1kg) | $2 |
| Onion (1kg) | $1.8 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.8 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.4 |
| Monthly Pass | $16 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.6 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.4 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $28000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $22000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $110 |
| Mobile Plan | $18 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $55 |
| Fitness Club/month | $28 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $500/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $320/mo |
| 3BR Center | $1,150/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $700/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $1,800/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $1,100/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $400 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 10% |
View Cost of Living in Solomon Islands
Cost of Living in Honiara — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Honiara, Solomon Islands is approximately $1,050 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Honiara has a cost index of 40, making it around 60% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Honiara costs around $320/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $500/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $1,150/month. The rent index is 32 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Honiara scores 44/100 on the quality of life index and 50/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 38/100. The climate index is 65/100. 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 Honiara is approximately $400/month. With a purchasing power index of 32/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is SBD, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Honiara
The average monthly salary in Honiara is approximately $400. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $1,050, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 32/100.
Healthcare Costs in Honiara
Healthcare quality in Honiara 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 Honiara
Honiara has a quality of life score of 44/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Honiara
Students living in Honiara 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 Honiara
Expats moving to Honiara 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 Honiara, Solomon Islands is approximately $1,050 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 40 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Honiara
Living in Honiara offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 40 and a quality of life score of 44/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $400 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Honiara provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Solomon Islands and around the world.
Key Facts About Honiara
- Average Monthly Cost: $1,050
- Cost Index: 40
- Rent Index: 32
- Average Salary: $400
- Quality of Life: 44/100
- Safety Score: 50/100
- Country: Solomon Islands
- Currency: SBD
Is Honiara Expensive?
Honiara has a cost index of 40 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Honiara compare to other cities?
Honiara is located in Oceania with a population of approximately 0.082M. At a cost index of 40 (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 Honiara stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Honiara?
The average cost of living in Honiara, Solomon Islands is approximately $1,050 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 40 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Honiara?
Rent in Honiara varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 32 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Honiara alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Honiara expensive to live in?
Honiara has a cost index of 40 compared to New York City (100). At 40, Honiara is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $1,050.
What is the quality of life in Honiara?
Honiara has a quality of life index of 44/100 and a safety index of 50/100. 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 Honiara compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Honiara with any city worldwide. Honiara's cost index is 40 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Honiara?
Many residents live comfortably in Honiara with a monthly budget of around $1,050 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Honiara good for expats?
Honiara is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Honiara?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $1,050 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Honiara.
Is Honiara cheaper than New York?
Yes, Honiara has a cost index of 40 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Honiara?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Honiara.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Honiara
Cheapest Ways to Live in Honiara
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Honiara typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $320/month compared to $500/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 Honiara, Solomon Islands.
Is Honiara Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 32/100 and a quality of life score of 44/100, Honiara is a budget-friendly option, though residents should weigh lifestyle trade-offs carefully. Combined with a cost index of 40 relative to New York City, Honiara remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Solomon Islands has to offer against other destinations in Oceania.
Honiara Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Honiara", "Honiara monthly expenses 2026", and "is Honiara affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $1,050, a safety score of 50/100, and healthcare rated 38/100, Honiara offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Solomon Islands.
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Last reviewed: 7/4/2026
