Cost of Living in Port Vila, Vanuatu
Vanuatu · Oceania
$1,250
Monthly Cost
avg/person
46
Cost Index
NYC=100
38
Rent Index
NYC=100
55
Quality of Life
Moderate
58
Safety Index
Moderate
0.051M
Population
VUV
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) | $26 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $0 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $2.8 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $4 |
| Cappuccino | $3 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $1.5 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.8 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $2.5 |
| Bread (500g) | $2 |
| Rice (1kg) | $1.5 |
| Eggs (12) | $4.5 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $8 |
| Beef (1kg) | $13 |
| Apples (1kg) | $5 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $2.5 |
| Potato (1kg) | $2.2 |
| Onion (1kg) | $2 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.8 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.5 |
| Monthly Pass | $20 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.8 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.5 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $30000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $24000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $130 |
| Mobile Plan | $22 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $60 |
| Fitness Club/month | $32 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $650/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $420/mo |
| 3BR Center | $1,500/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $920/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $2,300/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $1,450/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $500 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 9% |
View Cost of Living in Vanuatu
Cost of Living in Port Vila — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Port Vila, Vanuatu is approximately $1,250 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Port Vila has a cost index of 46, making it around 54% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Port Vila costs around $420/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $650/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $1,500/month. The rent index is 38 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Port Vila scores 55/100 on the quality of life index and 58/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 45/100. The climate index is 70/100. 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 Port Vila is approximately $500/month. With a purchasing power index of 40/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is VUV, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Port Vila
The average monthly salary in Port Vila is approximately $500. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $1,250, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 40/100.
Healthcare Costs in Port Vila
Healthcare quality in Port Vila is rated 45/100. 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 Port Vila
Port Vila has a quality of life score of 55/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Port Vila
Students living in Port Vila 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 Port Vila
Expats moving to Port Vila 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 Port Vila, Vanuatu is approximately $1,250 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 46 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Port Vila
Living in Port Vila offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 46 and a quality of life score of 55/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $500 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Port Vila provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Vanuatu and around the world.
Key Facts About Port Vila
- Average Monthly Cost: $1,250
- Cost Index: 46
- Rent Index: 38
- Average Salary: $500
- Quality of Life: 55/100
- Safety Score: 58/100
- Country: Vanuatu
- Currency: VUV
Is Port Vila Expensive?
Port Vila has a cost index of 46 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Port Vila compare to other cities?
Port Vila is located in Oceania with a population of approximately 0.051M. At a cost index of 46 (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 Port Vila stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Port Vila?
The average cost of living in Port Vila, Vanuatu is approximately $1,250 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 46 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Port Vila?
Rent in Port Vila varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 38 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Port Vila alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Port Vila expensive to live in?
Port Vila has a cost index of 46 compared to New York City (100). At 46, Port Vila is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $1,250.
What is the quality of life in Port Vila?
Port Vila has a quality of life index of 55/100 and a safety index of 58/100. The city is located in Oceania and offers a moderate quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Port Vila compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Port Vila with any city worldwide. Port Vila's cost index is 46 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Port Vila?
Many residents live comfortably in Port Vila with a monthly budget of around $1,250 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Port Vila good for expats?
Port Vila is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Port Vila?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $1,250 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Port Vila.
Is Port Vila cheaper than New York?
Yes, Port Vila has a cost index of 46 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Port Vila?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Port Vila.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Port Vila
Cheapest Ways to Live in Port Vila
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Port Vila typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $420/month compared to $650/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 Port Vila, Vanuatu.
Is Port Vila Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 40/100 and a quality of life score of 55/100, Port Vila is a reasonable option for relocation, balancing affordability with adequate quality of life. Combined with a cost index of 46 relative to New York City, Port Vila remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Vanuatu has to offer against other destinations in Oceania.
Port Vila Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Port Vila", "Port Vila monthly expenses 2026", and "is Port Vila affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $1,250, a safety score of 58/100, and healthcare rated 45/100, Port Vila offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Vanuatu.
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Last reviewed: 7/4/2026