Cost of Living in South Tarawa, Kiribati
Kiribati · Oceania
$1,000
Monthly Cost
avg/person
38
Cost Index
NYC=100
28
Rent Index
NYC=100
42
Quality of Life
Below Average
58
Safety Index
Moderate
0.064M
Population
AUD
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) | $18 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $0 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $2 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $3.5 |
| 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) | $1.5 |
| Eggs (12) | $4 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $8 |
| Beef (1kg) | $14 |
| Apples (1kg) | $5 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $3 |
| Potato (1kg) | $3 |
| Onion (1kg) | $2.5 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.8 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.3 |
| Monthly Pass | $12 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.5 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.5 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $30000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $24000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $100 |
| Mobile Plan | $20 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $50 |
| Fitness Club/month | $25 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $450/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $280/mo |
| 3BR Center | $1,000/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $600/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $1,500/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $900/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $350 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 9% |
View Cost of Living in Kiribati
Cost of Living in South Tarawa — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in South Tarawa, Kiribati is approximately $1,000 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), South Tarawa has a cost index of 38, making it around 62% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in South Tarawa costs around $280/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $450/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $1,000/month. The rent index is 28 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
South Tarawa scores 42/100 on the quality of life index and 58/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 35/100. 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 South Tarawa is approximately $350/month. With a purchasing power index of 28/100, 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 South Tarawa
The average monthly salary in South Tarawa is approximately $350. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $1,000, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 28/100.
Healthcare Costs in South Tarawa
Healthcare quality in South Tarawa is rated 35/100. 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 South Tarawa
South Tarawa 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 South Tarawa
Students living in South Tarawa 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 South Tarawa
Expats moving to South Tarawa 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 South Tarawa, Kiribati is approximately $1,000 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 38 compared with New York City (100).
Living in South Tarawa
Living in South Tarawa offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 38 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, South Tarawa provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Kiribati and around the world.
Key Facts About South Tarawa
- Average Monthly Cost: $1,000
- Cost Index: 38
- Rent Index: 28
- Average Salary: $350
- Quality of Life: 42/100
- Safety Score: 58/100
- Country: Kiribati
- Currency: AUD
Is South Tarawa Expensive?
South Tarawa has a cost index of 38 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does South Tarawa compare to other cities?
South Tarawa is located in Oceania with a population of approximately 0.064M. At a cost index of 38 (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 South Tarawa stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in South Tarawa?
The average cost of living in South Tarawa, Kiribati is approximately $1,000 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 38 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in South Tarawa?
Rent in South Tarawa varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 28 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for South Tarawa alongside other cities worldwide.
Is South Tarawa expensive to live in?
South Tarawa has a cost index of 38 compared to New York City (100). At 38, South Tarawa is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $1,000.
What is the quality of life in South Tarawa?
South Tarawa has a quality of life index of 42/100 and a safety index of 58/100. 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 South Tarawa compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare South Tarawa with any city worldwide. South Tarawa's cost index is 38 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in South Tarawa?
Many residents live comfortably in South Tarawa with a monthly budget of around $1,000 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is South Tarawa good for expats?
South Tarawa is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in South Tarawa?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $1,000 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in South Tarawa.
Is South Tarawa cheaper than New York?
Yes, South Tarawa has a cost index of 38 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in South Tarawa?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in South Tarawa.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in South Tarawa
Cheapest Ways to Live in South Tarawa
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in South Tarawa typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $280/month compared to $450/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 South Tarawa, Kiribati.
Is South Tarawa Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 28/100 and a quality of life score of 42/100, South Tarawa is a budget-friendly option, though residents should weigh lifestyle trade-offs carefully. Combined with a cost index of 38 relative to New York City, South Tarawa remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Kiribati has to offer against other destinations in Oceania.
South Tarawa Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in South Tarawa", "South Tarawa monthly expenses 2026", and "is South Tarawa affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $1,000, a safety score of 58/100, and healthcare rated 35/100, South Tarawa offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Kiribati.
Popular City Cost Comparisons
South Tarawa vs Berlin
Cost of living comparison
South Tarawa vs Dubai
Cost of living comparison
South Tarawa vs Hong Kong
Cost of living comparison
South Tarawa vs New York
Cost of living comparison
Cost of Living in Kiribati
Country living costs
Compare CitiesCity RankingsCountry RankingsMethodologyAbout UsCalculatorLast reviewed: 7/4/2026