Key Cost of Living Data
Port-Vila 2026 · NYC baseline = 100
| Category | Value | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CoL Index | N/A | NYC baseline = 100 · global avg 87.2 | GlobalCostData 2026 |
| Rent Index | N/A | Avg rent vs NYC | GlobalCostData 2026 |
| 1-BR City Centre | $440 | Monthly rent, USD | GlobalCostData 2026 |
| 1-BR Outside Centre | $286 | Monthly rent, USD | GlobalCostData 2026 |
| Cheap Restaurant Meal | $5 | Per person, USD | GlobalCostData 2026 |
| Monthly Groceries | $348 | Single person, USD | GlobalCostData 2026 |
| Monthly Transport | $67 | Transit pass, USD | GlobalCostData 2026 |
Affordability snapshot
Rent / Salary ratio
128%
Share of average net salary absorbed by 1-bed city-centre rent. Lower = more disposable income.
Country context · Vanuatu
Avg net salary
$345
Food basket /mo
$75
Avg rent /mo
$440
Internet speed
3 Mbps
Safety index
9.0
HDI
0.614
Life expectancy
63.7 yrs
Purchasing power
8.0
Housing & Rent
USD per month · 2026
| Type | USD / month | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed, city centre | $440 | Capital city avg. |
| 1-bed, outside centre | $286 | Suburbs avg. |
| Country avg rent | $440 | Vanuatu (national) |
Food & Dining
Per-item prices in USD
| Item | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cheap restaurant meal | $5 | Per person |
| Mid-range restaurant (2p) | $13 | 3-course |
| Monthly groceries (single) | $348 | Single person estimate |
| Country food basket | $75 | Vanuatu (national avg) |
Transport
Monthly costs in USD
| Type | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly transit pass | $67 | Public transport avg. |
City Insight
In Port-Vila, a 1-bedroom city-centre apartment ($440/mo) absorbs approximately 128% of the average net salary ($345/mo). Housing is a dominant budget item.
Country profile
Full cost of living guide for Vanuatu
Related · TaxRatesByCountry.com
Tax Rates in Vanuatu for Expats 2026
Income tax, corporate rates, capital gains & special regimes
Read guide →
Free resource
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Monthly Budget Estimates
Port-Vila · 2026 · Single person
| Lifestyle | Monthly Budget (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Frugal | $500 | Shared room, basic lifestyle |
| Comfortable | $800 | 1-bed apt, normal expat lifestyle |
| Western expat | $1,300 | Private apt, regular travel |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Port-Vila cost of living
Is Port-Vila good for digital nomads on a budget?
Port-Vila is one of the more affordable cities for digital nomads, with a CoL Index of 56.0 (roughly 44% below New York City). A comfortable remote-work lifestyle — including a private apartment, fast internet, and regular dining out — typically costs $560–$784/month, making it highly competitive on a USD or EUR income.
What is the cheapest area to live in Port-Vila?
Outside the city centre, a 1-bedroom apartment in Port-Vila averages $286/month, compared to $440/month in central areas. Outer districts and emerging neighbourhoods can be even cheaper — local expat forums are the best source for current listings.
How does Port-Vila compare to other affordable cities?
With a CoL Index of 56.0, Port-Vila sits comfortably in the affordable tier (below 60 on the NYC=100 scale). It compares favourably with similar budget destinations in the region, offering a good balance of infrastructure and low cost that appeals to long-stay travellers and expats alike.
Is Port-Vila, the capital, more expensive than other cities in Vanuatu?
As the capital of Vanuatu, Port-Vila tends to command a premium over smaller regional cities. Its CoL Index of 56.0 (NYC=100) reflects the concentration of government, business, and international institutions that typically drive up housing and service costs. Secondary cities in Vanuatu are often 20–40% cheaper for rent.
What is the average salary in Port-Vila?
The average net monthly salary in Port-Vila is approximately $345, equivalent to around $4,140/year after taxes. Technology, finance, and international companies typically pay above average. Expat packages often include housing allowances on top of the base salary.
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Sources: World Bank Open Data 2026 · GlobalCostData Research 2026. Data verified April 2026. Not financial or legal advice.
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and vary by neighbourhood and individual lifestyle. Verify with local sources before relocating.