Cost of Living in Vanuatu

Cost Guide to Living in Vanuatu

Vanuatu, located in the South Pacific Ocean, is a beautiful archipelago known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and friendly locals. If you are considering living in Vanuatu, it is essential to understand the cost of living to help you plan your budget accordingly. From housing to food, transport to healthcare, this guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the expenses you can expect in Vanuatu, using the local currency, the Vanuatu Vatu (VUV).

### Housing Costs In Vanuatu, the cost of housing can vary depending on the region you choose to live in. Here are the approximate monthly rental prices for a one-bedroom apartment in different regions:

- Port Vila: 50,000 VUV - 120,000 VUV - Luganville: 30,000 VUV - 80,000 VUV - Other Outer Islands: 20,000 VUV - 60,000 VUV

### Data/SIM Costs For mobile data and SIM card costs in Vanuatu, you can expect to pay around 500 VUV for a basic SIM card. Data packages vary but typically range from 200 VUV for a small data package to 2,000 VUV for a larger data package.

### Food Costs #### Groceries When it comes to groceries, the cost of living can be affordable in Vanuatu. Here are some average prices for common grocery items:

- Rice (1kg): 200 VUV - Eggs (12): 400 VUV - Milk (1 litre): 300 VUV - Bread (500g): 150 VUV - Chicken (1kg): 1,000 VUV

#### Dining Out If you prefer dining out, a meal at a local restaurant can cost around 1,500 - 3,000 VUV per person. For a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant, you can expect to pay around 5,000 - 8,000 VUV.

### Transport Costs Transportation costs in Vanuatu can vary depending on the mode of transport you choose. Here are some average prices:

- Bus Fare (Single Trip): 100 VUV - Taxi Start (Normal Tariff): 400 VUV - Petrol (1 litre): 200 VUV

### Coworking Rates If you are a digital nomad or remote worker looking for coworking spaces in Vanuatu, you can expect to pay around 2,000 - 5,000 VUV per day for a desk in a shared workspace.

### Lifestyle Expenses Living in Vanuatu offers a relaxed lifestyle with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as snorkelling, diving, and hiking. Here are some estimated monthly lifestyle expenses:

- Gym Membership: 5,000 VUV - 10,000 VUV - Entertainment (Cinema, etc.): 2,000 - 5,000 VUV - Yoga/Pilates Class: 2,000 - 4,000 VUV

### Healthcare Costs Healthcare in Vanuatu is a mix of public and private providers. Consultation fees at private clinics can range from 2,000 - 5,000 VUV. Medications are relatively affordable, with common antibiotics costing around 1,000 - 2,000 VUV.

### Regional Differences Living costs can vary significantly between regions in Vanuatu. Port Vila, as the capital and largest city, tends to have higher prices compared to other areas in the country. Outer islands may offer a more affordable cost of living but may have limited amenities and services.

### Budget Tiers - Budget: Living frugally, you can expect to spend around 150,000 - 200,000 VUV per month. - Mid-Range: A more comfortable lifestyle will cost approximately 250,000 - 350,000 VUV per month. - High-End: For a luxurious lifestyle with all amenities, expect to spend upwards of 400,000 VUV per month.

In conclusion, Vanuatu offers a unique and laid-back lifestyle with a range of costs to suit different budgets. By understanding the expenses involved, you can better plan your finances and enjoy all that this beautiful island nation has to offer.