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Cost of Living in Tarawa

Tarawa, KI · Population 70,090 · National capital

▲ +25% vs KI average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$857
Couple, monthly$1,550
Family of four, monthly$2,032

Estimated Prices in Tarawa

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$8.19per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$32.76per meal
Cappuccino$2.46each
Monthly groceries (single person)$186per month
Monthly public transport pass$30.03per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$79.17per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$22.93per month
Fitness club membership$22.93per month
Cinema ticket$6.01each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$447per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$311per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$933per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Tarawa is $1,170 per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $857 with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $1,114 per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($311) represents about 36% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Tarawa

Tarawa vs Betio

Nearby Cities

Betio

11 km away

Living in Tarawa

Tarawa is the capital and one of the key cities in KI. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $857, placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $311 per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $2,032 per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $1,550 monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Tarawa is $1,170. To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $1,114 per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tarawa expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $857 per month in Tarawa including rent outside the city centre. That is 25% more than the national average for KI.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Tarawa?
A net salary of around $1,114 per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Tarawa with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Tarawa is $1,170.
How much is rent in Tarawa?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $447 per month in the city centre and $311 outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $933.
Is Tarawa cheaper than KI on average?
No — Tarawa is estimated to be about 25% more expensive than the KI average, mainly due to housing demand as the national capital.
What is the cost of groceries in Tarawa?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $186 in Tarawa. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $8 and a cappuccino runs around $2.
How do transport costs in Tarawa compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Tarawa is estimated at $30. Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Tarawa are estimates based on KI national averages adjusted for city size (population 70,090) and capital-city premium. Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.