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Cost of Living in Honiara

Honiara, Honiara, SB · Population 84,520 · National capital

▲ +25% vs SB average

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

Estimated Prices in Honiara

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 Honiara 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 Honiara

Honiara vs GizoHoniara vs AukiHoniara vs KirakiraHoniara vs BualaHoniara vs TulagiHoniara vs Tigoa

Nearby Cities

Tulagi

43 km away · Central

Auki

110 km away · Malaita

Buala

146 km away · Isabel

Tigoa

237 km away · Rennell and Bellona

Kirakira

244 km away · Makira and Ulawa

Gizo

372 km away · Western

Taro

495 km away · Choiseul

Lata

656 km away · Temotu

Living in Honiara

Honiara is the capital and one of the key cities in SB. 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 Honiara 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 Honiara expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $857 per month in Honiara including rent outside the city centre. That is 25% more than the national average for SB.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Honiara?
A net salary of around $1,114 per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Honiara with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Honiara is $1,170.
How much is rent in Honiara?
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 Honiara cheaper than SB on average?
No — Honiara is estimated to be about 25% more expensive than the SB average, mainly due to housing demand as the national capital.
What is the cost of groceries in Honiara?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $186 in Honiara. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $8 and a cappuccino runs around $2.
How do transport costs in Honiara compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Honiara is estimated at $30. Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Honiara are estimates based on SB national averages adjusted for city size (population 84,520) and capital-city premium. Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.