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Cost of Living in Port-Vila

Port-Vila, Shefa, VU · Population 49,034 · National capital

▲ +25% vs VU average

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

Estimated Prices in Port-Vila

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 Port-Vila 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 Port-Vila

Port-Vila vs LuganvillePort-Vila vs IsangelPort-Vila vs SolaPort-Vila vs Lakatoro

Nearby Cities

Lakatoro

204 km away · Malampa

Isangel

225 km away · Tafea

Saratamata

274 km away · Penama

Luganville

275 km away · Sanma

Sola

436 km away · Torba

Living in Port-Vila

Port-Vila is the capital and one of the key cities in VU. 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 Port-Vila 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 Port-Vila expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $857 per month in Port-Vila including rent outside the city centre. That is 25% more than the national average for VU.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Port-Vila?
A net salary of around $1,114 per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Port-Vila with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Port-Vila is $1,170.
How much is rent in Port-Vila?
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 Port-Vila cheaper than VU on average?
No — Port-Vila is estimated to be about 25% more expensive than the VU average, mainly due to housing demand as the national capital.
What is the cost of groceries in Port-Vila?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $186 in Port-Vila. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $8 and a cappuccino runs around $2.
How do transport costs in Port-Vila compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Port-Vila is estimated at $30. Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Port-Vila are estimates based on VU national averages adjusted for city size (population 49,034) and capital-city premium. Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.