🙂Monthly costs for one person with rent: $18.30 in Kolonia versus $1,668 in Pohnpei.
🙂Estimated couple costs with rent: $23.00 in Kolonia versus $2,573 in Pohnpei.
🙂Monthly costs for a family of three with rent: $27.41 in Kolonia versus $3,477 in Pohnpei.
🙂Living in Kolonia costs roughly 99% less than in Pohnpei, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.
📊The two cities straddle the global median: Kolonia is 99% below, Pohnpei is 25% above.
Currency
🍽 Eating Out
Kolonia
Pohnpei
Difference
Meal at Budget Restaurant
-
$11.42$11.42
-
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
-
$44.71$44.71
-
Fast Food Meal(McDonalds, etc)
-
$7.62$7.62
-
Cappuccino
-
$3.07$3.07
-
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite(0.33 liter bottle)
-
$1.28$1.28
-
Water(0.33 liter bottle)
-
$3.96$3.96
-
Imported Beer(0.33 liter bottle)
-
$3.04$3.04
-
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Kolonia
Pohnpei
Difference
Milk(1 liter)
-
$0.27$0.27
-
White Bread(500g)
-
$3.25$3.25
-
Rice(white)(1kg)
-
$2.96$2.96
-
Eggs
-
$7.12$7.12
-
Local Cheese(1kg)
-
$6.84$6.84
-
Chicken Fillets(1kg)
-
$5.07$5.07
-
Beef Round Steak(1kg)
-
$11.35$11.35
-
Apples(1kg)
-
$6.08$6.08
-
Banana(1kg)
-
$3.53$3.53
-
Oranges(1kg)
-
$5.55$5.55
-
Potato(1kg)
-
$5.02$5.02
-
Onion(1kg)
-
$5.14$5.14
-
Lettuce(1 head)
-
$3.73$3.73
-
Water(1.5 liter bottle)
-
$0.98$0.98
-
Cigarettes 20 Pack(Marlboro, Camel)
-
$8.89$8.89
-
Wine(Bottle)
$9.04$9.04
$3.06$3.06
195.42%
Imported Beer(0.33 liter bottle)
-
$2.69$2.69
-
🚌 Getting Around
Kolonia
Pohnpei
Difference
One-way Ticket(Public Transport)
-
$1.01$1.01
-
Taxi Start(Normal Tariff)
-
$4.97$4.97
-
Taxi(Normal Tariff)(1km)
-
$1.23$1.23
-
Taxi 1hour Waiting(Normal Tariff)
-
$3.92$3.92
-
Gasoline(1 liter)
-
$3.60$3.60
-
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Kolonia
Pohnpei
Difference
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment(Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)(85m2)
-
$133$133
-
SIM Card Monthly Plan(Calls and 10GB+ Data)
-
$39.42$39.42
-
Internet(50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
-
$201$201
-
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Kolonia
Pohnpei
Difference
Gym Membership(Monthly)
-
$19.76$19.76
-
Tennis Court(1 Hour on Weekend)
-
$49.70$49.70
-
🧸 Childcare & Education
Kolonia
Pohnpei
Difference
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child(Monthly)
-
$167$167
-
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Kolonia
Pohnpei
Difference
Jeans(Levis 501 Or Similar)
-
$80.5$80.5
-
Summer Dress(H&M, Zara, etc)
-
$69.0$69.0
-
Sport Shoes(Adidas, Nike)
-
$109$109
-
Men's Leather Business Shoes
-
$97.7$97.7
-
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Kolonia
Pohnpei
Difference
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
-
$899$899
-
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
-
$621$621
-
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
-
$1,577$1,577
-
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
-
$1,223$1,223
-
💵 Salaries & Financials
Kolonia
Pohnpei
Difference
Average Monthly Net Salary(After Tax)
-
$361$361
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate(Annual %)
400000
360000
11.11%
CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
Last update for Kolonia: April 27, 2026
Last update for Pohnpei: April 27, 2026
City Median Internet Speeds Comparison (Updated April 2026)
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
Kolonia vs Pohnpei: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions
Which city is more expensive, Kolonia or Pohnpei?
Kolonia wins on cost – living expenses run 9017% lower than in Pohnpei. Housing and daily spending are where you'll feel the difference most, making Kolonia the obvious pick if budget is a priority.
How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Kolonia vs Pohnpei?
You'd need roughly $27.45 in Kolonia and $2,502 in Pohnpei to live well. The gap comes down to housing and overall price levels. Both cities are liveable on less, but these numbers represent actual comfort.
Are groceries more expensive in Kolonia or Pohnpei?
Supermarket bills run roughly 1519% higher in Pohnpei. For households that cook at home regularly, that difference adds up over a month.
How much does it cost to live in Kolonia compared to Pohnpei?
All in, you'll spend $18.30 per month in Kolonia versus $1,668 in Pohnpei – a 9017% gap that adds up to real savings over time for anyone picking the cheaper option.
Can you live on $1,000/month in Kolonia or Pohnpei?
At $18.30 in Kolonia versus $1,668 in Pohnpei, a $1,000 budget is realistic in Kolonia but tight or insufficient in Pohnpei. The gap between the two cities makes Kolonia the clear choice for anyone on this budget.
Which city offers a better quality of life: Kolonia or Pohnpei?
Both cities offer a good standard of living with different trade-offs. Neither is objectively better – the right pick depends on what matters most: affordability, career, cultural scene, or climate.
How safe is Kolonia compared to Pohnpei?
Safety-wise, Kolonia and Pohnpei are on par. Petty crime is typical for cities this size, and most residents feel comfortable going about their daily routines in either place.
Which city is more affordable for expats?
Expats usually find Kolonia gentler on the wallet – expenses run 9017% less than in Pohnpei. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.