😐Monthly costs for one person with rent: $1,658 in Palikir versus $18.30 in Kolonia.
😐Estimated couple costs with rent: $2,239 in Palikir versus $23.00 in Kolonia.
😐Monthly costs for a family of three with rent: $2,820 in Palikir versus $27.41 in Kolonia.
😐Living in Palikir is roughly 8961% more expensive than Kolonia, driven mainly by Eating Out.
📊The two cities straddle the global median: Palikir is 24% above, Kolonia is 99% below.
Currency
🍽 Eating Out
Palikir
Kolonia
Difference
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$29.47$29.47
-
-
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$44.42$44.42
-
-
Fast Food Meal(McDonalds, etc)
$5.87$5.87
-
-
Cappuccino
$2.96$2.96
-
-
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite(0.33 liter bottle)
$1.18$1.18
-
-
Water(0.33 liter bottle)
$2.05$2.05
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-
Local Beer(0.5 liter draught)
$1.02$1.02
-
-
Imported Beer(0.33 liter bottle)
$1.97$1.97
-
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🛒 Groceries & Markets
Palikir
Kolonia
Difference
Milk(1 liter)
$0.22$0.22
-
-
White Bread(500g)
$2.26$2.26
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-
Rice(white)(1kg)
$2.16$2.16
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-
Eggs
$2.42$2.42
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-
Local Cheese(1kg)
$4.49$4.49
-
-
Chicken Fillets(1kg)
$4.32$4.32
-
-
Beef Round Steak(1kg)
$6.80$6.80
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-
Apples(1kg)
$3.58$3.58
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-
Banana(1kg)
$2.52$2.52
-
-
Oranges(1kg)
$2.26$2.26
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-
Tomato(1kg)
$3.16$3.16
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-
Potato(1kg)
$3.23$3.23
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-
Onion(1kg)
$2.26$2.26
-
-
Lettuce(1 head)
$1.93$1.93
-
-
Water(1.5 liter bottle)
$1.13$1.13
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-
Cigarettes 20 Pack(Marlboro, Camel)
$18.29$18.29
-
-
Wine(Bottle)
$6.67$6.67
$9.04$9.04
-26.22%
Local Beer(0.5 liter bottle)
$1.41$1.41
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-
Imported Beer(0.33 liter bottle)
$1.37$1.37
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🚌 Getting Around
Palikir
Kolonia
Difference
One-way Ticket(Public Transport)
$0.77$0.77
-
-
Public Transport Monthly Pass(Regular Price)
$34.46$34.46
-
-
Taxi Start(Normal Tariff)
$6.23$6.23
-
-
Taxi(Normal Tariff)(1km)
$1.63$1.63
-
-
Taxi 1hour Waiting(Normal Tariff)
$4.83$4.83
-
-
Gasoline(1 liter)
$3.05$3.05
-
-
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l(Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$3,999$3,999
-
-
Compact Sedan 1.6l(Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$4,015$4,015
-
-
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Palikir
Kolonia
Difference
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment(Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)(85m2)
$40.44$40.44
-
-
SIM Card Monthly Plan(Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$15.13$15.13
-
-
Internet(50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$267$267
-
-
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Palikir
Kolonia
Difference
Gym Membership(Monthly)
$41.05$41.05
-
-
Tennis Court(1 Hour on Weekend)
$20.09$20.09
-
-
Cinema Ticket
$7.14$7.14
-
-
🧸 Childcare & Education
Palikir
Kolonia
Difference
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child(Monthly)
$113$113
-
-
International Primary School, 1 Child(Yearly)
$1,714$1,714
-
-
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Palikir
Kolonia
Difference
Jeans(Levis 501 Or Similar)
$20.36$20.36
-
-
Summer Dress(H&M, Zara, etc)
$25.49$25.49
-
-
Sport Shoes(Adidas, Nike)
$70.9$70.9
-
-
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$54.5$54.5
-
-
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Palikir
Kolonia
Difference
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$700$700
-
-
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$601$601
-
-
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$757$757
-
-
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$644$644
-
-
Buy Apartment in City Center(m2)
$844$844
-
-
Buy Apartment Outside City Center(m2)
$687$687
-
-
💵 Salaries & Financials
Palikir
Kolonia
Difference
Average Monthly Net Salary(After Tax)
$246$246
-
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate(Annual %)
380000
400000
-5.00%
CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
Last update for Palikir: April 27, 2026
Last update for Kolonia: 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
Palikir vs Kolonia: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions
Which city is more expensive, Palikir or Kolonia?
Kolonia wins on cost – living expenses run 8961% lower than in Palikir. 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 Palikir vs Kolonia?
You'd need roughly $2,487 in Palikir and $27.45 in Kolonia 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 Palikir or Kolonia?
Supermarket bills run roughly 1089% higher in Palikir. For households that cook at home regularly, that difference adds up over a month.
How much does it cost to live in Palikir compared to Kolonia?
All in, you'll spend $1,658 per month in Palikir versus $18.30 in Kolonia – a 8961% gap that adds up to real savings over time for anyone picking the cheaper option.
Can you live on $1,000/month in Palikir or Kolonia?
At $18.30 in Kolonia versus $1,658 in Palikir, a $1,000 budget is realistic in Kolonia but tight or insufficient in Palikir. The gap between the two cities makes Kolonia the clear choice for anyone on this budget.
Which city offers a better quality of life: Palikir or Kolonia?
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 Palikir compared to Kolonia?
Safety-wise, Palikir and Kolonia 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 8961% less than in Palikir. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.