😐Monthly costs for one person with rent: $1,668 in Pohnpei versus $18.30 in Kolonia.
😐Estimated couple costs with rent: $2,573 in Pohnpei versus $23.00 in Kolonia.
😐Monthly costs for a family of three with rent: $3,477 in Pohnpei versus $27.41 in Kolonia.
😐Living in Pohnpei is roughly 9017% more expensive than Kolonia, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.
📊The two cities straddle the global median: Pohnpei is 25% above, Kolonia is 99% below.
Currency
🍽 Eating Out
Pohnpei
Kolonia
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
Pohnpei
Kolonia
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)
$3.06$3.06
$9.04$9.04
-66.15%
Imported Beer(0.33 liter bottle)
$2.69$2.69
-
-
🚌 Getting Around
Pohnpei
Kolonia
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
Pohnpei
Kolonia
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
Pohnpei
Kolonia
Difference
Gym Membership(Monthly)
$19.76$19.76
-
-
Tennis Court(1 Hour on Weekend)
$49.70$49.70
-
-
🧸 Childcare & Education
Pohnpei
Kolonia
Difference
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child(Monthly)
$167$167
-
-
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Pohnpei
Kolonia
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
Pohnpei
Kolonia
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
Pohnpei
Kolonia
Difference
Average Monthly Net Salary(After Tax)
$361$361
-
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate(Annual %)
360000
400000
-10.00%
CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
Last update for Pohnpei: 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
Pohnpei vs Kolonia: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions
Which city is more expensive, Pohnpei or Kolonia?
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 Pohnpei vs Kolonia?
You'd need roughly $2,502 in Pohnpei 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 Pohnpei or Kolonia?
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 Pohnpei compared to Kolonia?
All in, you'll spend $1,668 per month in Pohnpei versus $18.30 in Kolonia – 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 Pohnpei or Kolonia?
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: Pohnpei 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 Pohnpei compared to Kolonia?
Safety-wise, Pohnpei 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 9017% less than in Pohnpei. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.