😐A single person spends $2,030 per month in Tahiti vs $106 in Punaauia, rent included.
😐A couple spends around $3,129 per month in Tahiti vs $165 in Punaauia, rent included.
😐A family of three spends $4,227 per month in Tahiti vs $223 in Punaauia, rent included.
😐Tahiti costs about 1811% more than Punaauia, driven mainly by Eating Out.
📊Tahiti sits 52% above the global median, while Punaauia is 92% below – they fall on opposite sides of the world average.
Currency
🍽 Eating Out
Tahiti
Punaauia
Difference
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$15.35CFPF 1,566
-
-
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$51.8CFPF 5,283
-
-
Fast Food Meal(McDonalds, etc)
$11.52CFPF 1,176
-
-
Cappuccino
$4.81CFPF 491
-
-
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite(0.33 liter bottle)
$2.44CFPF 249
-
-
Water(0.33 liter bottle)
$2.48CFPF 253
-
-
Local Beer(0.5 liter draught)
$5.88CFPF 600
-
-
Imported Beer(0.33 liter bottle)
$6.52CFPF 665
-
-
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Tahiti
Punaauia
Difference
Milk(1 liter)
-
$1.44CFPF 147
-
Eggs
$10.06CFPF 1,027
-
-
Tomato(1kg)
$8.11CFPF 827
-
-
🚌 Getting Around
Tahiti
Punaauia
Difference
One-way Ticket(Public Transport)
$1.89CFPF 193
-
-
Gasoline(1 liter)
$1.47CFPF 150
-
-
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Tahiti
Punaauia
Difference
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment(Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)(85m2)
$74.7CFPF 7,624
-
-
Internet(50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$145CFPF 14.7K
-
-
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Tahiti
Punaauia
Difference
Gym Membership(Monthly)
$54.3CFPF 5,538
$92.9CFPF 9,484
-41.61%
Tennis Court(1 Hour on Weekend)
$17.93CFPF 1,830
-
-
Cinema Ticket
$12.86CFPF 1,312
-
-
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Tahiti
Punaauia
Difference
Jeans(Levis 501 Or Similar)
$140CFPF 14.3K
-
-
Summer Dress(H&M, Zara, etc)
$91.5CFPF 9,332
-
-
Sport Shoes(Adidas, Nike)
$175CFPF 17.9K
-
-
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$137CFPF 14.0K
-
-
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Tahiti
Punaauia
Difference
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$1,364CFPF 139.1K
$1,153CFPF 117.6K
18.31%
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$1,144CFPF 116.8K
-
-
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$2,460CFPF 251.0K
-
-
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$2,327CFPF 237.4K
-
-
💵 Salaries & Financials
Tahiti
Punaauia
Difference
Average Monthly Net Salary(After Tax)
$2,142CFPF 218.6K
-
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate(Annual %)
4.81
0
-
CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
Last update for Tahiti: April 26, 2026
Last update for Punaauia: April 26, 2026
Cost Breakdown
🏠A central one-bedroom costs $1,364 in Tahiti versus $1,153 in Punaauia. Rent is usually the largest line item in a monthly budget, so the gap here sets the tone for the overall comparison.
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
Tahiti vs Punaauia: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions
How do living costs in Tahiti and Punaauia compare overall?
Monthly costs with rent: $2,030 in Tahiti, $106 in Punaauia – roughly 1811% apart. Tahiti costs more across the board, with Eating Out showing the biggest gap.
What salary covers living expenses in Tahiti compared to Punaauia?
For a comfortable life, plan on about $3,045 per month in Tahiti and $159 in Punaauia. That covers rent, food, utilities, transport, and enough left over to feel settled – not just surviving.
How do rents compare between Tahiti and Punaauia?
Rent is clearly cheaper in Punaauia, especially for central apartments. Housing is actually the single biggest factor behind the overall cost gap between these two cities.
Which city is more expensive overall: Tahiti or Punaauia?
Monthly expenses with rent come to $2,030 in Tahiti and $106 in Punaauia. The difference isn't just one category – it shows up across housing, food, transport, and services.
Which city has cheaper grocery shopping?
Groceries cost about 461% more in Tahiti, though it depends on what you buy. Local produce may be comparable; imported and premium items show the biggest price gap.
Which city is more doable on $2,000 per month?
A $2,000 monthly budget goes further in Punaauia, where all-in costs run around $106, than in Tahiti at $2,030. In Punaauia it covers expenses comfortably, while in Tahiti it requires careful planning or may not stretch far enough.
Where should families live: Tahiti or Punaauia?
Families tend to lean toward Punaauia – lower housing and cheaper childcare make a real difference, especially on a single income or when paying for private education.
Is Tahiti or Punaauia safer for residents?
Both have safer and rougher neighborhoods, but overall safety is comparable to other large cities. Neighborhood choice matters more than the city-level comparison – central, well-trafficked areas feel secure in both.
How do I decide between Tahiti and Punaauia?
If budget matters most, go with Punaauia. If higher salaries, better infrastructure, or specific career opportunities are the priority, Tahiti makes more sense. Both are solid long-term options with distinct trade-offs.