Cost of Living in Cook Islands - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $879 (excluding rent), and $1,291 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,114 (excluding rent), and $2,642 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$11.82 NZ$19.5

$5.91 NZ$9.75

$23.65 NZ$39

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$60.1 NZ$99.1

$48.07 NZ$79.3

$91.9 NZ$152

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$9.02 NZ$14.88

Cappuccino

$4.23 NZ$6.98

$3.07 NZ$5.07

$5.85 NZ$9.64

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.5 NZ$4.12

$2.35 NZ$3.88

$5.01 NZ$8.26

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.38 NZ$3.92

$1.79 NZ$2.94

$3.57 NZ$5.89

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$6.62 NZ$10.91

$3.61 NZ$5.96

$10.23 NZ$16.87

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.52 NZ$9.1

$9.18 NZ$15.15

Milk (1 liter)

$2.14 NZ$3.53

$1.53 NZ$2.52

$3.05 NZ$5.03

White Bread (500g)

$3.12 NZ$5.15

$2.84 NZ$4.68

$3.53 NZ$5.82

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.63 NZ$2.69

$1.48 NZ$2.45

$1.78 NZ$2.93

Eggs

$5.75 NZ$9.48

$5.07 NZ$8.36

$6.43 NZ$10.61

Local Cheese (1kg)

$9.89 NZ$16.31

$7.87 NZ$12.98

$12.11 NZ$19.97

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$7.67 NZ$12.65

$7.08 NZ$11.68

$8.26 NZ$13.62

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$9.16 NZ$15.11

$7.34 NZ$12.1

$11 NZ$18.14

Apples (1kg)

$3.08 NZ$5.08

$3.06 NZ$5.05

$3.09 NZ$5.1

Banana (1kg)

$2.37 NZ$3.92

$1.78 NZ$2.94

$2.97 NZ$4.89

Oranges (1kg)

$3.58 NZ$5.91

$3.57 NZ$5.89

$3.6 NZ$5.94

Tomato (1kg)

$6.49 NZ$10.71

$3.09 NZ$5.09

$9.9 NZ$16.33

Potato (1kg)

$2.48 NZ$4.09

$1.86 NZ$3.07

$3.1 NZ$5.11

Onion (1kg)

$1.95 NZ$3.21

$1.42 NZ$2.35

$2.47 NZ$4.07

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.06 NZ$3.39

$1.76 NZ$2.91

$2.35 NZ$3.87

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$3.25 NZ$5.36

$2.94 NZ$4.86

$3.54 NZ$5.84

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$14.85 NZ$24.49

$11.88 NZ$19.6

$17.83 NZ$29.4

Wine (Bottle)

$11.95 NZ$19.72

$5.98 NZ$9.86

$14.94 NZ$24.64

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$3.56 NZ$5.88

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.9 NZ$8.09

$4.46 NZ$7.36

$5.36 NZ$8.84

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.96 NZ$4.89

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$21.16 NZ$34.89

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$36.76 NZ$60.6

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.77 NZ$2.92

$1.78 NZ$2.93

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$12.1K NZ$19.9K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$106 NZ$175

$90.7 NZ$150

$121 NZ$199

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$29.86 NZ$49.25

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$106 NZ$175

$90.7 NZ$150

$122 NZ$201

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$25.25 NZ$41.64

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$24.49 NZ$40.39

Cinema Ticket

$7.01 NZ$11.56

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$1,455 NZ$2,400

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$68.5 NZ$113

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$73.1 NZ$120

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$318 NZ$525

$156 NZ$258

$480 NZ$792

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$316 NZ$521

$155 NZ$256

$477 NZ$787

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$354 NZ$583

$119 NZ$197

$715 NZ$1,180

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$481 NZ$793

$231 NZ$382

$731 NZ$1,205

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$5,215 NZ$8,601

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$735 NZ$1,212

$504 NZ$831

$966 NZ$1,594

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Cost of Living in Cook Islands - Frequently Asked Questions

Compared with many tropical getaways, the Cost of Living in Cook Islands reflects a balance between higher import costs and the value of a safe, scenic lifestyle. For travelers and expats, the quality of life – safety, climate, and easy access to nature – adds value even if some everyday items cost more. You can tighten your budget by prioritizing inland stays, cooking at home, and choosing longer rental terms over short stays. Seasonal demand shapes availability in peak months. Tip: map out a simple monthly plan that pairs affordable groceries with occasional experiences.

Daily life centers on a relaxed pace and easy access to nature. Cook Islands living cost varies by island and season, with inland areas usually more affordable than beachfront zones. For housing, search local rental listings, guesthouses offering longer leases, and expat groups; most options cluster around Avarua in Rarotonga or beachfront villages on the lagoon. Food comes from family-run markets, fish caught daily, and supermarkets with imported staples; cooking at home is cost-effective, while fresh local fare is a treat. Transport works well with a rental scooter or car; inter-island trips use small planes or ferries. Some cafes offer reliable Wi-Fi for coworking. Tip: pace your week to combine errands and work.

Quality of life comes from balance more than price tags. Start with a simple budgeting framework: separate housing, groceries, transport, utilities, and activities, then track where your money goes. Seasonality affects both availability and vibe – dry season crowds may raise rates in popular areas, while off-peak periods can offer quieter beaches and more flexible rentals. For neighborhoods, mix beach access with convenience; consider staying near Avarua for shops and transit options, or choose a quieter inland pocket for lower noise and longer-term leases. Save by cooking at home, buying fresh produce at markets, and preferring public beaches over paid excursions. Tip: build a short-term housing plan first, then test longer leases if the fit works.