Cost of Living in Cook Islands - Updated Prices & Insights

Name: Cook Islands
Address: CK

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $812 (excluding rent), and $1,299 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,981 (excluding rent), and $2,630 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$11.92 NZ$20.74

$5.96 NZ$10.37

$23.84 NZ$41.49

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$59.4 NZ$103

$47.50 NZ$82.7

$90.9 NZ$158

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$9.30 NZ$16.18

Cappuccino

$4.11 NZ$7.15

$2.98 NZ$5.19

$5.67 NZ$9.87

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

$2.61 NZ$4.53

$2.45 NZ$4.27

$5.22 NZ$9.08

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.44 NZ$4.25

$1.83 NZ$3.19

$3.66 NZ$6.38

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$6.69 NZ$11.64

$3.65 NZ$6.35

$10.34 NZ$17.99

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.52 NZ$9.60

$9.19 NZ$15.99

Milk (1 liter)

$2.16 NZ$3.75

$1.54 NZ$2.68

$3.07 NZ$5.35

White Bread (500g)

$3.07 NZ$5.35

$2.79 NZ$4.86

$3.47 NZ$6.05

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.69 NZ$2.94

$1.54 NZ$2.68

$1.84 NZ$3.21

Eggs

$5.84 NZ$10.15

$5.14 NZ$8.95

$6.53 NZ$11.36

Local Cheese (1kg)

$10.09 NZ$17.55

$8.03 NZ$13.97

$12.35 NZ$21.49

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$7.98 NZ$13.89

$7.37 NZ$12.83

$8.60 NZ$14.96

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$9.09 NZ$15.81

$7.28 NZ$12.66

$10.91 NZ$18.98

Apples (1kg)

$3.04 NZ$5.29

$3.02 NZ$5.25

$3.05 NZ$5.30

Banana (1kg)

$2.35 NZ$4.10

$1.77 NZ$3.08

$2.94 NZ$5.12

Oranges (1kg)

$3.56 NZ$6.20

$3.55 NZ$6.18

$3.58 NZ$6.23

Tomato (1kg)

$6.40 NZ$11.14

$3.04 NZ$5.29

$9.76 NZ$16.98

Potato (1kg)

$2.44 NZ$4.25

$1.84 NZ$3.19

$3.05 NZ$5.31

Onion (1kg)

$1.89 NZ$3.28

$1.38 NZ$2.40

$2.39 NZ$4.16

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.16 NZ$3.75

$1.85 NZ$3.22

$2.46 NZ$4.28

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$3.27 NZ$5.70

$2.97 NZ$5.17

$3.57 NZ$6.21

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$14.89 NZ$25.92

$11.92 NZ$20.74

$17.88 NZ$31.11

Wine (Bottle)

$11.51 NZ$20.04

$5.76 NZ$10.02

$14.40 NZ$25.05

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$3.71 NZ$6.46

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.10 NZ$8.87

$4.64 NZ$8.07

$5.57 NZ$9.69

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.93 NZ$5.10

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$21.07 NZ$36.66

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$36.16 NZ$62.9

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.78 NZ$3.09

$1.79 NZ$3.11

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

$12.1K NZ$21.1K

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

$105 NZ$183

$90.2 NZ$157

$120 NZ$209

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

$29.62 NZ$51.5

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$104 NZ$181

$88.9 NZ$155

$119 NZ$208

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$25.15 NZ$43.77

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$23.68 NZ$41.20

Cinema Ticket

$7.05 NZ$12.27

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$1,442 NZ$2,509

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$68.5 NZ$119

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$72.7 NZ$127

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$325 NZ$565

$159 NZ$277

$490 NZ$853

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$324 NZ$564

$159 NZ$277

$489 NZ$851

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$352 NZ$613

$119 NZ$207

$713 NZ$1,240

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$470 NZ$818

$226 NZ$394

$714 NZ$1,243

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$5,031 NZ$8,754

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$746 NZ$1,298

$494 NZ$859

$998 NZ$1,737

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

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

Last update: January 11, 2026

By City in Cook Islands

Lowest

Highest

Rank	City	Population	Living Index	Solo costs (no rent) / month	Solo costs (with rent) / month	Family of 3 costs (no rent) / month	Family of 3 costs (with rent) / month	Mobile download speed (Mbps)	Internet download speed (Mbps)
1	Avarua	5000		$517	$848	$1,661	$1,929	168.32	61.12
2	Rarotonga	-	68	$754	$1,352	$2,081	$2,705	87.66	61.12

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

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.