📌A single person spends around $2,132 per month with rent, or $737 for everyday expenses alone.
📌A couple spends around $2,750 per month with rent, or $1,356 for everyday expenses alone.
📌A family of three spends around $3,369 per month with rent, or $1,975 without housing.
📊Overall, Honiara is 19–59% above the global median across household types. Within Oceania, costs are slightly above average (6%) – still relatively affordable for the region.
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment(Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)(85m2)
$709SBD 5,688
-
SIM Card Monthly Plan(Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$26.03SBD 209
$11.83SBD 94.9
$47.33SBD 380
Internet(50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$85.9SBD 689
$53.3SBD 428
$118SBD 950
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Tennis Court(1 Hour on Weekend)
$5.96SBD 47.81
$5.96SBD 47.81
$5.96SBD 47.81
Cinema Ticket
$3.35SBD 26.86
$2.44SBD 19.60
$4.26SBD 34.21
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child(Monthly)
$94.6SBD 759
$47.27SBD 379
$118SBD 948
International Primary School, 1 Child(Yearly)
$2,788SBD 22.4K
$2,424SBD 19.5K
$3,152SBD 25.3K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans(Levis 501 Or Similar)
$20.64SBD 166
$11.94SBD 95.8
$36.56SBD 293
Summer Dress(H&M, Zara, etc)
$90.8SBD 728
-
Sport Shoes(Adidas, Nike)
$75.6SBD 607
$35.82SBD 287
$119SBD 958
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$75.1SBD 602
$47.43SBD 381
$119SBD 951
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$547SBD 4,390
$426SBD 3,414
$729SBD 5,853
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$624SBD 5,005
$356SBD 2,860
$1,188SBD 9,533
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$1,236SBD 9,913
$780SBD 6,256
$4,798SBD 38.5K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$836SBD 6,707
$478SBD 3,833
$2,986SBD 24.0K
Buy Apartment in City Center(m2)
$85.7KSBD 687.5K
$85.7KSBD 687.5K
$85.7KSBD 687.5K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center(m2)
$62.9KSBD 504.9K
$62.9KSBD 504.9K
$62.9KSBD 504.9K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary(After Tax)
$699SBD 5,606
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate(Annual %)
15.67
10
20
CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
Last update: May 31, 2026
Cost Breakdown
🏠A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $547, dropping to $624 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 78% of the average salary ($699) – well above the 30% international benchmark.
💰The average net salary is $699 – below monthly costs of $2,132. Most locals rely on shared housing or dual incomes. Remote workers earning abroad will find stronger purchasing power.
🛒Groceries cost around $336 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $51.0 – broadly in line with the Oceanian average.
🚌A monthly public transport pass costs about $23.71 – among the cheapest in Oceania (average $58.0).
Cost Highlights
⭐Honiara has the 3rd cheapest preschool or kindergarten, full day, private, 1 child in Oceania
⭐Honiara has the 3rd cheapest public transport monthly pass in Oceania
⭐Honiara has the 3rd cheapest local beer in Oceania
Honiara Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)
Mobile
Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
Fixed Broadband
Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
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The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Cost of Living in Honiara - Frequently Asked Questions
How affordable is Honiara for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and who tends to get good value?
In general, you can stretch a budget by choosing local eateries, public transport, and modest accommodations. Neighborhoods near the waterfront can be pricier than inland areas, while short-term rentals vary with season and demand. Cost-conscious visitors often balance comfort and cost by mixing quick meals with occasional market buys. Cost of Living in Honiara, Solomon Islands helps you frame expectations before you arrive, but reality includes occasional price gaps between imported goods and local staples. It’s a place where long-term stays can feel value-friendly if you adapt to local options. Tip: map a flexible weekly plan that routes you through markets and affordable service providers.
What does daily life look like for housing search, food options, transport, and errands in Honiara?
Daily life centers on practical budgeting and local options. Look for rentals in varied neighborhoods to balance access to markets and quiet streets, and expect smaller, walkable places near shops. Food comes from markets, street stalls, and occasional imported items; groceries can be practical when you buy in bulk and visit weekly. Transport often means short hops by bus, taxi, or motorbike; you’ll save by pairing trips and avoiding peak hours. Honiara living cost is typically managed when you choose local services and flexible schedules for errands and coworking. Tip: set a weekly route that links a market, a cafe with reliable Wi-Fi, and a dependable transport option.
How can you optimize quality of life, budgeting, and neighborhood fit in Honiara, considering seasonality and local tips?
Quality of life in Honiara blends outdoor access with a close-knit feel. To budget well, frame a weekly plan that covers rent, food, transport, and occasional activities, then adjust as needed. Favor local markets, seasonal produce, and shared workspaces to stretch your dollars and gain time. The rainy season can affect outdoor plans and transport, so build in flexibility for workdays. Neighborhoods range from convenient central pockets to quieter hillside streets; pick one based on noise, shade, and access to groceries. Tip: visit a few weekend routes on foot or by scooter to sense convenience, safety, and community vibe before locking into long-term housing.
Is Honiara affordable on an average income?
Honiara sits squarely in the middle of the price spectrum – not cheap, not expensive. Monthly costs with rent tend to hover around $2,132, which most working professionals can handle without feeling financially squeezed.
Is rent in Honiara too high relative to local incomes?
Housing in Honiara takes a heavy bite – about 78% of a typical income, which is above the 30% international benchmark. That squeezes the budget for everything else and is one of the main pain points for residents here.
What income level supports a comfortable lifestyle in Honiara?
In Honiara, $3,198 per month is what most people would call a good salary. It handles rent, food, and utilities with enough left for savings and the occasional splurge. Above that, you unlock better apartments and more freedom with spending.
Is Honiara a good place to find cheap rent?
Rent is one of Honiara's biggest advantages – 1-bedroom apartments range from $624 to $547 per month, and even central neighborhoods stay accessible on modest incomes. Cheap housing frees up cash for everything else.
How much is a monthly transit pass in Honiara?
Getting around Honiara by public transport costs about $23.71 per month. A monthly pass generally covers buses, trams, and metro – much cheaper than owning a car for the daily commute.
Is food shopping expensive in Honiara?
Groceries in Honiara run about $336 monthly for one person – a moderate figure that matches the city's overall cost level. Local markets and supermarkets cover most needs, and food costs are manageable without strict budgeting.
Does $3,000 cover living expenses in Honiara?
$3,000 is below the $2,132 average in Honiara, so it's tight but not impossible. You'll need to keep rent low – sharing an apartment, cooking at home, and sticking to public transport are the main levers.
What is expat life like in Honiara?
Honiara has an established expat community and is welcoming to foreigners. clean air, coastal lifestyle, beach access smooth the transition, and English-speaking landlords, expat-focused healthcare, and international services are all reasonably accessible. Monthly costs average $2,132 including housing.
Is Honiara affordable for the average person?
Honiara is neither cheap nor expensive – it sits comfortably in the middle. Monthly costs with rent run about $2,132, a figure most working professionals can handle without major financial stress.
Can budget travelers get by in Honiara?
Honiara is doable for backpackers, though it takes more planning than cheaper destinations. Monthly costs average $2,132, so daily spending is moderate. Hostels, local food, and public transport keep things in check, but attractions and nightlife can push costs up.