Cost of Living in Honiara - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $1,718 per month with rent, or $846 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $2,864 per month with rent, or $1,493 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $4,010 per month with rent, or $2,141 without housing.

Overall, Honiara is 25–37% above the global median across household types. Within Oceania, costs are 12% below average – relatively affordable for the region.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$6.93 SBD 55.6
$6.30 SBD 50.5
$7.56 SBD 60.6
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$62.4 SBD 500
$43.67 SBD 350
$150 SBD 1,200
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$12.50 SBD 100
$10.63 SBD 85.2
$15.00 SBD 120
Cappuccino
$3.52 SBD 28.22
$1.92 SBD 15.39
$5.76 SBD 46.16
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.60 SBD 12.78
$1.28 SBD 10.24
$2.55 SBD 20.40
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.11 SBD 8.89
$0.63 SBD 5.06
$1.27 SBD 10.19
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.47 SBD 19.83
$1.61 SBD 12.90
$3.72 SBD 29.79
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$5.50 SBD 44.10
$3.06 SBD 24.53
$7.34 SBD 58.8
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$2.58 SBD 20.68
$2.26 SBD 18.10
$3.15 SBD 25.21
White Bread (500g)
$1.54 SBD 12.36
$1.40 SBD 11.21
$1.91 SBD 15.30
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.66 SBD 13.32
$1.28 SBD 10.28
$1.92 SBD 15.38
Eggs
$5.59 SBD 44.80
$3.71 SBD 29.71
$5.94 SBD 47.58
Local Cheese (1kg)
$6.39 SBD 51.2
$2.42 SBD 19.41
$9.71 SBD 77.8
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$8.41 SBD 67.4
$4.77 SBD 38.21
$14.68 SBD 118
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$15.00 SBD 120
$12.12 SBD 97.2
$30.60 SBD 245
Apples (1kg)
$6.20 SBD 49.72
$2.44 SBD 19.56
$12.22 SBD 98.0
Banana (1kg)
$2.57 SBD 20.60
$1.21 SBD 9.72
$3.03 SBD 24.25
Oranges (1kg)
$8.80 SBD 70.5
$1.91 SBD 15.33
$12.76 SBD 102
Tomato (1kg)
$3.76 SBD 30.16
$2.01 SBD 16.13
$6.27 SBD 50.2
Potato (1kg)
$1.93 SBD 15.43
$1.22 SBD 9.79
$3.66 SBD 29.29
Onion (1kg)
$3.53 SBD 28.31
$3.08 SBD 24.68
$6.42 SBD 51.4
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.43 SBD 11.44
$1.23 SBD 9.86
$2.45 SBD 19.64
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.03 SBD 8.24
$0.60 SBD 4.82
$1.21 SBD 9.72
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$4.10 SBD 32.86
$3.06 SBD 24.53
$4.90 SBD 39.23
Wine (Bottle)
$10.51 SBD 84.3
$6.18 SBD 49.52
$18.55 SBD 149
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.79 SBD 14.31
$1.53 SBD 12.26
$3.18 SBD 25.51
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.52 SBD 28.22
$2.81 SBD 22.55
$5.76 SBD 46.16
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.39 SBD 3.09
$0.39 SBD 3.09
$0.78 SBD 6.27
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$24.79 SBD 199
$18.59 SBD 149
$30.98 SBD 248
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.28 SBD 10.22
$1.28 SBD 10.22
$1.28 SBD 10.22
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.22 SBD 9.75
$1.22 SBD 9.75
$1.22 SBD 9.75
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$12.48 SBD 100
$12.48 SBD 100
$12.48 SBD 100
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.29 SBD 10.35
$1.09 SBD 8.72
$1.46 SBD 11.67
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$18.8K SBD 150.8K
-
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$35.1K SBD 281.3K
-
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$444 SBD 3,557
$127 SBD 1,016
$761 SBD 6,098
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$27.88 SBD 223
$12.67 SBD 102
$50.7 SBD 406
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$91.0 SBD 729
$56.5 SBD 453
$126 SBD 1,006
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$36.67 SBD 294
-
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$8.90 SBD 71.3
$6.07 SBD 48.62
$14.57 SBD 117
Cinema Ticket
$4.42 SBD 35.39
$2.52 SBD 20.21
$5.05 SBD 40.50
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$98.5 SBD 789
$49.23 SBD 395
$123 SBD 986
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$2,849 SBD 22.8K
$2,477 SBD 19.9K
$3,221 SBD 25.8K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$26.89 SBD 215
$11.98 SBD 96.0
$36.67 SBD 294
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$92.2 SBD 739
-
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$98.9 SBD 792
$37.87 SBD 303
$126 SBD 1,012
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$104 SBD 837
$50.2 SBD 402
$125 SBD 1,005
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$902 SBD 7,227
$440 SBD 3,529
$1,510 SBD 12.1K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$440 SBD 3,527
$314 SBD 2,520
$566 SBD 4,535
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,882 SBD 15.1K
$822 SBD 6,589
$5,060 SBD 40.5K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,400 SBD 11.2K
$494 SBD 3,961
$2,224 SBD 17.8K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$87.4K SBD 700.1K
$87.4K SBD 700.1K
$87.4K SBD 700.1K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$62.8K SBD 502.9K
$62.8K SBD 502.9K
$62.8K SBD 502.9K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$716 SBD 5,734
-
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: August 30, 2026

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $902, dropping to $440 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 126% of the average salary ($716) – well above the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $716 – below monthly costs of $1,718. Most locals rely on shared housing or dual incomes. Remote workers earning abroad will find stronger purchasing power.

Groceries cost around $345 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $62.0 – broadly in line with the Oceanian average.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $24.79 – among the cheapest in Oceania (average $60.0).

Cost Highlights

Honiara has the 2nd cheapest preschool or kindergarten, full day, private, 1 child in Oceania

Honiara has the 7th cheapest public transport monthly pass in Oceania

Honiara has the 7th cheapest meal at budget restaurant in Oceania

Honiara Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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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 $1,718, 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 126% 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, $2,577 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.
Are apartments reasonably priced in Honiara?
Rent in Honiara is middle-of-the-road – 1-bedroom apartments fall between $440 and $902 per month. Not cheap, not outrageous, with reasonable options across most neighborhoods.
How expensive is preschool in Honiara per month?
Private kindergarten in Honiara costs about $98.5 per month – a big number for families. Prices vary by curriculum and whether you go local or international. Public options are cheaper where they exist, but waitlists can be long.
How much is a monthly gym pass in Honiara?
Expect to pay about $36.67 per month for a gym in Honiara – on par with the regional average. That typically gets you weights, cardio machines, and group classes. Boutique studios, yoga centers, and personal trainers charge extra.
Does $3,000 cover living expenses in Honiara?
$3,000 is below the $1,718 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 $1,718 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 $1,718, 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 $1,718, so daily spending is moderate. Hostels, local food, and public transport keep things in check, but attractions and nightlife can push costs up.

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