Last update: Oct 2026 Solomon Islands ⭐ Capital 54.6K

Cost of Living in Honiara

For one person, living costs in Honiara are estimated at $1,742 a month, including rent and utilities, which take about half of the total. Other living expenses average about $28 a day.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Honiara

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Honiara actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

A single person spends around $1,742 per month with rent, or $848 for everyday expenses alone.

$1,742 /mo

A couple spends around $2,873 per month with rent, or $1,449 for everyday expenses alone.

$2,873 /mo

A family of three spends around $4,004 per month with rent, or $2,050 without housing.

$4,004 /mo

Overall, Honiara is 30–41% above the global median across household types. Within Oceania, costs are close to average – just 9% lower.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$6.66 SBD 53.8
$6.05 SBD 48.88
$7.27 SBD 58.7
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$62.8 SBD 507
$43.95 SBD 355
$151 SBD 1,217
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$12.53 SBD 101
$10.65 SBD 86.0
$15.04 SBD 121
Cappuccino
$3.48 SBD 28.14
$1.91 SBD 15.39
$5.71 SBD 46.10
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.60 SBD 12.89
$1.28 SBD 10.31
$2.55 SBD 20.62
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.05 SBD 8.49
$0.60 SBD 4.87
$1.21 SBD 9.74
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.42 SBD 19.58
$1.57 SBD 12.71
$3.63 SBD 29.29
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$5.70 SBD 46.04
$3.16 SBD 25.54
$7.60 SBD 61.4
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$2.57 SBD 20.75
$2.26 SBD 18.22
$3.13 SBD 25.25
White Bread (500g)
$1.49 SBD 12.00
$1.35 SBD 10.88
$1.84 SBD 14.88
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.64 SBD 13.28
$1.27 SBD 10.23
$1.90 SBD 15.34
Eggs
$5.48 SBD 44.27
$3.63 SBD 29.33
$5.82 SBD 46.96
Local Cheese (1kg)
$6.61 SBD 53.4
$2.51 SBD 20.31
$10.04 SBD 81.1
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$8.34 SBD 67.4
$4.73 SBD 38.23
$14.57 SBD 118
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$15.18 SBD 123
$12.27 SBD 99.1
$30.99 SBD 250
Apples (1kg)
$6.39 SBD 51.6
$2.53 SBD 20.39
$12.60 SBD 102
Banana (1kg)
$2.70 SBD 21.83
$1.27 SBD 10.29
$3.18 SBD 25.65
Oranges (1kg)
$8.70 SBD 70.2
$1.89 SBD 15.30
$12.61 SBD 102
Tomato (1kg)
$3.67 SBD 29.62
$1.96 SBD 15.81
$6.12 SBD 49.41
Potato (1kg)
$1.99 SBD 16.09
$1.26 SBD 10.18
$3.77 SBD 30.46
Onion (1kg)
$3.47 SBD 28.01
$3.03 SBD 24.47
$6.32 SBD 51.0
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.40 SBD 11.30
$1.21 SBD 9.73
$2.41 SBD 19.46
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.03 SBD 8.36
$0.61 SBD 4.93
$1.22 SBD 9.87
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$4.26 SBD 34.39
$3.17 SBD 25.60
$5.08 SBD 41.02
Wine (Bottle)
$10.37 SBD 83.7
$6.10 SBD 49.25
$18.30 SBD 148
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.69 SBD 13.67
$1.46 SBD 11.77
$3.02 SBD 24.41
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.47 SBD 28.00
$2.77 SBD 22.40
$5.68 SBD 45.88
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.39 SBD 3.12
$0.39 SBD 3.12
$0.77 SBD 6.23
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$25.14 SBD 203
$18.85 SBD 152
$31.42 SBD 254
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.27 SBD 10.28
$1.27 SBD 10.28
$1.27 SBD 10.28
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.20 SBD 9.72
$1.20 SBD 9.72
$1.20 SBD 9.72
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$12.60 SBD 102
$12.60 SBD 102
$12.60 SBD 102
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.35 SBD 10.92
$1.14 SBD 9.18
$1.53 SBD 12.32
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$18.7K SBD 151.1K
-
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$34.1K SBD 275.7K
-
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$429 SBD 3,464
$123 SBD 990
$735 SBD 5,939
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$27.02 SBD 218
$12.28 SBD 99.2
$49.13 SBD 397
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$89.0 SBD 719
$55.3 SBD 446
$123 SBD 991
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$36.76 SBD 297
-
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$8.94 SBD 72.2
$6.09 SBD 49.20
$14.63 SBD 118
Cinema Ticket
$4.41 SBD 35.65
$2.53 SBD 20.42
$5.05 SBD 40.75
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$100 SBD 811
$50.2 SBD 405
$126 SBD 1,013
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$2,898 SBD 23.4K
$2,520 SBD 20.3K
$3,276 SBD 26.5K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$27.71 SBD 224
$12.34 SBD 99.7
$37.79 SBD 305
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$93.5 SBD 755
-
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$95.9 SBD 774
$36.71 SBD 296
$122 SBD 988
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$103 SBD 829
$49.33 SBD 398
$123 SBD 996
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$870 SBD 7,024
$425 SBD 3,430
$1,456 SBD 11.8K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$434 SBD 3,507
$310 SBD 2,505
$558 SBD 4,509
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,851 SBD 14.9K
$809 SBD 6,530
$4,976 SBD 40.2K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,398 SBD 11.3K
$493 SBD 3,985
$2,221 SBD 17.9K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$86.4K SBD 698.0K
$86.4K SBD 698.0K
$86.4K SBD 698.0K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$62.1K SBD 501.2K
$62.1K SBD 501.2K
$62.1K SBD 501.2K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$444 SBD 3,583
-
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: October 3, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Honiara $1,742
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$545
Accommodation & Living
$434
Groceries & Markets
$345
Eating Out
$167
Clothing & Footwear
$144
Sport & Entertainment
$46
Getting Around
$34

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $870, dropping to $434 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 196% of the average salary ($444) – well above the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $444 – below monthly costs of $1,742. 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 $63.0 – broadly in line with the Oceanian average.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $25.14 – among the cheapest in Oceania (average $59.0).

Cost Highlights

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

Honiara has the 5th cheapest local beer in Oceania

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

Good to know
🕒 Local time
19:50 7:50 PM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
54,600 Capital
💱 Currency
Exchange rates and currency converter

USD, EUR to SBD – Solomon Islands Dollar Converter

Solomon Islands Dollar exchange rates as of October 13, 2026: 1 USD = 8.08 SBD (1 SBD = 0.124 USD). 1 EUR = 9.01 SBD (1 SBD = 0.111 EUR).

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Honiara Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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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 $1,742, 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 196% 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, $2,614 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 $434 and $870 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 $100 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 $36.76 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 $1,742 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 $1,742 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 $1,742, 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 $1,742, 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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