Cost of Living in Honiara - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

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.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$6.10 SBD 48.96
-
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$51.1 SBD 410
$42.05 SBD 337
$72.1 SBD 578
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$11.92 SBD 95.6
$10.13 SBD 81.3
$14.30 SBD 115
Cappuccino
$3.00 SBD 24.09
$1.75 SBD 14.08
$5.25 SBD 42.15
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.39 SBD 11.13
$1.23 SBD 9.89
$2.47 SBD 19.78
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.07 SBD 8.61
$0.61 SBD 4.92
$1.23 SBD 9.84
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.82 SBD 14.59
$1.58 SBD 12.64
$3.02 SBD 24.23
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.54 SBD 28.42
$2.37 SBD 19.00
$5.91 SBD 47.41
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$2.56 SBD 20.52
$2.14 SBD 17.18
$2.96 SBD 23.78
White Bread (500g)
$1.49 SBD 11.92
$1.34 SBD 10.78
$1.83 SBD 14.70
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.54 SBD 12.33
$1.34 SBD 10.71
$1.82 SBD 14.61
Eggs
$5.49 SBD 44.07
$3.65 SBD 29.30
$5.85 SBD 46.93
Local Cheese (1kg)
$3.95 SBD 31.70
$2.43 SBD 19.46
$4.84 SBD 38.84
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$8.40 SBD 67.4
$4.61 SBD 37.00
$14.20 SBD 114
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$14.53 SBD 117
$11.74 SBD 94.2
$29.65 SBD 238
Apples (1kg)
$7.63 SBD 61.2
$2.70 SBD 21.68
$11.73 SBD 94.1
Banana (1kg)
$2.68 SBD 21.52
$2.38 SBD 19.13
$2.97 SBD 23.83
Oranges (1kg)
$7.83 SBD 62.8
$1.83 SBD 14.70
$12.20 SBD 97.9
Tomato (1kg)
$3.34 SBD 26.81
$1.23 SBD 9.87
$6.14 SBD 49.25
Potato (1kg)
$1.95 SBD 15.66
$1.18 SBD 9.49
$2.84 SBD 22.77
Onion (1kg)
$3.32 SBD 26.64
$2.91 SBD 23.32
$6.05 SBD 48.50
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.34 SBD 10.73
$1.23 SBD 9.91
$1.85 SBD 14.86
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.07 SBD 8.59
$0.58 SBD 4.69
$1.17 SBD 9.37
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$3.93 SBD 31.56
$3.81 SBD 30.60
$4.77 SBD 38.27
Wine (Bottle)
$10.46 SBD 83.9
$6.15 SBD 49.35
$18.46 SBD 148
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.85 SBD 14.86
$1.57 SBD 12.60
$2.56 SBD 20.51
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.21 SBD 25.72
$1.58 SBD 12.70
$5.47 SBD 43.87
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.47 SBD 3.73
$0.35 SBD 2.80
$0.70 SBD 5.60
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$23.71 SBD 190
$17.78 SBD 143
$29.64 SBD 238
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.21 SBD 9.71
$1.21 SBD 9.71
$1.21 SBD 9.71
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.17 SBD 9.35
$1.17 SBD 9.35
$1.17 SBD 9.35
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$11.88 SBD 95.4
$11.88 SBD 95.4
$11.88 SBD 95.4
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.29 SBD 10.36
$1.10 SBD 8.81
$1.65 SBD 13.21
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$709 SBD 5,688
-
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$26.03 SBD 209
$11.83 SBD 94.9
$47.33 SBD 380
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$85.9 SBD 689
$53.3 SBD 428
$118 SBD 950
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$5.96 SBD 47.81
$5.96 SBD 47.81
$5.96 SBD 47.81
Cinema Ticket
$3.35 SBD 26.86
$2.44 SBD 19.60
$4.26 SBD 34.21
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$94.6 SBD 759
$47.27 SBD 379
$118 SBD 948
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$2,788 SBD 22.4K
$2,424 SBD 19.5K
$3,152 SBD 25.3K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$20.64 SBD 166
$11.94 SBD 95.8
$36.56 SBD 293
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$90.8 SBD 728
-
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$75.6 SBD 607
$35.82 SBD 287
$119 SBD 958
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$75.1 SBD 602
$47.43 SBD 381
$119 SBD 951
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$547 SBD 4,390
$426 SBD 3,414
$729 SBD 5,853
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$624 SBD 5,005
$356 SBD 2,860
$1,188 SBD 9,533
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,236 SBD 9,913
$780 SBD 6,256
$4,798 SBD 38.5K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$836 SBD 6,707
$478 SBD 3,833
$2,986 SBD 24.0K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$85.7K SBD 687.5K
$85.7K SBD 687.5K
$85.7K SBD 687.5K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$62.9K SBD 504.9K
$62.9K SBD 504.9K
$62.9K SBD 504.9K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$699 SBD 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
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 $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.

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