Cost of Living in Kiribati - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $759 (excluding rent), and $1,637 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,864 (excluding rent), and $3,438 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$4.91 KID 7.56

$4.5 KID 6.93

$5.31 KID 8.18

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$26.46 KID 40.75

$23.16 KID 35.66

$29.78 KID 45.86

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$9.96 KID 15.34

Cappuccino

$2.86 KID 4.4

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

$0.94 KID 1.44

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.7 KID 1.08

$0.63 KID 0.97

$0.76 KID 1.17

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$3.48 KID 5.35

$1.8 KID 2.78

$5.15 KID 7.93

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$6.02 KID 9.27

$3.34 KID 5.15

$8.69 KID 13.39

Milk (1 liter)

$2.17 KID 3.34

White Bread (500g)

$1.93 KID 2.97

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.35 KID 2.07

Eggs

$6.32 KID 9.74

Local Cheese (1kg)

$16.54 KID 25.47

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$5.56 KID 8.57

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$18.43 KID 28.39

Apples (1kg)

$6.24 KID 9.61

Banana (1kg)

$3.23 KID 4.98

Oranges (1kg)

$6.36 KID 9.79

Tomato (1kg)

$5.84 KID 9

Potato (1kg)

$4.38 KID 6.74

Onion (1kg)

$3.03 KID 4.66

Lettuce (1 head)

$3.28 KID 5.06

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.36 KID 0.56

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$5.79 KID 8.91

Wine (Bottle)

$12.51 KID 19.27

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.61 KID 2.47

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.21 KID 4.94

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.66 KID 2.55

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$71.2 KID 110

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.92 KID 2.96

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.85 KID 2.85

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.84 KID 2.83

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

$25.6K KID 39.4K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$22.3K KID 34.4K

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

$295 KID 455

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$3.18 KID 4.9

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$35.62 KID 54.9

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$25.17 KID 38.76

Cinema Ticket

$4.62 KID 7.11

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$251 KID 387

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$5,805 KID 8,939

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$47.97 KID 73.9

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$47.9 KID 73.8

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$79.2 KID 122

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$59.5 KID 91.7

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$773 KID 1,191

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$549 KID 846

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,373 KID 2,115

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,216 KID 1,873

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$4,521 KID 6,962

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$3,493 KID 5,380

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$331 KID 510

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

Cost of Living in Kiribati - Frequently Asked Questions

For travelers and digital nomads, Kiribati offers a trade-off: you may find value in slower pace and family-owned markets, but everyday goods can be pricier due to imports. Cost of Living in Kiribati varies by island and access to supplies; Tarawa tends to have more options, while outer islands limit choices. Those who are budget-conscious may stretch value by grocery shopping at local markets, cooking at home, and choosing guesthouses with shared kitchens. Expect longer shopping trips and occasional stockouts. Tip: Budget for slower logistics and use local markets to stretch your dollars.

Daily life in Kiribati centers on island rhythms: housing options range from simple guesthouses to modest rentals; you may not find high-rise apartments. Food tends to rely on imported staples plus fresh fish; local markets offer cheaper options if you cook at home. For transport, expect boats and limited internal flights, with biking or walking practical in small towns. Co-working spaces exist in select towns, but connectivity can be spotty; plan backup data. Kiribati living cost varies by island and lifestyle; outer islands can be leaner but more isolated, while Tarawa offers more choice but higher competition for goods. Tip: Map supply hubs ahead of time and schedule purchases before stock runs out.

Quality of life in Kiribati blends natural beauty with logistical realities. A practical budgeting framework is to separate essentials (housing, food, transport) from discretionary spending, and to build a buffer for import-dependent items. Save tips: buy staples in bulk at markets, favor fresh fish and locally grown greens when available, and negotiate longer-term stays for lower rates on lodging. Seasonality affects availability of fresh produce and travel options; plan ahead for shipping delays if you're stocking up. Neighborhood fit depends on your pace: Tarawa's busier centers suit social nomads, while outer islands offer quiet and strong community ties. Tip: set flexible plans and build routines that reduce back-and-forth trips.