Cost of Living in Kiribati - Updated Prices & Insights

Name: Kiribati
Address: KI

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $775 (excluding rent), and $1,579 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,757 (excluding rent), and $3,415 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$4.88 KID 7.31

$4.47 KID 6.71

$5.28 KID 7.92

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$26.16 KID 39.23

$22.89 KID 34.33

$29.43 KID 44.15

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$9.81 KID 14.72

Cappuccino

$2.95 KID 4.42

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

$0.95 KID 1.42

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.71 KID 1.06

$0.64 KID 0.96

$0.77 KID 1.15

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$3.46 KID 5.19

$1.79 KID 2.69

$5.13 KID 7.69

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.94 KID 8.91

$3.30 KID 4.95

$8.58 KID 12.87

Milk (1 liter)

$2.17 KID 3.26

White Bread (500g)

$1.91 KID 2.86

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.41 KID 2.11

Eggs

$6.06 KID 9.09

Local Cheese (1kg)

$16.28 KID 24.42

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$5.70 KID 8.54

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$18.10 KID 27.15

Apples (1kg)

$6.37 KID 9.56

Banana (1kg)

$3.20 KID 4.80

Oranges (1kg)

$6.30 KID 9.45

Tomato (1kg)

$5.94 KID 8.90

Potato (1kg)

$4.29 KID 6.43

Onion (1kg)

$3.03 KID 4.55

Lettuce (1 head)

$3.43 KID 5.14

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.36 KID 0.55

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$6.02 KID 9.03

Wine (Bottle)

$12.92 KID 19.38

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.58 KID 2.37

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.24 KID 4.85

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.67 KID 2.51

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$70.0 KID 105

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.91 KID 2.87

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.93 KID 2.90

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.91 KID 2.86

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

$26.4K KID 39.6K

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

$22.5K KID 33.8K

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

$298 KID 447

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$3.29 KID 4.93

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$34.75 KID 52.1

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$24.60 KID 36.89

Cinema Ticket

$4.56 KID 6.85

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

$257 KID 386

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$5,713 KID 8,570

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$48.02 KID 72.0

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$49.56 KID 74.3

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$76.7 KID 115

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$58.0 KID 87.0

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$779 KID 1,168

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$559 KID 839

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,344 KID 2,015

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,219 KID 1,829

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$4,570 KID 6,855

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$3,478 KID 5,218

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$337 KID 505

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

Last update: January 11, 2026

By City in Kiribati

Lowest

Highest

Rank	City	Population	Living Index	Solo costs (no rent) / month	Solo costs (with rent) / month	Family of 3 costs (no rent) / month	Family of 3 costs (with rent) / month	Mobile download speed (Mbps)	Internet download speed (Mbps)
1	Bikenibeu	6500	80	$741	$1,609	$2,104	$3,329	70.96	89.04

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

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.