Cost of Living in Kiribati - Updated Prices & Insights

Name: Kiribati
Address: KI

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $683 (excluding rent), and $1,603 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,850 (excluding rent), and $3,350 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$4.90 KID 7.35

$4.49 KID 6.74

$5.30 KID 7.96

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$25.95 KID 38.93

$22.71 KID 34.07

$29.21 KID 43.81

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$9.52 KID 14.28

Cappuccino

$2.96 KID 4.43

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

$0.94 KID 1.41

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.69 KID 1.03

$0.62 KID 0.93

$0.74 KID 1.11

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$3.49 KID 5.24

$1.81 KID 2.71

$5.17 KID 7.76

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.88 KID 8.83

$3.27 KID 4.90

$8.50 KID 12.75

Milk (1 liter)

$2.10 KID 3.16

White Bread (500g)

$1.86 KID 2.79

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.38 KID 2.07

Eggs

$6.22 KID 9.32

Local Cheese (1kg)

$16.07 KID 24.10

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$5.60 KID 8.40

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$18.16 KID 27.25

Apples (1kg)

$6.14 KID 9.21

Banana (1kg)

$3.24 KID 4.86

Oranges (1kg)

$6.29 KID 9.43

Tomato (1kg)

$5.69 KID 8.53

Potato (1kg)

$4.31 KID 6.46

Onion (1kg)

$3.05 KID 4.57

Lettuce (1 head)

$3.45 KID 5.18

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.34 KID 0.51

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$5.71 KID 8.56

Wine (Bottle)

$13.04 KID 19.56

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.66 KID 2.50

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.19 KID 4.79

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.60 KID 2.40

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$69.5 KID 104

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.97 KID 2.96

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.93 KID 2.90

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.93 KID 2.90

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

$25.7K KID 38.5K

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

$22.7K KID 34.1K

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

$292 KID 439

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$3.33 KID 5.00

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$34.69 KID 52.0

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$24.72 KID 37.08

Cinema Ticket

$4.54 KID 6.81

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

$256 KID 384

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$5,695 KID 8,543

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$47.88 KID 71.8

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$47.81 KID 71.7

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$77.0 KID 116

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$59.7 KID 89.5

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$794 KID 1,192

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$548 KID 821

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,372 KID 2,058

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,245 KID 1,868

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$4,540 KID 6,809

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$3,436 KID 5,155

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$339 KID 509

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

Last update: January 19, 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	$852	$1,571	$1,785	$3,365	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.