Cost of Living in Northern Mariana Islands - Updated Prices & Insights

Name: Northern Mariana Islands
Address: MP

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,070 (excluding rent), and $1,826 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,258 (excluding rent), and $3,611 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$11.47 $11.47

$5.98 $5.98

$14.95 $14.95

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$40.51 $40.51

$45.58 $45.58

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$11.96 $11.96

$13.96 $13.96

Cappuccino

$5.17 $5.17

$3.03 $3.03

$6.06 $6.06

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

$1.70 $1.70

$1.02 $1.02

$2.04 $2.04

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.29 $1.29

$0.92 $0.92

$1.95 $1.95

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$6.05 $6.05

$3.03 $3.03

$7.06 $7.06

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.92 $5.92

$8.88 $8.88

Milk (1 liter)

$2.25 $2.25

$1.07 $1.07

$3.02 $3.02

White Bread (500g)

$3.26 $3.26

$2.94 $2.94

$3.91 $3.91

Rice (white) (1kg)

$44.76 $44.76

Eggs

$6.22 $6.22

$3.93 $3.93

$7.86 $7.86

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$13.00 $13.00

Apples (1kg)

$6.66 $6.66

Banana (1kg)

$2.21 $2.21

Oranges (1kg)

$6.39 $6.39

Potato (1kg)

$2.07 $2.07

$1.97 $1.97

$2.16 $2.16

Onion (1kg)

$2.23 $2.23

$1.94 $1.94

$2.70 $2.70

Lettuce (1 head)

$4.94 $4.94

Wine (Bottle)

$29.22 $29.22

$14.86 $14.86

$43.58 $43.58

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$6.53 $6.53

$5.03 $5.03

$8.04 $8.04

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.83 $1.83

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.48 $1.48

$1.34 $1.34

$1.96 $1.96

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

$37.3K $37.3K

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

$22.8K $22.8K

$21.8K $21.8K

$23.7K $23.7K

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

$329 $329

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$65.1 $65.1

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$60.5 $60.5

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$46.95 $46.95

$34.60 $34.60

$59.3 $59.3

Cinema Ticket

$7.88 $7.88

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$6,024 $6,024

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$30.47 $30.47

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$39.30 $39.30

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$69.9 $69.9

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$54.5 $54.5

$39.63 $39.63

$69.4 $69.4

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$630 $630

$605 $605

$655 $655

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$448 $448

$348 $348

$597 $597

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,060 $1,060

$1,010 $1,010

$1,111 $1,111

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$950 $950

$786 $786

$1,180 $1,180

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$13.0K $13.0K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$1,006 $1,006

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

Last update: January 18, 2026

By City in Northern Mariana Islands

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	Saipan	-		$984	$1,774	$2,462	$3,446	29.73	177.19

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

Cost of Living in Northern Mariana Islands - Frequently Asked Questions

Compared with many Pacific destinations, the Cost of Living in Northern Mariana Islands can feel reasonable for long stays, especially if you prioritize local markets, non-resort neighborhoods, and off-peak travel timing. You’ll find value in smaller apartment options, modest utilities, and dining at local venues rather than tourist hubs. Planning around Saipan’s main hubs – Garapan and nearby areas – helps you balance convenience with cost. Seasonal weather and typhoon activity can affect availability and prices, so flexibility pays off. Tip: Embrace local markets, plan around seasonal variations, and explore non-tourist neighborhoods to get the best value.

Daily life centers on a compact island footprint, with walkable pockets near Saipan’s Garapan area offering a mix of studios and modest apartments. For food, you’ll enjoy local markets, seafood stalls, and international groceries, with prices varying by season and proximity to the coast. Transport often means a mix of car rentals, scooters, or buses, with some areas bike-friendly. Co-working spaces and cafés support remote work, though connectivity can vary by locale. Northern Mariana Islands living cost taps you into practical budgeting – shop smart, bundle errands, and select where you live to cut travel time. Tip: Build a housing search plan – start with neighborhoods like Garapan, inspect listings in person, and verify internet speed before committing.

Quality of life here hinges on balance between pace and access. Start with a simple budgeting framework: housing, groceries, utilities, and occasional outings. Neighborhood fit matters: Garapan and nearby villages offer services and nightlife, while inland or rural areas tend to be quieter with shorter commutes. Practical savings come from cooking at home, shopping at local markets, and sharing rides or bikes when possible. Seasonal patterns – such as heavier rain or storm advisories – shape activities and transport options, so you keep a flexible plan and build a small contingency into your schedule. Tip: Visit neighborhoods at different times to feel the vibe and anchor your choice.