Cost of Living in Solomon Islands - Updated Prices & Insights

Name: Solomon Islands
Address: SB

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $1,948 per month with rent on average in Solomon Islands.

A couple spends around $2,950 per month with rent on average in Solomon Islands.

A family of three spends around $3,952 per month with rent on average in Solomon Islands.

Across 2 cities in Solomon Islands, monthly living costs range from $1,721 to $2,175 – a $454 difference that makes location a key factor.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$6.05 SBD 48.52

$3.03 SBD 24.30

$7.27 SBD 58.3

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$66.6 SBD 534

$44.42 SBD 356

$152 SBD 1,221

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$12.62 SBD 101

$10.72 SBD 86.0

$15.77 SBD 126

Cappuccino

$3.44 SBD 27.60

$1.91 SBD 15.31

$5.73 SBD 45.94

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

$1.48 SBD 11.87

$1.28 SBD 10.23

$2.54 SBD 20.39

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.12 SBD 8.98

$1.23 SBD 9.85

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.78 SBD 22.28

$1.85 SBD 14.83

$3.70 SBD 29.66

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.76 SBD 38.19

$2.53 SBD 20.32

$7.61 SBD 61.0

Milk (1 liter)

$2.77 SBD 22.20

$2.22 SBD 17.76

$3.70 SBD 29.65

White Bread (500g)

$1.48 SBD 11.90

$1.23 SBD 9.85

$1.84 SBD 14.74

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.56 SBD 12.48

$1.24 SBD 9.93

$1.85 SBD 14.86

Eggs

$5.75 SBD 46.09

$3.69 SBD 29.62

$6.65 SBD 53.3

Local Cheese (1kg)

$7.02 SBD 56.3

$2.46 SBD 19.72

$9.86 SBD 79.0

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$8.31 SBD 66.7

$4.98 SBD 39.95

$15.34 SBD 123

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$14.93 SBD 120

$8.87 SBD 71.1

$31.68 SBD 254

Apples (1kg)

$6.62 SBD 53.1

$1.23 SBD 9.89

$12.31 SBD 98.7

Banana (1kg)

$2.79 SBD 22.38

$1.27 SBD 10.21

$6.35 SBD 50.9

Oranges (1kg)

$8.05 SBD 64.6

$1.85 SBD 14.85

$12.35 SBD 99.0

Tomato (1kg)

$3.72 SBD 29.84

$2.06 SBD 16.48

$6.40 SBD 51.4

Potato (1kg)

$2.22 SBD 17.78

$1.28 SBD 10.29

$3.20 SBD 25.68

Onion (1kg)

$3.31 SBD 26.55

$2.47 SBD 19.79

$6.18 SBD 49.52

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.71 SBD 13.70

$1.29 SBD 10.32

$2.56 SBD 20.55

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.20 SBD 9.64

$0.63 SBD 5.07

$1.27 SBD 10.21

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$4.48 SBD 35.89

$4.10 SBD 32.84

$5.12 SBD 41.08

Wine (Bottle)

$12.33 SBD 98.8

$6.16 SBD 49.38

$18.49 SBD 148

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.82 SBD 14.57

$1.54 SBD 12.35

$3.20 SBD 25.68

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.20 SBD 25.67

$2.18 SBD 17.47

$5.46 SBD 43.76

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.36 SBD 2.85

$0.72 SBD 5.78

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$30.67 SBD 246

$18.40 SBD 148

$30.67 SBD 246

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.28 SBD 10.27

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.27 SBD 10.21

$2.54 SBD 20.33

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$12.26 SBD 98.3

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.38 SBD 11.03

$1.11 SBD 8.89

$1.98 SBD 15.87

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

$19.6K SBD 157.4K

$18.6K SBD 148.7K

$20.7K SBD 166.1K

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

$28.7K SBD 229.7K

$22.0K SBD 176.7K

$35.3K SBD 282.7K

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

$548 SBD 4,393

$126 SBD 1,014

$759 SBD 6,082

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

$23.55 SBD 189

$12.24 SBD 98.1

$48.95 SBD 392

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$101 SBD 807

$55.5 SBD 445

$123 SBD 988

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$28.58 SBD 229

$19.05 SBD 153

$38.10 SBD 305

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$9.04 SBD 72.5

$6.16 SBD 49.40

$9.04 SBD 72.5

Cinema Ticket

$4.34 SBD 34.75

$4.96 SBD 39.77

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

$124 SBD 990

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$2,286 SBD 18.3K

$1,225 SBD 9,817

$3,184 SBD 25.5K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$26.77 SBD 215

$12.13 SBD 97.2

$37.13 SBD 298

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$94.6 SBD 758

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$98.4 SBD 789

$37.48 SBD 300

$125 SBD 1,002

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$98.4 SBD 789

$48.93 SBD 392

$122 SBD 981

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$603 SBD 4,837

$441 SBD 3,538

$1,513 SBD 12.1K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$523 SBD 4,193

$431 SBD 3,453

$585 SBD 4,686

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,577 SBD 12.6K

$611 SBD 4,901

$4,891 SBD 39.2K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,367 SBD 11.0K

$497 SBD 3,985

$2,237 SBD 17.9K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$88.2K SBD 706.8K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$62.5K SBD 500.9K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$468 SBD 3,750

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

15.83

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

Last update: September 12, 2026

Cost Breakdown

A central one-bedroom averages $756 nationally. In Honiara, expect around $912, while Honiara – the country's most affordable city overall – comes in at $912.

The average net salary in Solomon Islands is $560 – below average monthly costs of $1,948. Many locals rely on dual incomes or shared housing. Remote workers earning abroad find strong purchasing power here.

Groceries average around $352 per month nationally. A mid-range dinner for two costs about $59.0.

Most affordable: Honiara at $1,721 per month. The capital, Honiara, sits at $1,721. Across the country, monthly costs span roughly $454 between the cheapest and priciest cities.

Cost Highlights

Overall living costs ($1,948) is 42% above the global median of $1,368.

Dining out ($59.0) is 23% above the global median of $48.00.

Public transport ($28.00) is 18% below the global median of $34.00.

By City in Solomon 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	Gizo	-	102	$834	$2,175	$1,964	$3,983	38.3	59.47
2	Honiara	54600	81	$862	$1,721	$2,097	$3,921	218.36	76.17

Solomon Islands Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

Cost of Living in Solomon Islands - Frequently Asked Questions

Compared with major capitals, Solomon Islands offers relatively gentle everyday costs, especially for housing, local food, and outdoor activities. In urban centers like Honiara you may find practical apartments and a range of eateries that keep dining affordable, while imported goods and specialty items push up prices. Rural isles tend to be even more budget-friendly if you adapt shopping and transport to local routines. Cost of Living in Solomon Islands varies by island and lifestyle, so you can design a simple yet comfortable setup with careful planning around markets and ferries. Tip: Look for guesthouses with kitchen access and flexible leases to stay nimble.

Daily life centers on flexible schedules and close access to nature. Housing search favors long-term rentals in urban zones near markets or harbors, with basic apartments to fit different budgets. Food options range from grand markets with fresh produce to simple eateries that cater to local tastes; for cooking at home, local staples are reliable. Transport most commonly involves buses, ferries, or shared taxis; plan for slower timetables and occasional delays. Solomon Islands living cost tends to be influenced by location, so pick a base that minimizes long commutes and keeps errands manageable. Tip: Test the area with a weekend reconnaissance walk and chat with locals about transit times.

Quality of life in Solomon Islands centers on community, outdoor access, and a slower pace. Build a simple budgeting framework: separate essentials (housing, food, transport) from discretionary spending (e.g., weekend trips, coworking). Save by choosing local markets, using shared transport, and staying in homes with kitchen facilities. Seasonality affects weather and goods availability; plan around the rainy season and local harvest cycles to maintain steady grocery options. To find the right neighborhood, consider proximity to markets, clinics, and reliable internet if you work remotely. Tip: Start with a short-term stay in a few areas to test fit before committing long-term.

In 2026, monthly costs in Solomon Islands range from $1,721 in smaller cities to $2,175 in major hubs. Where you choose to live makes a dramatic difference – the gap between cheapest and most expensive cities is huge.

Living costs across Solomon Islands vary hugely by location. In 2026, monthly expenses range from $1,721 in affordable regions to $2,175 in major cities. Capitals and tourist spots are at the top; smaller provincial towns are significantly cheaper.

Rent in Solomon Islands varies a lot – Honiara has the highest prices, and the gap between capital and provincial rents can be 50% or more. Choosing which city to live in is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make.

In regional cities, $2,500 is plenty. In Honiara? You'll need to plan carefully, especially around housing. Shared apartments or outer neighborhoods are the usual workarounds.

Solomon Islands is mid-range globally, with more affordable cities starting around $1,721 per month. Not the cheapest option out there, but far from the most expensive – a reasonable balance of cost and quality of life.