📌A single person spends around $2,108 per month with rent on average in Solomon Islands.
📌A couple spends around $2,859 per month with rent on average in Solomon Islands.
📌A family of three spends around $3,609 per month with rent on average in Solomon Islands.
🌍Across 2 cities in Solomon Islands, monthly living costs range from $2,097 to $2,120 – a $23.00 difference that makes location a key factor.
Currency
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$4.47SBD 36.01
$2.97SBD 23.98
$5.96SBD 48.03
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$53.0SBD 427
$41.24SBD 332
$82.5SBD 665
Fast Food Meal(McDonalds, etc)
$12.11SBD 97.7
$10.29SBD 83.0
$15.14SBD 122
Cappuccino
$3.04SBD 24.53
$1.77SBD 14.29
$5.31SBD 42.78
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite(0.33 liter bottle)
$1.46SBD 11.79
$1.17SBD 9.43
$2.34SBD 18.87
Water(0.33 liter bottle)
$1.23SBD 9.88
$1.23SBD 9.88
$1.23SBD 9.88
Local Beer(0.5 liter draught)
$2.36SBD 19.02
$1.53SBD 12.36
$6.60SBD 53.2
Imported Beer(0.33 liter bottle)
$3.33SBD 26.88
$2.43SBD 19.61
$6.07SBD 48.93
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk(1 liter)
$2.77SBD 22.31
$2.21SBD 17.78
$3.67SBD 29.55
White Bread(500g)
$1.39SBD 11.25
$1.17SBD 9.44
$1.76SBD 14.16
Rice(white)(1kg)
$1.45SBD 11.69
$1.18SBD 9.55
$1.78SBD 14.32
Eggs
$5.69SBD 45.87
$3.69SBD 29.78
$6.66SBD 53.7
Local Cheese(1kg)
$5.98SBD 48.25
$2.43SBD 19.59
$8.50SBD 68.5
Chicken Fillets(1kg)
$8.25SBD 66.5
$4.76SBD 38.38
$9.77SBD 78.7
Beef Round Steak(1kg)
$14.12SBD 114
$8.40SBD 67.7
$29.98SBD 242
Apples(1kg)
$8.70SBD 70.2
$1.23SBD 9.92
$12.28SBD 99.0
Banana(1kg)
$2.67SBD 21.55
$2.38SBD 19.15
$5.93SBD 47.81
Oranges(1kg)
$7.57SBD 61.0
$1.84SBD 14.82
$12.23SBD 98.6
Tomato(1kg)
$3.26SBD 26.31
$1.22SBD 9.84
$6.09SBD 49.10
Potato(1kg)
$2.24SBD 18.02
$1.18SBD 9.49
$2.93SBD 23.63
Onion(1kg)
$3.27SBD 26.38
$2.45SBD 19.72
$6.11SBD 49.23
Lettuce(1 head)
$1.48SBD 11.92
$1.22SBD 9.87
$2.45SBD 19.73
Water(1.5 liter bottle)
$1.08SBD 8.73
$0.59SBD 4.72
$1.17SBD 9.44
Cigarettes 20 Pack(Marlboro, Camel)
$4.04SBD 32.54
$3.80SBD 30.62
$4.75SBD 38.30
Wine(Bottle)
$12.56SBD 101
$6.28SBD 50.6
$18.84SBD 152
Local Beer(0.5 liter bottle)
$1.88SBD 15.13
$1.59SBD 12.82
$2.59SBD 20.88
Imported Beer(0.33 liter bottle)
$2.93SBD 23.65
$2.12SBD 17.09
$3.52SBD 28.40
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket(Public Transport)
$0.34SBD 2.77
$0.34SBD 2.77
$0.69SBD 5.53
Public Transport Monthly Pass(Regular Price)
$29.94SBD 241
$17.96SBD 145
$29.94SBD 241
Taxi Start(Normal Tariff)
$1.17SBD 9.46
$1.17SBD 9.46
$1.17SBD 9.46
Taxi(Normal Tariff)(1km)
$1.18SBD 9.48
$1.18SBD 9.48
$1.18SBD 9.48
Taxi 1hour Waiting(Normal Tariff)
$12.18SBD 98.2
$12.18SBD 98.2
$12.18SBD 98.2
Gasoline(1 liter)
$1.40SBD 11.32
$1.22SBD 9.84
$1.65SBD 13.29
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l(Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$20.3KSBD 163.7K
-
Compact Sedan 1.6l(Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$20.7KSBD 166.6K
-
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment(Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)(85m2)
$730SBD 5,885
$730SBD 5,885
$730SBD 5,885
SIM Card Monthly Plan(Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$23.08SBD 186
$11.99SBD 96.7
$47.96SBD 387
Internet(50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$98.7SBD 796
$54.4SBD 438
$121SBD 974
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership(Monthly)
$18.21SBD 147
-
Tennis Court(1 Hour on Weekend)
$5.97SBD 48.11
$5.97SBD 48.11
$5.97SBD 48.11
Cinema Ticket
$4.16SBD 33.55
$2.38SBD 19.21
$4.16SBD 33.55
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child(Monthly)
$121SBD 977
$121SBD 977
$121SBD 977
International Primary School, 1 Child(Yearly)
$2,261SBD 18.2K
$1,211SBD 9,763
$3,149SBD 25.4K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans(Levis 501 Or Similar)
$24.84SBD 200
$11.87SBD 95.7
$36.34SBD 293
Summer Dress(H&M, Zara, etc)
$88.4SBD 712
$88.4SBD 712
$88.4SBD 712
Sport Shoes(Adidas, Nike)
$97.8SBD 788
$36.66SBD 296
$122SBD 985
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$87.3SBD 704
$47.19SBD 380
$118SBD 951
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$515SBD 4,152
$413SBD 3,327
$707SBD 5,704
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$473SBD 3,810
$360SBD 2,903
$1,200SBD 9,676
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$1,108SBD 8,930
$588SBD 4,741
$1,764SBD 14.2K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$902SBD 7,273
$475SBD 3,828
$2,968SBD 23.9K
Buy Apartment in City Center(m2)
$85.8KSBD 691.6K
$85.8KSBD 691.6K
$85.8KSBD 691.6K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center(m2)
$61.2KSBD 493.5K
$61.2KSBD 493.5K
$61.2KSBD 493.5K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary(After Tax)
$459SBD 3,699
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate(Annual %)
16.33
10
20
CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
Last update: June 22, 2026
Cost Breakdown
🏠A central one-bedroom averages $563 nationally. In Honiara, expect around $543, while Honiara – the country's most affordable city overall – comes in at $543.
💰The average net salary in Solomon Islands is $549 – below average monthly costs of $2,108. Many locals rely on dual incomes or shared housing. Remote workers earning abroad find strong purchasing power here.
🛒Groceries average around $338 per month nationally. A mid-range dinner for two costs about $53.0.
🏙️Most affordable: Honiara at $2,097 per month. The capital, Honiara, sits at $2,097. Across the country, monthly costs span roughly $23.00 between the cheapest and priciest cities.
Cost Highlights
⭐Overall living costs ($2,108) is 57% above the global median of $1,339.
⭐Public transport ($27.00) is 18% below the global median of $33.00.
Solomon Islands Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)
Mobile
Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
Fixed Broadband
Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
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
How affordable is Solomon Islands for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and who tends to find value there?
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.
What does daily life look like on the ground in the Solomon Islands, including housing, food, transport, and coworking options?
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.
What are practical budgeting strategies and neighborhood considerations to maximize quality of life in the Solomon Islands?
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.
What are living expenses in Solomon Islands in 2026?
In 2026, monthly costs in Solomon Islands range from $2,097 in smaller cities to $2,120 in major hubs. Where you choose to live makes a dramatic difference – the gap between cheapest and most expensive cities is huge.
How do living costs vary between cities in Solomon Islands?
Living costs across Solomon Islands vary hugely by location. In 2026, monthly expenses range from $2,097 in affordable regions to $2,120 in major cities. Capitals and tourist spots are at the top; smaller provincial towns are significantly cheaper.
How much does housing cost in Solomon Islands?
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.
Is $2,500 enough for living in Solomon Islands?
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.
How affordable is living in Solomon Islands?
Solomon Islands is mid-range globally, with more affordable cities starting around $2,097 per month. Not the cheapest option out there, but far from the most expensive – a reasonable balance of cost and quality of life.
Solomon Islands vs other spots: cost of living compared