Cost of living in French Polynesia compared to Japan
Currency:
Food | + 31% | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Food in French Polynesia is 31% more expensive than in Japan | ||||
French Polynesia | Japan | Diff | ||
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | 1,871 Franc (¥2,646) | ¥1,035 | + 156% | |
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | - | ¥820 | - | |
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | - | ¥618 | - | |
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | - | ¥237 | - | |
12 eggs, large | - | ¥335 | - | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | - | ¥439 | - | |
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | 3,400 Franc (¥4,808) | ¥1,195 | + 302% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | 285 Franc (¥404) | ¥822 | - 51% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | 137 Franc (¥194) | ¥509 | - 62% | |
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | 377 Franc (¥533) | ¥312 | + 71% | |
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | 2,226 Franc (¥3,148) | ¥1,267 | + 148% | |
2 liters of coca-cola | 400 Franc (¥566) | ¥276 | + 105% | |
Bread for 2 people for 1 day | 179 Franc (¥253) | ¥293 | - 14% | |
Housing | + 1% | |||
Housing in French Polynesia is about the same as in Japan | ||||
French Polynesia | Japan | Diff | ||
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | - | ¥365,082 | - | |
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | 155,159 Franc (¥219,433) | ¥197,811 | + 11% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | 7,126 Franc (¥10,077) | ¥19,132 | - 47% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | 92,149 Franc (¥130,321) | ¥145,654 | - 11% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | 72,580 Franc (¥102,645) | ¥106,059 | - 3% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | 5,000 Franc (¥7,071) | ¥8,349 | - 15% | |
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | 4,568 Franc (¥6,460) | ¥4,448 | + 45% | |
40” flat screen tv | 140,000 Franc (¥197,994) | ¥74,559 | + 166% | |
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | 14,841 Franc (¥20,988) | ¥25,414 | - 17% | |
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | 2,381 Franc (¥3,367) | ¥1,338 | + 152% | |
Hourly rate for cleaning help | 1,067 Franc (¥1,510) | ¥2,815 | - 46% | |
Clothes | + 110% | |||
Clothes in French Polynesia is 110% more expensive than in Japan | ||||
French Polynesia | Japan | Diff | ||
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | 10,128 Franc (¥14,323) | ¥9,315 | + 54% | |
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | 11,032 Franc (¥15,602) | ¥5,103 | + 206% | |
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | 11,337 Franc (¥16,034) | ¥10,686 | + 50% | |
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | 10,568 Franc (¥14,945) | ¥12,189 | + 23% | |
Transportation | + 33% | |||
Transportation in French Polynesia is 33% more expensive than in Japan | ||||
French Polynesia | Japan | Diff | ||
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | 2,757,970 Franc (¥3,900,442) | ¥3,060,780 | + 27% | |
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | 161 Franc (¥227) | ¥169 | + 34% | |
Monthly ticket public transport | 8,000 Franc (¥11,314) | ¥8,198 | + 38% | |
Personal Care | - 32% | |||
Personal Care in French Polynesia is 32% cheaper than in Japan | ||||
French Polynesia | Japan | Diff | ||
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | 350 Franc (¥495) | ¥2,133 | - 77% | |
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | 500 Franc (¥707) | ¥2,551 | - 72% | |
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | 3,568 Franc (¥5,047) | - | - | |
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | 700 Franc (¥990) | ¥1,337 | - 26% | |
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | 500 Franc (¥707) | ¥930 | - 24% | |
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | 650 Franc (¥919) | ¥622 | + 48% | |
4 rolls of toilet paper | 150 Franc (¥212) | ¥224 | - 5% | |
Tube of toothpaste | 180 Franc (¥255) | ¥188 | + 36% | |
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | 2,000 Franc (¥2,828) | ¥4,604 | - 39% | |
Entertainment | + 44% | |||
Entertainment in French Polynesia is 44% more expensive than in Japan | ||||
French Polynesia | Japan | Diff | ||
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | 4,000 Franc (¥5,657) | ¥4,908 | + 15% | |
2 tickets to the movies | 2,714 Franc (¥3,838) | ¥3,881 | - 1% | |
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | - | ¥7,212 | - | |
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | 10,271 Franc (¥14,526) | ¥8,269 | + 76% | |
1 cocktail drink in downtown club | 1,761 Franc (¥2,491) | ¥1,244 | + 100% | |
Cappuccino in expat area of the city | 250 Franc (¥354) | ¥547 | - 35% | |
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | 700 Franc (¥990) | ¥674 | + 47% | |
Ipad wi-fi 128gb | 50,000 Franc (¥70,712) | ¥51,659 | + 37% | |
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | 63 Franc (¥90) | ¥52 | + 72% | |
1 month of gym membership in business district | 6,000 Franc (¥8,485) | ¥9,530 | - 11% | |
1 package of marlboro cigarettes | 1,200 Franc (¥1,697) | ¥613 | + 177% | |
TOTAL | + 25% |

These prices were last updated on June 24, 2025.
Exchange rate:
1.414
JPY
/
XPF
Cost of living in French Polynesia is 25% more expensive than in Japan
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