Cost of living in Northern Mariana Islands compared to United States
Currency:
Food | + 26% | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Food in Northern Mariana Islands is 26% more expensive than in United States | ||||
Northern Mariana Islands | United States | Diff | ||
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | $25 | $19 | + 36% | |
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | $16 | $10 | + 64% | |
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | $15 | $5.79 | + 158% | |
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | $2.35 | $1.09 | + 116% | |
12 eggs, large | $7 | $4.96 | + 49% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | $2.70 | $4.70 | - 42% | |
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | $4.07 | $7 | - 41% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | $2.56 | $4.66 | - 45% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | $2.66 | $2.48 | + 7% | |
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | $1.76 | $3.16 | - 44% | |
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | $25 | $16 | + 57% | |
2 liters of coca-cola | $1.10 | $2.77 | - 60% | |
Bread for 2 people for 1 day | $2.19 | $2.98 | - 26% | |
Housing | - 45% | |||
Housing in Northern Mariana Islands is 45% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Northern Mariana Islands | United States | Diff | ||
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | $2,160 | $2,828 | - 24% | |
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | $885 | $2,144 | - 59% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | $350 | $220 | + 59% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | $523 | $1,885 | - 72% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | $349 | $1,440 | - 76% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | $80 | $146 | - 45% | |
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | $40 | $64 | - 37% | |
40” flat screen tv | $800 | $300 | + 167% | |
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | $100 | $136 | - 26% | |
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | $20 | $14 | + 47% | |
Hourly rate for cleaning help | $8 | $32 | - 75% | |
Clothes | + 108% | |||
Clothes in Northern Mariana Islands is 108% more expensive than in United States | ||||
Northern Mariana Islands | United States | Diff | ||
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | $31 | $54 | - 43% | |
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | $125 | $45 | + 177% | |
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | $100 | $93 | + 7% | |
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | $250 | $118 | + 111% | |
Transportation | + 65% | |||
Transportation in Northern Mariana Islands is 65% more expensive than in United States | ||||
Northern Mariana Islands | United States | Diff | ||
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | $22,398 | $27,891 | - 20% | |
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | $1.50 | $1.05 | + 43% | |
Monthly ticket public transport | $155 | $79 | + 96% | |
Personal Care | + 19% | |||
Personal Care in Northern Mariana Islands is 19% more expensive than in United States | ||||
Northern Mariana Islands | United States | Diff | ||
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | $10 | $8 | + 25% | |
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | $60 | $20 | + 201% | |
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | $114 | $141 | - 19% | |
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | $4.00 | $8 | - 53% | |
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | $5.00 | $4.82 | + 4% | |
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | $3.00 | $6 | - 52% | |
4 rolls of toilet paper | $3.00 | $4.77 | - 37% | |
Tube of toothpaste | $5.00 | $2.25 | + 122% | |
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | $20 | $27 | - 26% | |
Entertainment | - 10% | |||
Entertainment in Northern Mariana Islands is 10% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Northern Mariana Islands | United States | Diff | ||
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | $60 | $55 | + 9% | |
2 tickets to the movies | $30 | $28 | + 8% | |
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | - | $195 | - | |
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | $73 | $90 | - 18% | |
1 cocktail drink in downtown club | $7 | $14 | - 49% | |
Cappuccino in expat area of the city | $6.00 | $5.19 | + 16% | |
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | $6.00 | $6 | - 5% | |
Ipad wi-fi 128gb | $210 | $552 | - 62% | |
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | - | $0.21 | - | |
1 month of gym membership in business district | $57 | $54 | + 6% | |
1 package of marlboro cigarettes | $8 | $10 | - 25% | |
TOTAL | + 9% |

These prices were last updated on June 10, 2023.
Cost of living in Northern Mariana Islands is 9% more expensive than in United States
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