Cost of living in Solomon Islands compared to United States
Currency:
Food | + 2% | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Food in Solomon Islands is about the same as in United States | ||||
Solomon Islands | United States | Diff | ||
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | 120 SI$ ($14) | $22 | - 33% | |
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | 150 SI$ ($18) | $12 | + 49% | |
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | 45 SI$ ($5.39) | $5.92 | - 9% | |
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | 35 SI$ ($4.19) | $1.09 | + 283% | |
12 eggs, large | 80 SI$ ($10) | $5.64 | + 70% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | 20 SI$ ($2.40) | $4.83 | - 50% | |
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | 240 SI$ ($29) | $8 | + 277% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | 30 SI$ ($3.59) | $4.23 | - 15% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | 30 SI$ ($3.59) | $2.30 | + 57% | |
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | 28 SI$ ($3.40) | $3.58 | - 5% | |
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | 90 SI$ ($11) | $18 | - 40% | |
2 liters of coca-cola | 45 SI$ ($5.39) | $2.95 | + 83% | |
Bread for 2 people for 1 day | 14 SI$ ($1.68) | $3.01 | - 44% | |
Housing | - 19% | |||
Housing in Solomon Islands is 19% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Solomon Islands | United States | Diff | ||
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | 26,078 SI$ ($3,124) | $3,082 | + 1% | |
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | 4,000 SI$ ($479) | $2,360 | - 80% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | 3,500 SI$ ($419) | $239 | + 76% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | 15,137 SI$ ($1,813) | $2,224 | - 18% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | - | $1,630 | - | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | - | $174 | - | |
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | 352 SI$ ($42) | $61 | - 31% | |
40” flat screen tv | 2,400 SI$ ($288) | $251 | + 15% | |
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | 200 SI$ ($24) | $152 | - 84% | |
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | 40 SI$ ($4.79) | $16 | - 69% | |
Hourly rate for cleaning help | 100 SI$ ($12) | $34 | - 65% | |
Clothes | + 110% | |||
Clothes in Solomon Islands is 110% more expensive than in United States | ||||
Solomon Islands | United States | Diff | ||
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | 400 SI$ ($48) | $58 | - 17% | |
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | 1,400 SI$ ($168) | $50 | + 239% | |
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | 1,500 SI$ ($180) | $105 | + 70% | |
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | 1,000 SI$ ($120) | $142 | - 16% | |
Transportation | - 55% | |||
Transportation in Solomon Islands is 55% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Solomon Islands | United States | Diff | ||
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | - | $31,029 | - | |
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | 16 SI$ ($1.86) | $0.93 | + 99% | |
Monthly ticket public transport | 60 SI$ ($7) | $86 | - 92% | |
Personal Care | - 49% | |||
Personal Care in Solomon Islands is 49% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Solomon Islands | United States | Diff | ||
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | 8 SI$ ($0.96) | $10 | - 90% | |
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | 200 SI$ ($24) | $24 | - 2% | |
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | 300 SI$ ($36) | $167 | - 78% | |
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | 25 SI$ ($2.99) | $10 | - 69% | |
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | 44 SI$ ($5.24) | $5.32 | - 1% | |
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | 45 SI$ ($5.39) | $7 | - 25% | |
4 rolls of toilet paper | 5.00 SI$ ($0.60) | $5.08 | - 88% | |
Tube of toothpaste | 15 SI$ ($1.80) | $2.38 | - 24% | |
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | 150 SI$ ($18) | $31 | - 42% | |
Entertainment | - 18% | |||
Entertainment in Solomon Islands is 18% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Solomon Islands | United States | Diff | ||
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | 300 SI$ ($36) | $61 | - 41% | |
2 tickets to the movies | 40 SI$ ($4.79) | $31 | - 84% | |
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | - | $237 | - | |
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | 500 SI$ ($60) | $104 | - 43% | |
1 cocktail drink in downtown club | 10 SI$ ($1.20) | $15 | - 92% | |
Cappuccino in expat area of the city | 26 SI$ ($3.11) | $6 | - 48% | |
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | 60 SI$ ($7) | $8 | - 5% | |
Ipad wi-fi 128gb | 3,500 SI$ ($419) | $464 | - 10% | |
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | 5.00 SI$ ($0.60) | $0.52 | + 16% | |
1 month of gym membership in business district | 1,000 SI$ ($120) | $71 | + 69% | |
1 package of marlboro cigarettes | 25 SI$ ($3.02) | $11 | - 73% | |
TOTAL | - 21% |

These prices were last updated on June 17, 2025.
Exchange rate:
0.11980
USD
/
SBD
Cost of living in Solomon Islands is 21% cheaper than in United States
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