Cost of living in Vanuatu compared to United States
Currency:
Food | - 14% | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Food in Vanuatu is 14% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Vanuatu | United States | Diff | ||
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | 1,500Vatu ($13) | $19 | - 33% | |
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | 514Vatu ($4.29) | $10 | - 57% | |
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | 1,050Vatu ($9) | $5.78 | + 51% | |
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | 240Vatu ($2.00) | $1.08 | + 85% | |
12 eggs, large | 600Vatu ($5.00) | $4.95 | + 1% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | 500Vatu ($4.17) | $4.70 | - 11% | |
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | 1,100Vatu ($9) | $7 | + 33% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | 350Vatu ($2.92) | $4.66 | - 37% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | 300Vatu ($2.50) | $2.49 | + 0% | |
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | 327Vatu ($2.73) | $3.12 | - 13% | |
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | 2,000Vatu ($17) | $16 | + 5% | |
2 liters of coca-cola | 500Vatu ($4.17) | $2.77 | + 51% | |
Bread for 2 people for 1 day | 120Vatu ($1.00) | $2.98 | - 66% | |
Housing | - 33% | |||
Housing in Vanuatu is 33% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Vanuatu | United States | Diff | ||
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | - | $2,823 | - | |
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | 67,259Vatu ($561) | $2,138 | - 74% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | 6,945Vatu ($58) | $220 | - 74% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | 143,332Vatu ($1,195) | $1,886 | - 37% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | 57,452Vatu ($479) | $1,441 | - 67% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | 3,109Vatu ($26) | $146 | - 82% | |
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | 6,000Vatu ($50) | $64 | - 21% | |
40” flat screen tv | 52,000Vatu ($433) | $295 | + 47% | |
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | 45,000Vatu ($375) | $133 | + 181% | |
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | 1,800Vatu ($15) | $14 | + 11% | |
Hourly rate for cleaning help | - | $31 | - | |
Clothes | - 40% | |||
Clothes in Vanuatu is 40% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Vanuatu | United States | Diff | ||
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | 4,000Vatu ($33) | $54 | - 38% | |
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | 3,000Vatu ($25) | $45 | - 45% | |
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | - | $93 | - | |
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | 5,763Vatu ($48) | $119 | - 60% | |
Transportation | + 7% | |||
Transportation in Vanuatu is 7% more expensive than in United States | ||||
Vanuatu | United States | Diff | ||
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | - | $27,910 | - | |
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | 275Vatu ($2.29) | $1.05 | + 119% | |
Monthly ticket public transport | 9,000Vatu ($75) | $79 | - 5% | |
Personal Care | - 57% | |||
Personal Care in Vanuatu is 57% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Vanuatu | United States | Diff | ||
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | 500Vatu ($4.17) | $8 | - 49% | |
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | 800Vatu ($7) | $21 | - 69% | |
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | 3,500Vatu ($29) | $140 | - 79% | |
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | 300Vatu ($2.50) | $8 | - 70% | |
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | 438Vatu ($3.65) | $4.80 | - 24% | |
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | 500Vatu ($4.17) | $6 | - 33% | |
4 rolls of toilet paper | 250Vatu ($2.08) | $4.72 | - 56% | |
Tube of toothpaste | 250Vatu ($2.08) | $2.25 | - 7% | |
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | 1,500Vatu ($13) | $27 | - 54% | |
Entertainment | - 25% | |||
Entertainment in Vanuatu is 25% cheaper than in United States | ||||
Vanuatu | United States | Diff | ||
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | 3,200Vatu ($27) | $55 | - 52% | |
2 tickets to the movies | 1,200Vatu ($10) | $28 | - 64% | |
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | 3,500Vatu ($29) | $195 | - 85% | |
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | 10,000Vatu ($83) | $89 | - 7% | |
1 cocktail drink in downtown club | 1,200Vatu ($10) | $14 | - 26% | |
Cappuccino in expat area of the city | 400Vatu ($3.33) | $5.21 | - 36% | |
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | 500Vatu ($4.17) | $6 | - 33% | |
Ipad wi-fi 128gb | - | $554 | - | |
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | - | $0.21 | - | |
1 month of gym membership in business district | 6,000Vatu ($50) | $54 | - 8% | |
1 package of marlboro cigarettes | 900Vatu ($8) | $10 | - 25% | |
TOTAL | - 21% |

These prices were last updated on June 07, 2023.
Exchange rate:
0.00834
USD
/
VUV
Cost of living in Vanuatu is 21% cheaper than in United States
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