Cost of Living in Vanuatu 2025 | Real Prices & Expat Guide

If you’re considering moving to Vanuatu, investing in land, or simply exploring life on the islands, understanding the true cost of living in 2025 is essential. Prices have shifted slightly since last year, with rent, food, and utilities edging up but compared to Australia or New Zealand, Vanuatu still offers incredible value, especially if you secure property instead of renting long term.

Average Cost of Rent in Vanuatu

The average cost of rent depends heavily on location and property type.

Port Vila (capital city):
1-bedroom apartment: 60,000–160,000 Vatu/month (up from 60,000–150,000 in 2024).
3-bedroom apartment: 110,000–320,000 Vatu/month (slightly higher than 2024).
Luganville (Santo): Typically 20–30% cheaper than Port Vila.

Why it matters: For long-term expats, owning land is cheaper than years of rent . Many buyers now secure blocks with deposits as low as 500,000 Vatu (~$5,000 AUD). Grocery Costs in Vanuatu
Groceries vary depending on how much you rely on imports.

Family of four (weekly): 22,000–55,000 Vatu (slightly higher than 2024’s 20,000–50,000 range).
Local produce: Still 80–90% cheaper than Australia root crops, tropical fruit, and fresh fish are extremely affordable.
Imported goods: Cheese, wine, processed foods, and electronics remain expensive due to freight costs.

Utilities in Vanuatu Monthly bills depend on lifestyle and location.

Power + water + internet: 12,000–22,000 Vatu/month (up slightly from 10,000–20,000 in 2024).
Starlink plans: 12,000–15,000 Vatu/month — the go-to choice for rural or island homes.

Eating Out in Vanuatu

Dining costs remain reasonable.

Mid-range restaurant: 1,200–4,500 Vatu/person (slight increase from 2024).
Local markets/nakamals: as low as 500–800 Vatu per meal.

Hidden Costs to Watch For

Some expenses aren’t obvious at first:

Import duties: 25–35% on cars, electronics, and luxury items.
Work permits/visas: 60,000–100,000 Vatu depending on the permit type.
Building costs: ~120,000 Vatu per sqm for solid Besser block homes (steady from 2024).

Healthcare in Vanuatu

Healthcare is affordable for basic needs but pricier for specialist care.

Local consultation: 3,500–6,000 Vatu (up from 3,000–5,000 in 2024).
Dental check-up: 5,000–10,000 Vatu.
Medical evacuation insurance: $3,000–5,000 AUD/year for coverage to Australia/NZ.

Domestic Travel in Vanuatu

Moving between islands is straightforward but adds up.

Domestic flights: 17,000–32,000 Vatu (slightly higher than 2024’s 15,000–30,000).
Ferry services: 1,500–6,000 Vatu, depending on distance.
Petrol: ~200–250 Vatu/litre, up slightly from 2024.

How 2025 Compares to 2024

Rent has risen modestly (by about 5–10%).
Food remains affordable if you buy local — imports are where costs bite.
Utilities and internet are slightly higher but more reliable (thanks to Starlink).
Healthcare costs are steady but expats are taking out more insurance cover.

Final Thoughts: Why Expats Are Buying Instead of Renting

Vanuatu’s cost of living in 2025 remains competitive compared to Australia and New Zealand. The main difference is how you structure your lifestyle:

Renters face rising monthly costs in Port Vila.
Owners on Aore or Santo cut costs dramatically with land + self-sufficient setups (solar, water tanks, gardens).