MigrantoCost of living in Vanuatu
What a month costs, how prices compare with other countries
Monthly cost in Vanuatu
Spending runs from VUV 10,400 a month in the poorest fifth to VUV 54,300 in the richest
Per person, whole country
VUV 22,900
what a typical person spends in a month
Spending across the population
VUV 10,400richest 20%
VUV 54,300
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How living costs in Vanuatu compare
Neighbours, region and the world on the same monthly figure
What things cost here
How much the same goods and services cost in Vanuatu against other countries
No price survey covers this country, so it is not placed on the scale.
Data source: household consumption 2022 (World Bank), price levels (income-anchored estimate), adjusted to 2026 using IMF GDP-per-capita growth
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What it costs to live in Vanuatu
Tell us what you earn and spend today — we'll estimate what the same lifestyle would cost in Vanuatu and how much you could have left each month
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Cost of living in Vanuatu
VUV 10,400/mo
vs VUV 95,500 in your country
Take-home
VUV 29,100
vs VUV 143,000 in your country
Potential savings
VUV 18,700
more than in your country
Standard of living
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Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of living in Vanuatu?
A typical person in Vanuatu spends about VUV 22,900 a month — around VUV 275,000 a year — on housing, groceries, transport and other everyday costs. It's a nationwide average across different regions, cities and types of housing.
What is the standard of living in Vanuatu?
By spending, Vanuatu ranks #127 of 185 countries. A typical person spends about VUV 22,900 a month, the poorest 20% about VUV 10,400 and the richest 20% about VUV 54,300. The gap between them shows how unevenly people live.
What is the cost of living in Vanuatu in US dollars?
The cost of living in Vanuatu is about $192 a month, or roughly $2,304 a year per person.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Vanuatu?
It all depends on your standard of living. A modest budget runs about VUV 10,400 a month per person, a typical one around VUV 22,900, and a comfortable life around VUV 31,400. In big cities and for a family, costs are usually higher.
Is the average salary in Vanuatu enough to live on?
Yes, with room to spare. Average spending is about VUV 22,900 a month, while the average take-home pay in Vanuatu is about VUV 64,900. For more on incomes, see salaries in Vanuatu.
Is Vanuatu an expensive country to live in?
No. Vanuatu is more expensive than 32% of countries worldwide and ranks 9th of 11 in Oceania by cost of living.
What currency is used in Vanuatu?
Vanuatu uses the Vanuatu Vatu (VUV). Amounts on this page are shown in it; the currency switcher converts them.
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Living in Vanuatu
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