What is the cost of living in Port Vila in 2026?

Expat-facing stock in Domain, Tamavua, Freshwater, and Mele-adjacent pockets sits at the top of the market. Comfortable one-bedroom lets commonly land in broad planning bands around US$800–1,500+ per month depending on finish, cyclone readiness, and whether the building targets long-stay residents or short-stay visitors. Three-bedroom family homes and lagoon-view places climb higher. Inland or simpler residential belts can stretch money further when you accept longer trips and less harbour polish.

Always confirm whether rent is furnished, whether water or power sit inside the lease, and whether cyclone shutters, drainage, and backup tanks sit with landlord or tenant. Bonds of six weeks to a few months are common market practice. Country context: How expensive is Vanuatu and How to rent a home.

Imported groceries keep the supermarket bill high even for careful cooks: Groceries and eating out. Central market fish and laplap (the national root-and-coconut dish) undercut waterfront restaurant nights. UNELCO electricity is the surprise line; tropical air conditioning can push power totals hard in humid weeks: Utilities, internet, and transport.

Fibre and mobile plans exist in Vila but still sit above many mainland peer cities once you add data-heavy remote work. Minibuses keep daytime transport cheap on known routes. Cars, fuel, insurance, and parking rewrite the sheet for Mele or hillside living. Monthly planning bands: Monthly budget.

Visit after work traffic and after a hot afternoon. Ask for a recent UNELCO bill for the exact unit. Check grocery distance to the central market and major supermarkets versus convenience pricing near hotels. Test internet and power backup if you work remotely. Social rhythm still centres on harbour terraces and reef weekends once the money works: Social life and Where to live in Vanuatu.