Are you considering a move to Tahiti, French Polynesia, and wondering about the cost of living? Tahiti is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Tahiti and help you understand whether $2946 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $1227.95.
|
Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
12.73 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
34.95 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
11.37 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
3.63 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
2.64 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
3.49 $ |
|
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
2.82 $ |
|
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
1.27 $ |
|
|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
2.3 $ |
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
2.34 $ |
|
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
1.62 $ |
|
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
4.55 $ |
|
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
8.81 $ |
|
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
13.19 $ |
|
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
16.37 $ |
|
|
Apples (1 lb) |
3.75 $ |
|
|
Banana (1 lb) |
2.56 $ |
|
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
7.25 $ |
|
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
4.33 $ |
|
|
Potato (1 lb) |
5.15 $ |
|
|
Onion (1 lb) |
2.03 $ |
|
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
3.09 $ |
|
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
1.32 $ |
|
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
11.98 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
2.18 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
2.0 $ |
|
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
7.99 $ |
|
|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
1.82 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
-- |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
18.19 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
-- |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
-- |
|
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
1.41 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
23649.32 $ |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
29106.86 $ |
|
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
69.87 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
99.45 $ |
|
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
49.98 $ |
|
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
16.65 $ |
|
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
11.82 $ |
|
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
-- |
|
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
5002.74 $ |
|
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
130.25 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
86.83 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
162.81 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
130.25 $ |
|
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
1273.42 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
1091.51 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
2273.97 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
2183.01 $ |
|
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
-- |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
-- |
|
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
1227.95 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
4.81 % |
|
The monthly expenses for living in Tahiti come to a total of approximately $2946. This includes an average monthly rent of around $1273 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $119 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $995 per month.
Living in Tahiti appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $1227.95. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Tahiti, you would likely need an income exceeding $1227.95.
In Tahiti, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $1227.95, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.
The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Tahiti is approximately $1273. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $1091.51 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Tahiti can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $801 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.
The cost of living in French Polynesia can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout French Polynesia.
Currently, the US does not permit anyone to travel to Tahiti unless they present a negative PCR test result and are fully vaccinated to protect against COVID-19. Booster shots may be required depending on your age, and stricter measures apply when traveling between French Polynesian islands. This alone provides enough data for the risk to be Medium.
Due to COVID-19, travelers must have a Health Pass to go from Tahiti to Moorea, which is the closest island and typically a popular tourist activity. According to Frommer, Tahiti uses old school le trucks for most public transit. These are brightly colored open-air flatbed trucks for hauling people to the beach. These are considerably more unsafe than a closed cab taxi, which is also populous on the island. These appear to be safer and more expensive.
Violent crime has a low risk in French Polynesia, according to the Australian Government. There are instances of petty crime including theft, pickpockets, and assaults that are typical of the bar scene or partying. By avoiding or being more cautious when partying or drinking at a bar in Tahiti, you reduce the risk of getting pickpocketed.
Currently, the US Department of State and the Bureau of Consular Affairs have restricted all travel from the US to French Polynesia. This is a level 4 Do not travel advisory that has been in place since December 28, 2021. This is due to COVID-19 and health risks are present. There are four total levels of travel advisories ranging from level 1, Exercise normal precautions, to Level 4. COVID-19 is a natural disaster that resulted in human casualties, which puts this risk very high. Cyclones, tsunamis, earthquakes, and tropical storms are other natural disasters that are more likely to occur here.
In the city of Papeete, you have more people, which equates to more crime and a greater risk of mugging in general. However, Tahiti and French Polynesia at large have a low rate of crime, including thefts and assaults.
The Australian Government and Consular Service Charter states in French Polynesia and Tahiti there are no larger than typical terrorist threats or cells. Travel protection should always be in place to protect oneself against terrorists. There are resources to help if you have encountered a terrorist while in Tahiti. For emergencies, contact the US Embassy in Suva, Fiji at 679-772-8049. There is also a US Consular Agent in French Polynesia for US citizens.
One common scam that travelers encounter in Tahiti is timeshare cancellations, but this is risky for any location. If you travel to Tahiti only once and do not have financial ties to French Polynesia, you are less likely to be scammed. Since there is a low petty crime rate here, you have less of a reason to be concerned about scam risk as well.
If you are traveling while pregnant, the Zika virus is in Tahiti and you should wait unless it is essential to travel. Since it is a conservative country, you may experience cold shoulders or stares when traveling solo as a woman. Wear conservative clothing, and stay at rest to avoid unwanted attention. If you use public transport, you may be subject to verbal harassment, groping, and even sexual assault if you fall asleep alone.
You are at risk of developing a water-borne or food-borne disease in Tahiti. This includes parasites and infectious diseases, such as scabies and conjunctivitis. As a result, bottled water is recommended in rural areas, and you should avoid raw or uncooked foods, including salad greens. If you are in Papeete, the capital city of French Polynesia in Tahiti, then you are OK using ice cubes or tap water. However, the Australian Government recommends avoiding ice cubes, not drinking tap water, and only using boiled or bottled water while outside of Papeete.
For US citizens who are traveling to Tahiti for a vacation or short stay of fewer than 90 days or three months, there is no requirement to have a tourist visa.
The currency in the Islands of Tahiti and French Polynesia uses the French Pacific Franc. This is called an XPF or CFP and the bills consist of ones, twos, fives, 10s, the 20s, and 50s. If you have French Pacific Franc money, these are on a fixed exchange rate with the Euro by the European Union due to the French connection. You can spend both US dollars and European euros in Tahiti, but there are also exchange banks in the cities.
The warmest month of the year for Tahitians is January, and the coolest month is July. This is the opposite of the US due to its location in the Southern Hemisphere. Temperatures reach 30 degrees C (86 degrees F) and drop to 28 degrees C (82.4 degrees F) for the highs year-round. The lows dip to between 20 degrees C (68 degrees F) to 23 degrees C (73.4 degrees F) year-round. It’s nothing but sunshine here most days out of the year.
To get to Tahiti by plane, fly into Faa’a International Airport near Papeete, which is the capital city of French Polynesia. There are also local airports for traveling between islands.
Travel insurance is now a semi-requirement for visitors to Tahiti. This is to cover any COVID-19 related medical expenses that might arise when you are there due to the high risk of infection. There is the ability to pay your way out of this one. If you do not have insurance, you have to provide enough money to pay for any associated costs related to COVID-19.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 87°F | 87°F | 88°F | 87°F | 86°F | 85°F | 84°F | 83°F | 84°F | 85°F | 86°F | 86°F |
| Temp | 81°F | 81°F | 82°F | 81°F | 80°F | 78°F | 77°F | 77°F | 78°F | 79°F | 80°F | 81°F |
| Low | 76°F | 77°F | 77°F | 76°F | 75°F | 73°F | 72°F | 72°F | 73°F | 74°F | 75°F | 76°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 30°C | 30°C | 31°C | 30°C | 30°C | 29°C | 28°C | 28°C | 28°C | 29°C | 30°C | 30°C |
| Temp | 27°C | 27°C | 27°C | 27°C | 26°C | 25°C | 25°C | 25°C | 25°C | 26°C | 26°C | 27°C |
| Low | 24°C | 25°C | 25°C | 24°C | 23°C | 22°C | 22°C | 22°C | 22°C | 23°C | 23°C | 24°C |