Gonaives, Haiti
Gonaives is a major city in Haiti with a population of 150,000.
Overview
Gonaives is a city in Artibonite with a population of 150,000. Gonaives is a major city in Haiti with a population of 150,000. Housing is more affordable than the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 7b growing zone supports Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees. A relatively small share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, with about 280 sunny days a year. The population skews young, with a median age of 24.0.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
Below Average vs Haiti Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Gonaives vs Haiti Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 10.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: G 216,000
- Unemployment: 5.0%
- Population: 150,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 280/year
- Summer High: 92°F
- Winter Low: 72°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7b
Housing
- Median Home: G3,000,000
- 1BR Rent: G8000/mo
Cost of Living
Gonaives's cost of living index is 65 (Haiti average = 100).
| Category | Gonaives | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 65 | 100 | -35.0% |
| Housing | 70 | 100 | -30.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | G3,000,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | G8000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | G10,000/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | G2,000 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Gonaives:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | G2000 | |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | G89 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | G500 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | G2000 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | G4589 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Gonaives scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Gonaives has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 92°F | 72°F | 2.5" |
| April | 77°F | 87°F | 2.8" |
| July | 92°F | 67°F | 1.5" |
| October | 72°F | 90°F | 2.2" |
Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Gonaives faces the following natural hazards:
Located in a highly active seismic zone with frequent major earthquakes.
Frequently affected by hurricanes.
Caribbean island vulnerable to tsunamis.
Tropical storm and hurricane floods.
Mountainous terrain with deforestation-induced landslides.
Extreme summer heat.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 0% (None)
- Sales Tax: 10%
- Property Tax: ~0% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 5.0%.
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
Carnival and Easter are major holiday breaks.
Demographics
The population of Gonaives is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: IHSI Census (2003)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Gonaives, Haiti?
The cost of living index in Gonaives is 65, which is Lower the Haiti national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Gonaives?
The median home price in Gonaives is G3,000,000. The housing index is 70.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Gonaives is approximately G8000/mo.
Does Gonaives, Artibonite have income tax?
Gonaives is in Artibonite, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Gonaives?
Gonaives enjoys approximately 280 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 92°F, while winter lows can drop to around 72°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.