Papeete, French Polynesia
Papeete is a city in French Polynesia with a population of 26,000.
Very High vs French Polynesia Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Papeete vs French Polynesia Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 30.0%
- Sales Tax: 13.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: F 2,500,000
- Unemployment: 12.0%
- Population: 26,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 250/year
- Summer High: 86°F
- Winter Low: 72°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7b
Housing
- Median Home: F38,000,000
- 1BR Rent: F120000/mo
Cost of Living
Papeete's cost of living index is 130 (French Polynesia average = 100).
| Category | Papeete | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 130 | 100 | +30.0% |
| Housing | 150 | 100 | +50.0% |
Data source: Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | F38,000,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | F120000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | F150,000/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | F25,333 |
Data source: Numbeo, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Papeete:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | F0 | |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | F51 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | F0 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | F0 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | F51 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: National Utility Regulator, 2025
Remote Work Score
Papeete scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Papeete has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 92°F | 72°F | 2.5" |
| April | 71°F | 87°F | 2.8" |
| July | 86°F | 61°F | 1.5" |
| October | 66°F | 90°F | 2.2" |
Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Papeete faces the following natural hazards:
Significant cyclone risk.
Extreme summer heat.
Moderate seismic activity with occasional earthquakes.
Volcanic activity in French Polynesia.
Pacific islands with tsunami risk.
Storm flooding.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 30%
- Sales Tax: 13%
- Property Tax: ~0% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 12.0%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Papeete per 100,000 residents:
City-level crime data is not available for this location. The figure shown is the national average, which may differ significantly from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: UN Office on Drugs and Crime
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
Standard academic calendar.
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 Papeete, French Polynesia?
The cost of living index in Papeete is 130, which is Higher the French Polynesia national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Papeete?
The median home price in Papeete is F38,000,000. The housing index is 150.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Papeete is approximately F120000/mo.
Does Papeete, Tahiti have income tax?
Papeete is in Tahiti, which has an income tax rate of 30%.
What is the climate like in Papeete?
Papeete enjoys approximately 250 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 86°F, while winter lows can drop to around 72°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Numbeo, 2026
- Housing Data: Numbeo, 2026
- Income & Employment: National Statistics, 2024
- Utilities National Utility Regulator, 2025
Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.