Skyline of Port Vila
Cost of Living: 100 50,000

Port Vila, Vanuatu

Port Vila is a major city in Vanuatu with a population of 50,000.

Updated August 11, 2026
Cost of Living 100

Below Average vs Vanuatu Avg (100)

Housing Index 115

Above Average

Median Income VT 1,800,000

Household income

Unemployment 5.0%

Job market health

Port Vila vs Vanuatu Average

Cost of Living
Port Vila: 100
Vanuatu Avg: 100
Housing Index
Port Vila: 115
Vanuatu Avg: 100

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: None
  • Sales Tax: 12.5%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: VT 1,800,000
  • Unemployment: 5.0%
  • Population: 50,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 250/year
  • Summer High: 84°F
  • Winter Low: 72°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7b

Housing

  • Median Home: VT30,000,000
  • 1BR Rent: VT80000/mo

Cost of Living

Port Vila's cost of living index is 100 (Vanuatu average = 100).

CategoryPort VilaNational AverageDifference
Overall1001000.0%
Housing115100+15.0%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home PriceVT30,000,000
Median Rent (1BR)VT80000/mo
Median Rent (2BR)VT100,000/mo
Price per Sq FtVT20,000

Data source: Zillow Research, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

VT
%
$90,000 down
%
%
VT

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Port Vila:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
ElectricityVT10000
Heating & CoolingN/AEstimated based on local climate.
Cooling (AC)VT40Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates
WaterVT3000Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)VT8000Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total UtilitiesVT21040Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Remote Work Score

Port Vila scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
100
Rent
VT80000
Sunny Days
250
Tax
None
Unemployment
5.0%
Climate
84°F / 72°F
Safety
2.0 homicides/100k
Population
50,000
Internet Speed
10 Mbps

Climate

Port Vila has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January92°F72°F2.5"
April69°F87°F2.8"
July84°F59°F1.5"
October64°F90°F2.2"
USDA Zone 7b

Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees

Natural Hazards

Port Vila faces the following natural hazards:

Cyclone Extreme Risk

Frequently affected by cyclones.

Volcano High Risk

Active volcanic archipelago in the Pacific.

Tsunami High Risk

Pacific archipelago vulnerable to tsunamis.

Flood High Risk

Cyclone-induced floods.

Heat Wave High Risk

Extreme summer heat.

Landslide Moderate Risk

Volcanic islands with landslides.

Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 0% (None)
  • Sales Tax: 12.5%
  • Property Tax: ~0% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 5.0%.

Schools & Education

Total Schools

Academic Schedule

School Hours 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Academic Year February to December
Term System Trimester — Term 1 (Feb-May), Term 2 (Jun-Aug), Term 3 (Sep-Dec)
Summer Break December to February (8 weeks)
Winter Break August (3 weeks)
Spring Break May (2 weeks)

Cyclone season can affect school schedules.

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 Port Vila, Vanuatu?

The cost of living index in Port Vila is 100, which is Lower the Vanuatu national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Port Vila?

The median home price in Port Vila is VT30,000,000. The housing index is 115.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Port Vila is approximately VT80000/mo.

Does Port Vila, Shefa have income tax?

Port Vila is in Shefa, which has no income tax.

What is the climate like in Port Vila?

Port Vila enjoys approximately 250 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 84°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: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.