Port Vila, Vanuatu
Port Vila is a major city in Vanuatu with a population of 50,000.
Overview
Port Vila is a city in Shefa with a population of 50,000. Port Vila is a major city in Vanuatu with a population of 50,000. Housing costs are close to 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 250 sunny days a year. The population skews young, with a median age of 22.0.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
Below Average vs Vanuatu Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Port Vila vs Vanuatu Average
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).
| Category | Port Vila | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 100 | 100 | 0.0% |
| Housing | 115 | 100 | +15.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | VT30,000,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | VT80000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | VT100,000/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | VT20,000 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Port Vila:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | VT10000 | |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | VT40 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | VT3000 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | VT8000 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | VT21040 | Monthly 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:
Climate
Port Vila has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 92°F | 72°F | 2.5" |
| April | 69°F | 87°F | 2.8" |
| July | 84°F | 59°F | 1.5" |
| October | 64°F | 90°F | 2.2" |
Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Port Vila faces the following natural hazards:
Frequently affected by cyclones.
Active volcanic archipelago in the Pacific.
Pacific archipelago vulnerable to tsunamis.
Cyclone-induced floods.
Extreme summer heat.
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
Academic Schedule
Cyclone season can affect school schedules.
Demographics
The population of Port Vila 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: Vanuatu National Statistics Office (2016)
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: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.