Cost of Living: Vanuatu vs Singapore

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between Vanuatu and Singapore.

Data updated: October 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Vanuatu is 35.1% cheaper than Singapore. The biggest difference is in Mobile and Internet, where costs are 349.8% higher. This means that for every $100 you spend in Singapore, you would spend about $65 in Vanuatu for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Salaries And Financing 90.6%

Vanuatu is 90.6% cheaper

Property Prices 84.8%

Vanuatu is 84.8% cheaper

Transportation 77.3%

Vanuatu is 77.3% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 35.1%

Vanuatu is 35.1% cheaper than Singapore

Most Expensive Categories

  • Mobile and Internet +349.8%
  • Household Utilities +238.9%
  • Sports And Leisure +23.3%

Is Vanuatu cheaper than Singapore?

Yes, Vanuatu is cheaper than Singapore

Overall, living costs in Vanuatu are 35.1% lower than in Singapore.

Where Vanuatu is cheaper:

  • Salaries And Financing 90.6% cheaper
  • Property Prices 84.8% cheaper
  • Transportation 77.3% cheaper

Where Vanuatu is more expensive:

  • Mobile and Internet 349.8% more expensive
  • Household Utilities 238.9% more expensive
  • Sports And Leisure 23.3% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Vanuatu: 12.63 $ Singapore: 10.90 $
15.9% more expensive in Vanuatu

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Vanuatu: 2,625.18 $ Singapore: 3,140.74 $
16.4% cheaper in Vanuatu

Monthly public transport pass

Vanuatu: 67.38 $ Singapore: 93.46 $
27.9% cheaper in Vanuatu

1 liter of milk

Vanuatu: 2.41 $ Singapore: 3.01 $
19.9% cheaper in Vanuatu

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Vanuatu is indeed cheaper than Singapore. You would save approximately 35.1% on living expenses by choosing Vanuatu over Singapore. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

35.1%

Vanuatu is 35.1% cheaper than Singapore

Restaurants

4.0%

Vanuatu is 4.0% more expensive than Singapore in this category

Markets

11.2%

Vanuatu is 11.2% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Other Expenses

25.7%

Vanuatu is 25.7% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Transportation

77.3%

Vanuatu is 77.3% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Household Utilities

238.9%

Vanuatu is 238.9% more expensive than Singapore in this category

Mobile and Internet

349.8%

Vanuatu is 349.8% more expensive than Singapore in this category

Sports And Leisure

23.3%

Vanuatu is 23.3% more expensive than Singapore in this category

Childcare

75.9%

Vanuatu is 75.9% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Clothing And Shoes

8.2%

Vanuatu is 8.2% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Rent Per Month

29.5%

Vanuatu is 29.5% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Property Prices

84.8%

Vanuatu is 84.8% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Salaries And Financing

90.6%

Vanuatu is 90.6% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Vanuatu Singapore Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 12.63 $ 10.90 $ 15.9%
Vanuatu is 15.9% more expensive
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 75.81 $ 77.88 $ 2.7%
Vanuatu is 2.7% cheaper
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 9.56 $ 7.79 $ 22.7%
Vanuatu is 22.7% more expensive
Regular Cappuccino 5.69 $ 4.88 $ 16.6%
Vanuatu is 16.6% more expensive
Soft Drink (330ml) 3.11 $ 1.68 $ 85.1%
Vanuatu is 85.1% more expensive
Bottled Water (330ml) 2.34 $ 1.22 $ 91.8%
Vanuatu is 91.8% more expensive
Bottled Water (1.5L) 1.36 $ 1.52 $ 10.5%
Vanuatu is 10.5% cheaper
Imported Beer (330ml) 2.24 $ 2.49 $ 10.0%
Vanuatu is 10.0% cheaper
Milk (1L) 2.41 $ 3.01 $ 19.9%
Vanuatu is 19.9% cheaper
Fresh Bread (500g) 2.81 $ 2.35 $ 19.6%
Vanuatu is 19.6% more expensive
White Rice (1kg) 3.75 $ 2.92 $ 28.4%
Vanuatu is 28.4% more expensive
Eggs (12 pack) 5.29 $ 3.35 $ 57.9%
Vanuatu is 57.9% more expensive
Local Cheese (1kg) 20.22 $ 19.37 $ 4.4%
Vanuatu is 4.4% more expensive
Chicken Breast (1kg) 16.85 $ 11.15 $ 51.1%
Vanuatu is 51.1% more expensive
Beef (1kg) 7.15 $ 15.21 $ 53.0%
Vanuatu is 53.0% cheaper
Apples (1kg) 4.77 $ 4.57 $ 4.4%
Vanuatu is 4.4% more expensive
Bananas (1kg) 2.81 $ 2.97 $ 5.4%
Vanuatu is 5.4% cheaper
Oranges (1kg) 5.45 $ 4.51 $ 20.8%
Vanuatu is 20.8% more expensive
Tomatoes (1kg) 3.37 $ 2.71 $ 24.4%
Vanuatu is 24.4% more expensive
Potatoes (1kg) 5.14 $ 2.39 $ 115.1%
Vanuatu is 115.1% more expensive
Onions (1kg) 2.89 $ 2.20 $ 31.4%
Vanuatu is 31.4% more expensive
Lettuce (1 head) 2.53 $ 1.86 $ 36.0%
Vanuatu is 36.0% more expensive
Monthly Transit Pass 67.38 $ 93.46 $ 27.9%
Vanuatu is 27.9% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 9.69 $ 13.05 $ 25.7%
Vanuatu is 25.7% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 1.68 $ 1.56 $ 7.7%
Vanuatu is 7.7% more expensive
Taxi Base Fare 2.11 $ 3.58 $ 41.1%
Vanuatu is 41.1% cheaper
Taxi per Kilometer 0.84 $ 0.78 $ 7.7%
Vanuatu is 7.7% more expensive
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 5.05 $ 16.28 $ 69.0%
Vanuatu is 69.0% cheaper
Gasoline (1L) 1.90 $ 2.22 $ 14.4%
Vanuatu is 14.4% cheaper
New Economy Car 23,163.36 $ 140,192.38 $ 83.5%
Vanuatu is 83.5% cheaper
New Mid-Range Car 37,903.67 $ 128,887.54 $ 70.6%
Vanuatu is 70.6% cheaper
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 536.27 $ 158.22 $ 238.9%
Vanuatu is 238.9% more expensive
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 25.27 $ 18.54 $ 36.3%
Vanuatu is 36.3% more expensive
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 228.83 $ 37.95 $ 503.0%
Vanuatu is 503.0% more expensive
Gym Membership ? 115.77 $ N/A
Tennis Court (Weekend) 16.85 $ 12.22 $ 37.9%
Vanuatu is 37.9% more expensive
Movie Ticket 12.63 $ 11.68 $ 8.1%
Vanuatu is 8.1% more expensive
Private Preschool (Full Day) 623.30 $ 1,272.43 $ 51.0%
Vanuatu is 51.0% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 6,856.35 $ 29,780.50 $ 77.0%
Vanuatu is 77.0% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans 46.33 $ 80.91 $ 42.7%
Vanuatu is 42.7% cheaper
1 Summer Dress 67.38 $ 42.93 $ 57.0%
Vanuatu is 57.0% more expensive
1 Pair of Running Shoes ? 105.33 $ N/A
1 Pair of Business Shoes ? 126.28 $ N/A
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 2,625.18 $ 3,140.74 $ 16.4%
Vanuatu is 16.4% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 1,266.01 $ 2,267.71 $ 44.2%
Vanuatu is 44.2% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 4,432.62 $ 6,205.41 $ 28.6%
Vanuatu is 28.6% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 2,489.99 $ 3,723.55 $ 33.1%
Vanuatu is 33.1% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 3,568.77 $ 22,697.92 $ 84.3%
Vanuatu is 84.3% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 2,162.22 $ 15,076.91 $ 85.7%
Vanuatu is 85.7% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 382.71 $ 4,151.48 $ 90.8%
Vanuatu is 90.8% cheaper
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 7.00 3.17 120.8%
Vanuatu is 120.8% more expensive

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to Singapore. Enter your monthly expenses in Vanuatu to see the equivalent costs.

Housing

Food & Dining

Transportation

Other Expenses

Our Methodology

Our cost of living comparisons are based on a robust methodology that combines multiple data sources and regular updates to ensure accuracy:

Data Collection

  • Regular price surveys conducted in major cities
  • Official government statistics and economic indicators
  • User-contributed data from expatriates and local residents
  • Real estate market reports and rental price indices
  • Consumer price indices and inflation data

Calculation Methods

  • Prices are normalized to USD for consistent comparison
  • Exchange rates are updated monthly
  • Regional price variations are weighted by population
  • Seasonal fluctuations are accounted for in the averages
  • Quality of life factors are considered in the overall assessment

Quality Assurance

  • Data is verified by local experts
  • Regular cross-checking with multiple sources
  • User feedback is incorporated into updates
  • Statistical outliers are identified and reviewed
  • Methodology is reviewed quarterly

Note: While we strive for accuracy, cost of living data can vary significantly within countries and cities. These comparisons should be used as a general guide, and we recommend conducting additional research for specific locations.

Lifestyle Impact

Understanding the cost of living differences between Vanuatu and Singapore goes beyond just numbers. Here's how these differences might affect your daily life:

Daily Living

  • Grocery shopping habits and meal planning
  • Public transportation usage vs. car ownership
  • Frequency of dining out and entertainment
  • Healthcare access and insurance coverage
  • Housing choices and neighborhood selection

Long-term Planning

  • Savings and investment strategies
  • Retirement planning considerations
  • Education costs for children
  • Property ownership opportunities
  • Business and career development

Quality of Life Considerations

While cost of living is important, it's just one aspect of quality of life. Consider also:

  • Healthcare system quality and accessibility
  • Education system standards
  • Public safety and security
  • Environmental quality
  • Cultural and recreational opportunities
  • Work-life balance norms

Making the Most of Your Budget

Tips for adapting to cost of living differences:

  • Research local shopping habits and markets
  • Learn about public transportation options
  • Understand local tax systems and benefits
  • Explore community resources and discounts
  • Network with locals for insider tips

Local Insights for Vanuatu vs Singapore

While both countries have similar overall costs, there are nuanced differences in how money is spent on daily necessities.

Cultural Cost Differences

Vanuatu

Singapore

  • Lower grocery costs suggest different shopping and consumption patterns.
  • Lower fuel costs indicate different transportation infrastructure.

Seasonal Cost Variations

Both countries experience moderate seasonal variations in living costs, with prices typically higher during peak tourist seasons and major holidays.

Explore more

Cost of living in Vanuatu Cost of living in Singapore

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