Cost of Living in French Polynesia
The population of French Polynesia is 275,918. The average cost of living in French Polynesia is $2748 and the median after-tax salary is $1224.54
|
Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
14.41 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
48.02 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
11.2 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
5.0 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
2.4 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
3.26 $ |
|
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
1.83 $ |
|
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
1.1 $ |
|
|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
2.29 $ |
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
2.1 $ |
|
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
1.77 $ |
|
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
4.2 $ |
|
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
9.6 $ |
|
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
11.61 $ |
|
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
14.41 $ |
|
|
Apples (1 lb) |
3.39 $ |
|
|
Banana (1 lb) |
2.25 $ |
|
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
6.38 $ |
|
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
4.47 $ |
|
|
Potato (1 lb) |
4.47 $ |
|
|
Onion (1 lb) |
2.07 $ |
|
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
2.73 $ |
|
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
1.32 $ |
|
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
13.56 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
2.35 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
2.2 $ |
|
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
12.53 $ |
|
|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
0.88 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
24.01 $ |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
12.01 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
1.04 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
20.01 $ |
|
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
1.11 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
20809.16 $ |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
25611.28 $ |
|
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
173.41 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
0.17 $ |
|
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
95.44 $ |
|
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
77.02 $ |
|
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
14.65 $ |
|
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
11.41 $ |
|
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
-- |
|
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
800.35 $ |
|
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
87.56 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
63.12 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
95.84 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
110.23 $ |
|
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
910.4 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
747.0 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
2401.06 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
1974.2 $ |
|
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
10154.27 $ |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
4063.84 $ |
|
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
1224.54 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
-- |
|
French Polynesia
OVERALL RISK: LOW
With an incredibly low crime rate, French Polynesia is an extremely safe place for visitors. Of course, petty crimes do occur, but they’re few and far between. Although crimes aren’t an issue, visitors must be aware of the health risks involved. Dengue fever is sometimes rampant, and tourists cannot always rely on medical personnel to arrive on time if they’re located on one of the more remote islands. But French Polynesian hospitals are up-to-par with international standards, meaning patients can expect to receive decent medical treatment. With French Polynesia’s low crime rate and adequate hospitals, it’s a low-risk place when it comes to physical health and safety.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
According to reviews on Tripadvisor, taxis in French Polynesia are, for the most part, safe. However, like in most other places, taxis can be quite expensive, costing tourists as much as 3,000 French Polynesian francs (or $28) for one short trip. But the findings above indicate that the overall transport and taxis risk is very low.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
Minus the odd pickpocket and the occasional robbery, the pickpocket's risk in French Polynesia is quite low. That being said, if you’re staying in a pricier hotel and have valuable possessions with you, you’d probably be best served by keeping your belongings in a hotel safe. Also, avoid leaving anything of value inside a rental car. Although pickpockets are very rare on the islands, that doesn’t mean you’re completely immune to theft or robbery.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
Located in an active earthquake zone, French Polynesia is also prone to tropical storms, such as cyclones, from November to April. But casualties related to natural disasters are notably rare, so it can be concluded that the islands have a low-to-medium natural disasters risk.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
Although a few reports of theft can be found on Travel Advisor, mugging isn’t a particularly common occurrence on the islands. But, despite the low mugging risk, the possibility of mugging is present everywhere in the world, so you should always practice caution when vacationing in French Polynesia.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
According to the UK government, “there is no recent history of terrorism in French Polynesia,” but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be cautious. Threats of terrorist attacks against UK and US nationals, in particular, have long been an issue worldwide, so American and British visitors should always stay vigilant and aware of their surroundings. Given the UK government’s update, French Polynesia has a low terrorism risk.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
Some people say that because French Polynesia is already very expensive, most people there don’t feel the need to overcharge visitors. Thus, no serious scams have been reported on the islands. Although someone on Quora did claim to receive a suspicious call from French Polynesia once, the risk of scams on the islands is currently quite low and not a major cause for concern.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
In the past, walking alone as a woman on a deserted beach in French Polynesia was seen as an invitation for sex. But nowadays, with a low women's travelers risk, women can travel to the islands solo with little concern for their safety. But no traveler is completely safe no matter where they are, so discretion is key.
TAP WATER RISK: LOW
In Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea, as well as all the international resorts throughout French Polynesia, tap water is safe to drink. It’s usually safe to drink on the other islands as well, but you should confirm with the hotel or restaurant hosts first just in case. On some of the islands made of coral (known as atolls), tap water may taste somewhat salty, but that doesn’t mean it’s unsafe to drink. Overall, the tap water risk in French Polynesia is low.
Visas
American tourists don’t need a visa for stays in French Polynesia for up to 90 days. For those traveling to the islands for non-tourism reasons (business, scientific research, etc.) on the other hand, a visa may be required.
Currency
The main currency is the French Polynesian franc (CFP). Since only the local currency is accepted, you must exchange your currency at a bank, an ATM, or the airport as soon as you arrive. You can even have your currency exchanged at the departure airport (e.g., in the US) if you prefer to prepare well ahead of time.
Weather
The Polynesian latitudes mean year-round summers. This means you should pack lightly, only bringing clothes like shorts, sundresses, T-shirts, Hawaiian shirts, and, of course, bathing suits. Additionally, make sure you’re equipped with sunglasses and sunscreen since chances are you’ll be having a sun-filled vacation.
Airports
Faa'a International Airport, which is also known as Tahiti International Airport, is French Polynesia’s international airport. If you’re staying on an island other than Tahiti, you’ll likely have to take a flight from that airport to your island’s regional airport.
Travel Insurance
Because unexpected situations, such as lost luggage, medical emergencies, and canceled flights, can happen, you can never go wrong by purchasing travel insurance. By buying this type of insurance, you can rest easy during your trip to French Polynesia, knowing you’re protected against significant financial loss.