All figures are shown in EUR for comparability. The local currency of Vanuatu is the Vanuatu vatu (VUV).
How Expensive Is Vanuatu Overall?
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost-of-living index (market data; higher = more expensive) | 107.5 |
| Price level index (World Bank, 2024; US = 100) | 94.6 |
Salaries by Sector
Typical gross annual salaries in Vanuatu from our sector dataset:
| Sector | Typical gross annual (EUR) |
|---|---|
| IT & Software | €28,000 |
| Engineering | €24,000 |
| Finance | €22,000 |
| Healthcare | €18,000 |
| Education | €16,000 |
| Construction | €15,000 |
| Hospitality | €12,000 |
| Retail | €11,000 |
Taxes in Vanuatu
Headline tax figures that shape your take-home pay:
| Tax | Rate / amount |
|---|---|
| Effective income tax at €90k gross | 0% |
| Net monthly pay at €90k gross | €7,500 |
| VAT / sales tax | 12.5% |
| Top personal income-tax rate | 0% |
Costs in Nearby Countries
| Country | 1BR Rent | Groceries | Transport | Cost index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiji | €450 | €180 | €35 | 40.5 |
| Solomon Islands | €450 | €180 | €45 | 96 |
Quality of Life Metrics
Beyond cost, these factors shape everyday life in Vanuatu:
Safety index
Healthcare index
Internet speed
English proficiency
Life expectancy
Expat satisfaction
What It Costs to Get In: Visas & Residence
We track 13 residence and visa routes for Vanuatu — see the full Vanuatu visa programme list.
Lowest documented income requirement among tracked routes: €250,000 per month — Employee Residence Visa (work route). Requirements change; always confirm on the official page before applying.
Our engine estimates a minimum financial viability of €1,155 per month to sustain a move to Vanuatu.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do people earn in Vanuatu?
Typical gross annual salaries in Vanuatu range from €11,000 (Retail) to €28,000 (IT & Software), based on our sector dataset.
Which residence route has the lowest income requirement for Vanuatu?
Among the 13 Vanuatu residence routes we track, the lowest documented income requirement is €250,000 per month (Employee Residence Visa). Requirements change; always confirm on the official page before applying.
Ready for the next step? See the full Vanuatu country profile and the Vanuatu emigration guide.
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