All figures are shown in EUR for comparability. The local currency of Vanuatu is the Vanuatu vatu (VUV).

How Expensive Is Vanuatu Overall?

Cost indices for Vanuatu
IndicatorValue
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:

Salaries by sector
SectorTypical 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:

Taxes in Vanuatu
TaxRate / amount
Effective income tax at €90k gross0%
Net monthly pay at €90k gross€7,500
VAT / sales tax12.5%
Top personal income-tax rate0%

Costs in Nearby Countries

Regional cost comparison
Country1BR RentGroceriesTransportCost index
Fiji€450€180€3540.5
Solomon Islands€450€180€4596

Quality of Life Metrics

Beyond cost, these factors shape everyday life in Vanuatu:

Safety index

52/100

Healthcare index

32.3/100

Internet speed

8 Mbps

English proficiency

62/100

Life expectancy

71.7 yrs

Expat satisfaction

6.8/10

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.

Still shortlisting? Compare against our data-driven ranking of the best countries to move to in 2026.

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