Cost Of Living For a Family in Solomon Islands 2024

Family cost of living chart - average monthly expenditure in Solomon Islands

Average monthly spending for families in Solomon Islands

We consider a family to be a member of four members, two adults and two children. This is the most common type of family. From the figures below, it should be fairly easy to calculate the average spending for families of different sizes.

Average Monthly Expenditure

Currency: SBD
3,400 9,700 63,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$410 $1,200 $7,600

How much money does a family need in a month to survive in Solomon Islands?

Families in Solomon Islands spend around 9,700 SBD per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a family can survive with a monthly budget as low as 3,400 SBD or as high as 63,000 SBD. Location and income are very important factors and have a huge influence on expenditure and budget.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Solomon Islands


Chart showing the prices and cost of grocery, food, restaurant meals, market, and beverages in Solomon Islands

Dining, food, and beverages costs


Fast food combo meal

6.4 SBD 13 SBD 21 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.77 $1.5 $2.6

Restaurant meal for one

21 SBD 32 SBD 64 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.6 $3.8 $7.7

Fine dining meal for one

42 SBD 64 SBD 250 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.1 $7.7 $31

Cappuccino or latte

5.3 SBD 8.5 SBD 13 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.64 $1 $1.5

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle

4.2 SBD 5.1 SBD 6.4 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.51 $0.61 $0.77

12 eggs

3.2 SBD 4.2 SBD 6.4 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.38 $0.51 $0.77

Fresh whole chicken

7.2 SBD 9.4 SBD 13 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.87 $1.1 $1.6

Pack of beef

8.5 SBD 13 SBD 25 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1 $1.5 $3.1

Medium bag of rice

3.4 SBD 4.7 SBD 6.6 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.41 $0.56 $0.80

Bag of tomatos

1.3 SBD 1.7 SBD 3.2 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.15 $0.20 $0.38

Bag of apples

2.3 SBD 3 SBD 4.9 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.27 $0.36 $0.59
Chart showing the prices and cost of commute, travel, and transportation in Solomon Islands


Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride

5.3 SBD 6.4 SBD 13 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.64 $0.77 $1.5

Average car full tank

32 SBD 42 SBD 85 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.8 $5.1 $10

Average car 1-day rental

32 SBD 42 SBD 64 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.8 $5.1 $7.7

Average car price

16,000 SBD 32,000 SBD 42,000 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,900 $3,800 $5,100

Bus ticket one way

1.1 SBD 1.6 SBD 3.2 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.13 $0.19 $0.38

Car Service

42 SBD 64 SBD 130 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.1 $7.7 $15
Chart showing the prices and cost of utility, energy, water, and gas in Solomon Islands


Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Family

170 SBD 480 SBD 3,100 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $58 $380

Internet and cable

32 SBD 64 SBD 85 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.8 $7.7 $10

Mobile phone charges

25 SBD 42 SBD 130 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.1 $5.1 $15

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket

16 SBD 21 SBD 32 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.9 $2.6 $3.8

One month gym membership

51 SBD 64 SBD 130 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.1 $7.7 $15
Chart showing the prices and cost of clothing and accessories in Solomon Islands


Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants

37 SBD 53 SBD 80 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.5 $6.4 $9.6

Woman dress

35 SBD 49 SBD 160 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.3 $5.9 $19

Woman shoes

34 SBD 45 SBD 110 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4 $5.5 $13

Men's shoes

29 SBD 35 SBD 71 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.5 $4.3 $8.5

Men suit

32 SBD 40 SBD 210 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.8 $4.8 $26

Regular t-shirt

16 SBD 21 SBD 64 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.9 $2.6 $7.7
Chart showing the prices and cost of housing, accommodation, and rent in Solomon Islands


Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment

530 SBD 800 SBD 2,100 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$64 $96 $260

1-bedroom apartment

800 SBD 1,300 SBD 3,200 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$96 $150 $380

2-bedroom apartment

1,100 SBD 1,600 SBD 4,200 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130 $190 $510

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment

110,000 SBD 160,000 SBD 320,000 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13,000 $19,000 $38,000

1-bedroom apartment

130,000 SBD 210,000 SBD 800,000 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15,000 $26,000 $96,000

2-bedroom apartment

210,000 SBD 640,000 SBD 1.3M SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26,000 $77,000 $150,000
Chart showing the prices and cost of furniture in Solomon Islands


Furniture Costs


King Size Bed

640 SBD 800 SBD 1,100 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$77 $96 $130

Double Bed

420 SBD 640 SBD 800 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$51 $77 $96

Single Bed

370 SBD 490 SBD 640 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$45 $59 $77

Living Room

710 SBD 910 SBD 3,200 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$85 $110 $380

Dining Table

320 SBD 420 SBD 800 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$38 $51 $96

Sofa or Couch

420 SBD 580 SBD 1,300 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$51 $70 $150
Chart showing the prices and cost of electronic devices and appliances in Solomon Islands


Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set

420 SBD 640 SBD 1,300 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$51 $77 $150

Fridge or Freezer

370 SBD 580 SBD 800 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$45 $70 $96

Washing Machine

490 SBD 710 SBD 1,300 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$59 $85 $150

Stove or Cooker

450 SBD 580 SBD 800 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$55 $70 $96

Mobile Phone

530 SBD 640 SBD 910 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$64 $77 $110

Laptop or Computer

580 SBD 710 SBD 1,300 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$70 $85 $150
Family cost of living and expenditure to income ratio in Solomon Islands

Family expenditure to income ratio in Solomon Islands

Analysing the how affordable it is for families to live in Solomon Islands

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in. Families usually spend a larger chunk of their income than other population groups. A typical and healthy expenditure percentage for a family of four ranges between 70% to 80%.


Spending to Income Ratio

89%

82% to 99%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Families in Solomon Islands spend around 89% of their monthly income. Some families spend as low as 82% of their income while some as high as 99%.

Distribution of monthly cost of living expenses of a family in Solomon Islands

How do families spend their money in Solomon Islands?

We asked thousands of families about their spending habits and expenditure break down.


The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing and accomodation expenditure for families

Accomodation Cost27%

27% of total expenses on average (22% to 37%)

LOW$130   1,100 SBD
AVERAGE$370   3,100 SBD
HIGH$2,400   20,000 SBD
Per Month

Families in Solomon Islands typically spend from 22% to 37% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 27% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 3,100 SBD with expenditure ranging from 1,100 SBD to 20,000 SBD. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses.

Electricity, utilities, energy, water, internet, and mobile expenditure for families

Cost of utilities5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 8%)

LOW$20   170 SBD
AVERAGE$58   480 SBD
HIGH$380   3,100 SBD
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Solomon Islands ranges from 3% to 8% of total expenses with 5% being the average for most families. The average monthly cost of utilities is 480 SBD with 170 SBD and 3,100 SBD being the upper and lower limits for a family of four.

Transport, fuel, and commute expenditure for families

Cost of transport and fuel6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 8%)

LOW$41   340 SBD
AVERAGE$120   970 SBD
HIGH$760   6,300 SBD
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether a family resides near school and work, but roughly speaking a family would expect to spend from 340 SBD to 6,300 SBD in a month on commuting with 970 SBD being the norm for most families. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 6% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 8%.

Food, groceries, and basic shopping expenditure for families

Food and Groceries Cost20%

20% of total expenses on average (13% to 26%)

LOW$73   610 SBD
AVERAGE$210   1,700 SBD
HIGH$1,400   11,000 SBD
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries and basic houshold items for a typical family in a month in Solomon Islands is 1,700 SBD. The cost of groceries can range between 610 SBD to 11,000 SBD. Families spend on average about 20% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 13% and 26% respectively.

Healthcare and medical services expenditure for families

Cost of healthcare10%

10% of total expenses on average (6% to 15%)

LOW$37   300 SBD
AVERAGE$120   970 SBD
HIGH$610   5,000 SBD
Per Month

Families in Solomon Islands allocate 6% to 15% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending on medical services and clinic visits is around 10%. The range of medical expenses range from 300 SBD to 5,000 SBD with 970 SBD being the norm for most families.

Leisure and shopping expenditure for families

Cost of leisure and shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$20   170 SBD
AVERAGE$58   480 SBD
HIGH$380   3,100 SBD
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 170 SBD to 3,100 SBD with 480 SBD being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 7% of total expenses with an average of 3% for most families.

Education and schooling expenditure for families

Cost of education and schooling14%

14% of total expenses on average (7% to 22%)

LOW$57   470 SBD
AVERAGE$160   1,400 SBD
HIGH$1,100   8,800 SBD
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different families. On average, education constitutes 14% of the monthly expenditure of families with 7% and 22% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 1,400 SBD per month with 470 SBD being the minimum spent amount and 8,800 SBD being the maximum.

Other Expenses15%

15% of total expenses on average (8% to 20%)

LOW$33   270 SBD
AVERAGE$93   770 SBD
HIGH$610   5,000 SBD
Per Month
Percentage of families who manage to save money from their income every month in Solomon Islands

What percentage of families in Solomon Islands are able to save money and how much can they save?


Percentage of families that reported their ability to save money


Saving Money
50%
Not Saving
50%

Almost 50% of surveyed families in Solomon Islands said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 50% reported that they have to utilize their whole income to survive.


Family savings to income ratio in Solomon Islands

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


How much money do families manage to add to their savings?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.

Saving to Income Ratio

10% 18% of income 29%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

1,100 SBD
$130
3,100 SBD
$370
20,000 SBD
$2,400
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%37%
10% - 20%28%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%7%
40% - 50%6%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families that are able to save money can put anywhere from 10% to 29% of their monthly income to their savings, with 18% being the average for most families. The average monthly amount of money that families can put aside is 3,100 SBD with 1,100 SBD and 20,000 SBD being the minimum and maximum respectively.

Reasons that make it difficult for families to save money in Solomon Islands

Saving Challenges in Solomon Islands

Reasons that make it difficult for families to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping families from maximizing their savings in Solomon Islands. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income6%
High Expenses9%
Debt and Loans16%
Lack of Budgeting Skills11%
Impulsive Spending10%
Financial Emergencies6%
Living the moment6%
Will do it later19%
Inflation12%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability3%

Around 6% of the families said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 9% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 16% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 11% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 10% of families blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 6% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 6% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 19% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 12% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Where do families choose to put their savings in Solomon Islands

Typical saving choices for families in Solomon Islands

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds11%
Gold11%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts11%
Cash Savings18%
Real Estate10%
Investment6%
Stocks5%
Bonds6%
Mutual Funds3%
Certificates of Deposit3%
A typical and healthy budgeting structure. The 50-30-20 rule

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Income and cost of living compatibility. Is it affordable or economical for families to live in Solomon Islands

Affordable living in Solomon Islands

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked families one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Solomon Islands?


Yes
55%
No
45%

Around 55% of surveyed families think that living in Solomon Islands is affordable with proper budgeting while 45% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

How easily is cost-cutting for families. Are there plenty of low-cost options in Solomon Islands

Low-cost alternatives in Solomon Islands

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked families how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options58%

Few low-cost options42%


Based on the survey, 58% of the families living in Solomon Islands have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 42% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds For Families

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked families of Solomon Islands whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes55%

No45%


Based on the survey, 45% of the families living in Solomon Islands said that they don't have an emergency fund while 55% said that they do.

Financial literacy and difficulty in budgeting and financial planning for families in Solomon Islands

Financial Literacy in Solomon Islands

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy50%


We asked family guardians and parents in Solomon Islands whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 50% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 50% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether families of Solomon Islands have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 40% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 60% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance40%

Easily manages finances60%

Financial goals and targets of families living in Solomon Islands

Financial goals of families in Solomon Islands

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Solomon Islands, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund7%
Debt Reduction37%
Retirement Savings9%
Education Funding8%
Homeownership17%
Investing8%
Travel or Lifestyle9%
Healthcare Expenses11%
Financial Independence7%

Around 7% of families said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 37% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 9% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 8% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 17% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 8% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 9% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 11% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Chart showing the percentage of families who are in debt in Solomon Islands

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Solomon Islands


Percentage of families who are in debt


In Debt
26%
Debt Free
74%

According to the survey, 26% of the families in Solomon Islands have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 74% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Chart showing debt-to-income ratio in Solomon Islands

Debt-to-income ratio in Solomon Islands

Debt to income ratio

30%

22% to 39%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 30% of a family's monthly income in Solomon Islands goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%15%
40% - 50%13%
30% - 40%15%
20% - 30%13%
10% - 20%15%
0% - 10%27%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Solomon Islands pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 15% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 13% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 15% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 13% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Solomon Islands

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage11%
Auto Loan19%
Student Loan3%
Credit Card27%
Personal Loan40%

11% of debtors in Solomon Islands confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 27% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 19% of people and personal loans rose at 40%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Solomon Islands.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in Solomon Islands

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked families of Solomon Islands how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never53%
Once a year23%
Twice a year12%
Three times a year8%
Four times a year4%
Housing and accommodation affordability, property price to income ratio, rent to income ratio, and housing affordability index chart in Solomon Islands

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Solomon Islands

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Solomon Islands

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

530 SBD 800 SBD 2,100 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$64 $96 $260

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

800 SBD 1,300 SBD 3,200 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$96 $150 $380

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

1,100 SBD 1,600 SBD 4,200 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130 $190 $510

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

1,300 SBD 2,100 SBD 5,800 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150 $260 $700

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

2,500 SBD 6,400 SBD 13,000 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$310 $770 $1,500

Townhouse monthly rent cost

2,100 SBD 3,200 SBD 9,100 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$260 $380 $1,100

House monthly rent cost

2,500 SBD 6,400 SBD 13,000 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$310 $770 $1,500

Villa monthly rent cost

3,200 SBD 8,000 SBD 13,000 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$380 $960 $1,500

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Solomon Islands ranges between 530 SBD and 2,100 SBD, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 800 SBD to 3,200 SBD. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 1,100 SBD and 4,200 SBD per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 1,300 SBD to 5,800 SBD. The average rent of a townhouse in Solomon Islands is around 3,200 SBD while house rental costs can be as high as 6,400 SBD per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 3,200 SBD to 13,000 SBD per month.



Apartment and house prices in Solomon Islands

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

110,000 SBD 160,000 SBD 320,000 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13,000 $19,000 $38,000

1-bedroom apartment price

130,000 SBD 210,000 SBD 800,000 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15,000 $26,000 $96,000

2-bedroom apartment price

210,000 SBD 640,000 SBD 1.3M SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26,000 $77,000 $150,000

3-bedroom apartment price

710,000 SBD 1.1M SBD 3.2M SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$85,000 $130,000 $380,000

Townhouse price

910,000 SBD 2.1M SBD 8M SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110,000 $260,000 $960,000

House price

1.1M SBD 6.4M SBD 9.1M SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130,000 $770,000 $1.1M

Villa price

1.3M SBD 7.1M SBD 11M SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150,000 $850,000 $1.3M

The average price of a studio apartment in Solomon Islands can range from 110,000 SBD to 320,000 SBD depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 130,000 SBD to 800,000 SBD. A villa can cost you 7.1M SBD on average with prices ranging from 1.3M SBD to 11M SBD.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Solomon Islands will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


36 x102 monthly income 201
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Solomon Islands can be x102 to x201 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x102 multiples of the average monthly salary in Solomon Islands.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


20% 30% of income 40%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Solomon Islands is around 30%. This means that people pay 30% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 20% to 40% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
28%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
2%
AVERAGE
3%
TO
4%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


9.7 SBD 130 SBD 1,300 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.

Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Solomon Islands

Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.


Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Solomon Islands

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Family

170 SBD 480 SBD 3,100 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $58 $380

Internet and cable cost

32 SBD 64 SBD 85 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.8 $7.7 $10

Mobile phone bill and charges

25 SBD 42 SBD 130 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.1 $5.1 $15

Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.


The average monthly energy and water consumption of families is around 480 SBD. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 32 SBD to 85 SBD with 64 SBD being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 42 SBD but can range between 25 SBD and 130 SBD depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.


Energy / Utility expense to income ratio


( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100


3% 6% of income 10%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average utility-to-income ratio in Solomon Islands is around 6%. This means that people pay 6% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 3% to 10% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Solomon Islands

Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Solomon Islands

Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.

Fast food combo meal price

6.4 SBD 13 SBD 21 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.77 $1.5 $2.6

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Solomon Islands is approximatly 13 SBD with meal cost ranging from 6.4 SBD to 21 SBD. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

21 SBD 32 SBD 64 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.6 $3.8 $7.7

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 21 SBD and 64 SBD with 32 SBD being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Solomon Islands.

Fine dining meal for one price

42 SBD 64 SBD 250 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.1 $7.7 $31

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 42 SBD to 250 SBD with the average cost being 64 SBD for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Solomon Islands.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

5.3 SBD 8.5 SBD 13 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.64 $1 $1.5

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Solomon Islands is around 8.5 SBD. Price ranges between 5.3 SBD and 13 SBD depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.



Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

4.2 SBD 5.1 SBD 6.4 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.51 $0.61 $0.77

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Solomon Islands is 5.1 SBD. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 6.4 SBD and the minimum being 4.2 SBD depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

3.2 SBD 4.2 SBD 6.4 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.38 $0.51 $0.77

A dozen eggs costs around 4.2 SBD on average with 3.2 SBD and 6.4 SBD being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

7.2 SBD 9.4 SBD 13 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.87 $1.1 $1.6

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Solomon Islands is between 7.2 SBD and 13 SBD depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 9.4 SBD.

Pack of beef price

8.5 SBD 13 SBD 25 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1 $1.5 $3.1

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 13 SBD. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

3.4 SBD 4.7 SBD 6.6 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.41 $0.56 $0.80

A bag of rice in Solomon Islands costs around 4.7 SBD on average with prices rangeing between 3.4 SBD and 6.6 SBD depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

1.3 SBD 1.7 SBD 3.2 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.15 $0.20 $0.38

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 1.3 SBD to 3.2 SBD. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

2.3 SBD 3 SBD 4.9 SBD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.27 $0.36 $0.59

A bag of apples costs 3 SBD on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.


Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio


( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100


18% 26% of income 32%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Solomon Islands is around 26%. This means that families spend 26% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 18% to 32% depending on salary and location.


Expenditure on food and grocery for families

Families' spending on grocery ranges from 610 SBD to 11,000 SBD with the location, income, and size of the family being the most determinite factors.

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