Cost Of Living in New Caledonia 2024

cost of living chart - average monthly expenditure in New Caledonia

Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in New Caledonia

Whether you're living in New Caledonia or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.

Average Monthly Expenditure

Currency: XPF
6,700 87,000 870,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$61 $790 $7,900

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Single

Currency: XPF
8,400 60,000 400,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$77 $550 $3,600

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Couple

Currency: XPF
33,000 100,000 530,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$300 $910 $4,800

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Family

Currency: XPF
47,000 130,000 870,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$420 $1,200 $7,900

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Student

Currency: XPF
6,700 44,000 290,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$61 $400 $2,700
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in New Caledonia is 60,000 XPF. Expenses can range from 8,400 XPF at the minimum level to 400,000 XPF at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in New Caledonia is 100,000 XPF. Expenditure can range from 33,000 XPF to 530,000 XPF per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in New Caledonia is 130,000 XPF per month. Families spend anywhere from 47,000 XPF to 870,000 XPF.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in New Caledonia is 44,000 XPF. Students spend from 6,700 XPF to 290,000 XPF per month.


Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.



Prices and cost of goods and services in New Caledonia


Chart showing the prices and cost of grocery, food, restaurant meals, market, and beverages in New Caledonia

Dining, food, and beverages costs


Fast food combo meal

88 XPF 180 XPF 290 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.80 $1.6 $2.7

Restaurant meal for one

290 XPF 440 XPF 880 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.7 $4 $8

Fine dining meal for one

590 XPF 880 XPF 3,500 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.3 $8 $32

Cappuccino or latte

73 XPF 120 XPF 180 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.67 $1.1 $1.6

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle

59 XPF 70 XPF 88 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.53 $0.64 $0.80

12 eggs

44 XPF 59 XPF 88 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.40 $0.53 $0.80

Fresh whole chicken

100 XPF 130 XPF 180 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.91 $1.2 $1.7

Pack of beef

120 XPF 180 XPF 350 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1 $1.6 $3.2

Medium bag of rice

47 XPF 65 XPF 92 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.43 $0.59 $0.83

Bag of tomatos

18 XPF 23 XPF 44 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.16 $0.21 $0.40

Bag of apples

31 XPF 41 XPF 68 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.29 $0.37 $0.62
Chart showing the prices and cost of commute, travel, and transportation in New Caledonia

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride

73 XPF 88 XPF 180 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.67 $0.80 $1.6

Average car full tank

440 XPF 590 XPF 1,200 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4 $5.3 $11

Average car 1-day rental

440 XPF 590 XPF 880 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4 $5.3 $8

Average car price

220,000 XPF 440,000 XPF 590,000 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,000 $4,000 $5,300

Bus ticket one way

15 XPF 22 XPF 44 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.13 $0.20 $0.40

Car Service

590 XPF 880 XPF 1,800 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.3 $8 $16
Chart showing the prices and cost of utility, energy, water, and gas for a family in New Caledonia

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual

510 XPF 3,600 XPF 24,000 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.6 $33 $220

Utility Bill - Couple

1,300 XPF 4,500 XPF 29,000 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$12 $41 $270

Utility Bill - Family

2,300 XPF 6,700 XPF 43,000 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21 $61 $390

Internet and cable

440 XPF 880 XPF 1,200 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4 $8 $11

Mobile phone charges

350 XPF 590 XPF 1,800 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.2 $5.3 $16

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket

220 XPF 290 XPF 440 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2 $2.7 $4

One month gym membership

700 XPF 880 XPF 1,800 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.4 $8 $16
Chart showing the prices and cost of clothing and accessories in New Caledonia

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants

520 XPF 730 XPF 1,100 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.7 $6.7 $10

Woman dress

490 XPF 680 XPF 2,200 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.4 $6.2 $20

Woman shoes

460 XPF 630 XPF 1,500 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.2 $5.7 $13

Men's shoes

400 XPF 490 XPF 980 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.6 $4.4 $8.9

Men suit

440 XPF 550 XPF 2,900 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4 $5 $27

Regular t-shirt

220 XPF 290 XPF 880 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2 $2.7 $8
Chart showing the prices and cost of housing, accommodation, and rent in New Caledonia

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment

7,300 XPF 11,000 XPF 29,000 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$67 $100 $270

1-bedroom apartment

11,000 XPF 18,000 XPF 44,000 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$100 $160 $400

2-bedroom apartment

15,000 XPF 22,000 XPF 59,000 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130 $200 $530

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment

1.5M XPF 2.2M XPF 4.4M XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13,000 $20,000 $40,000

1-bedroom apartment

1.8M XPF 2.9M XPF 11M XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16,000 $27,000 $100,000

2-bedroom apartment

2.9M XPF 8.8M XPF 18M XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$27,000 $80,000 $160,000
Chart showing the prices and cost of furniture in New Caledonia

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed

8,800 XPF 11,000 XPF 15,000 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$80 $100 $130

Double Bed

5,900 XPF 8,800 XPF 11,000 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$53 $80 $100

Single Bed

5,200 XPF 6,800 XPF 8,800 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$47 $62 $80

Living Room

9,800 XPF 13,000 XPF 44,000 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$89 $110 $400

Dining Table

4,400 XPF 5,900 XPF 11,000 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$40 $53 $100

Sofa or Couch

5,900 XPF 8,000 XPF 18,000 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$53 $73 $160
Chart showing the prices and cost of electronic devices and appliances in New Caledonia

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set

5,900 XPF 8,800 XPF 18,000 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$53 $80 $160

Fridge or Freezer

5,200 XPF 8,000 XPF 11,000 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$47 $73 $100

Washing Machine

6,800 XPF 9,800 XPF 18,000 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$62 $89 $160

Stove or Cooker

6,300 XPF 8,000 XPF 11,000 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$57 $73 $100

Mobile Phone

7,300 XPF 8,800 XPF 13,000 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$67 $80 $110

Laptop or Computer

8,000 XPF 9,800 XPF 18,000 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$73 $89 $160

Expenditure to Income Ratio in New Caledonia

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.

Cost of living and expenditure to income ratio in New Caledonia

Spending to Income Ratio

86%

79% to 95%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%4%
50% - 60%9%
60% - 70%16%
70% - 80%25%
80% - 90%19%
90% - 100%11%
100% - 110%6%
110% - 120%4%
120% - 130%3%
130% - 140%2%
> 140%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

The average spending-to-salary ratio in New Caledonia is 86% This means that on average, people spend around 86% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 16% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.


How can spending be more than income?

A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.



Individual
77%
Spending-Income-Ratio
71%
86%

Couple
82%
Spending-Income-Ratio
75%
90%

Family
90%
Spending-Income-Ratio
83%
100%
Distribution of monthly cost of living expenses in New Caledonia

How do people spend their money in New Caledonia?

We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.

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 Expenditure24%

24% of total expenses on average (13% to 32%)

LOW$18   2,000 XPF
AVERAGE$240   26,000 XPF
HIGH$2,400   260,000 XPF
Per Month

People living in New Caledonia typically spend from 13% to 32% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 24% being the average. The average spend on housing is 26,000 XPF with expenditure ranging from 2,000 XPF to 260,000 XPF. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile7%

7% of total expenses on average (4% to 11%)

LOW$3   330 XPF
AVERAGE$39   4,300 XPF
HIGH$390   43,000 XPF
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in New Caledonia ranges from 4% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 4,300 XPF with 330 XPF and 43,000 XPF being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute7%

7% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$6.1   670 XPF
AVERAGE$79   8,700 XPF
HIGH$790   87,000 XPF
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 670 XPF to 87,000 XPF on commuting with 8,700 XPF being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 7% of total spending on average but can go as low as 3% or as high as 11%.

Food and Groceries Cost28%

28% of total expenses on average (20% to 34%)

LOW$15   1,700 XPF
AVERAGE$200   22,000 XPF
HIGH$2,000   220,000 XPF
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in New Caledonia is 22,000 XPF. The cost of groceries can range between 1,700 XPF to 220,000 XPF. People spend on average about 28% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 20% and 34% respectively.

Healthcare and Medical Services10%

10% of total expenses on average (5% to 13%)

LOW$4.2   470 XPF
AVERAGE$55   6,100 XPF
HIGH$550   61,000 XPF
Per Month

People in New Caledonia allocate 5% to 13% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 10%. The range of medical expenses range from 470 XPF to 61,000 XPF with 6,100 XPF being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping5%

5% of total expenses on average (2% to 9%)

LOW$2.4   270 XPF
AVERAGE$31   3,500 XPF
HIGH$310   35,000 XPF
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 270 XPF to 35,000 XPF with 3,500 XPF being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 9% of total expenses with an average of 5% for most residents.

Education and Schooling5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$3.6   400 XPF
AVERAGE$47   5,200 XPF
HIGH$470   52,000 XPF
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 5% of the monthly expenditure with 3% and 11% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 5,200 XPF per month with 400 XPF being the minimum spent amount and 52,000 XPF being the maximum.

Other Expenses14%

14% of total expenses on average (9% to 21%)

LOW$7.9   870 XPF
AVERAGE$100   11,000 XPF
HIGH$1,000   110,000 XPF
Per Month
Percentage of people who manage to save money from their income every month in New Caledonia

How much money can you save in New Caledonia every month?

We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.


What percentage of people in New Caledonia manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
59%
Not Saving
41%

Almost 59% of the surveyed people in New Caledonia said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 41% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in New Caledonia

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles61%39%
Couples56%44%
Families51%49%

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.


Savings to income ratio in New Caledonia

Saving to Income Ratio

8% 15% of income 28%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

2,100 XPF
$19
28,000 XPF
$250
280,000 XPF
$2,500
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 8% to 28% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 15% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 28,000 XPF on average with savings ranging from 2,100 XPF to 280,000 XPF.

61% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 56% of couples said the same. 51% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in New Caledonia?

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.


Singles

Saving to Income Ratio

11% 19% of income 30%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

2,100 XPF
$19
19,000 XPF
$170
130,000 XPF
$1,200
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%32%
10% - 20%25%
20% - 30%16%
30% - 40%13%
40% - 50%10%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 11% to 30% of their monthly income to savings, with 19% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 19,000 XPF with 2,100 XPF and 130,000 XPF being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

9% 17% of income 29%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

11,000 XPF
$97
32,000 XPF
$290
170,000 XPF
$1,600
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%36%
10% - 20%27%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%8%
40% - 50%7%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 9% to 29% of their monthly income, with 17% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 32,000 XPF with 11,000 XPF and 170,000 XPF being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

8% 14% of income 27%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

15,000 XPF
$140
43,000 XPF
$390
280,000 XPF
$2,500
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%39%
10% - 20%30%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%5%
40% - 50%4%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in New Caledonia can save anywhere between 8% to 27% of their monthly income, with 14% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 43,000 XPF with 15,000 XPF and 280,000 XPF being the minimum and maximum respectively.

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money in New Caledonia

Saving Challenges in New Caledonia

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in New Caledonia. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income5%
High Expenses8%
Debt and Loans14%
Lack of Budgeting Skills11%
Impulsive Spending11%
Financial Emergencies7%
Living the moment6%
Will do it later20%
Inflation13%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability2%

Around 5% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 8% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 14% 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. 11% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 7% 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. 20% 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. 13% 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, 2% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Where do people choose to put their savings in New Caledonia

Typical saving choices for people in New Caledonia

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds12%
Gold12%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts10%
Cash Savings20%
Real Estate9%
Investment5%
Stocks4%
Bonds5%
Mutual Funds2%
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 to live in New Caledonia

Affordable living in New Caledonia

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in New Caledonia?


Yes
56%
No
44%

Around 56% of surveyed residents think that living in New Caledonia is affordable with proper budgeting while 44% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

How easily is cost-cutting. Are there plenty of low-cost options in New Caledonia

Low-cost alternatives in New Caledonia

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 residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options57%

Few low-cost options43%


Based on the survey, 57% of the people living in New Caledonia have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 43% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds

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 residents of New Caledonia whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes55%

No45%


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

Financial literacy and difficulty in budgeting and financial planning in New Caledonia

Financial Literacy in New Caledonia

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 Leteracy51%


We asked residents of New Caledonia whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 49% 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 51% 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 residents of New Caledonia have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 42% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 58% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance42%

Easily manages finances58%

Financial goals and targets of people living in New Caledonia

Financial goals of people in New Caledonia

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in New Caledonia, 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 Fund8%
Debt Reduction41%
Retirement Savings10%
Education Funding7%
Homeownership18%
Investing7%
Travel or Lifestyle7%
Healthcare Expenses13%
Financial Independence6%

Around 8% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 41% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 10% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 7% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 18% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 7% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 7% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 13% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in New Caledonia

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in New Caledonia and how much retirement savings are required?

Retirement age

The retirement age for most employees in New Caledonia is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.

Retirement planning and savings

There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.


The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:
AgeAmount
255x monthly salary at age 25
3010x monthly salary at age 30
3515x monthly salary at age 35
4025x monthly salary at age 40
4532x monthly salary at age 45
5048x monthly salary at age 50
5556x monthly salary at age 55
6064x monthly salary at age 60
6578x monthly salary at age 65

The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in New Caledonia:
AgeAmount
25230,000 XPF
30460,000 XPF
35800,000 XPF
401.1M XPF
451.7M XPF
502.4M XPF
552.9M XPF
603.5M XPF
654.2M XPF

Retirement Income Distribution

We asked residents of New Caledonia about their retirement income sources and below are the results.

Source% People
Pensions12%
Savings23%
Investments12%
Social Security7%
Annuities7%
Part-time Job14%
Real Estate18%
Dividends and Interest7%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in New Caledonia

4,900 XPF
$45
44,000 XPF
$400
290,000 XPF
$2,700
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Chart showing the percentage of people who are in debt in New Caledonia

Debt, loans, and mortgages in New Caledonia


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
27%
Debt Free
73%

According to the survey, 27% of the people in New Caledonia have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 73% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Chart showing debt-to-income ratio in New Caledonia

Debt-to-income ratio in New Caledonia

Debt to income ratio

31%

23% to 40%

( 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 31% of the people's monthly income in New Caledonia goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%17%
40% - 50%14%
30% - 40%16%
20% - 30%11%
10% - 20%13%
0% - 10%26%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in New Caledonia pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 17% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 14% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 16% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 11% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in New Caledonia

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage9%
Auto Loan16%
Student Loan4%
Credit Card29%
Personal Loan42%

9% of debtors in New Caledonia confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 29% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 16% of people and personal loans rose at 42%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 4% of debtors in New Caledonia.


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 New Caledonia

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of New Caledonia 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
Never51%
Once a year24%
Twice a year12%
Three times a year9%
Four times a year4%
Housing and accommodation affordability, property price to income ratio, rent to income ratio, and housing affordability index chart in New Caledonia

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in New Caledonia

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


Rent Cost in New Caledonia

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

7,300 XPF 11,000 XPF 29,000 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$67 $100 $270

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

11,000 XPF 18,000 XPF 44,000 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$100 $160 $400

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

15,000 XPF 22,000 XPF 59,000 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130 $200 $530

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

18,000 XPF 29,000 XPF 80,000 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$160 $270 $730

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

35,000 XPF 88,000 XPF 180,000 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$320 $800 $1,600

Townhouse monthly rent cost

29,000 XPF 44,000 XPF 130,000 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$270 $400 $1,100

House monthly rent cost

35,000 XPF 88,000 XPF 180,000 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$320 $800 $1,600

Villa monthly rent cost

44,000 XPF 110,000 XPF 180,000 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$400 $1,000 $1,600

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in New Caledonia ranges between 7,300 XPF and 29,000 XPF, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 11,000 XPF to 44,000 XPF. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 15,000 XPF and 59,000 XPF per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 18,000 XPF to 80,000 XPF. The average rent of a townhouse in New Caledonia is around 44,000 XPF while house rental costs can be as high as 88,000 XPF per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 44,000 XPF to 180,000 XPF per month.



Apartment and house prices in New Caledonia

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

1.5M XPF 2.2M XPF 4.4M XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13,000 $20,000 $40,000

1-bedroom apartment price

1.8M XPF 2.9M XPF 11M XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16,000 $27,000 $100,000

2-bedroom apartment price

2.9M XPF 8.8M XPF 18M XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$27,000 $80,000 $160,000

3-bedroom apartment price

9.8M XPF 15M XPF 44M XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$89,000 $130,000 $400,000

Townhouse price

13M XPF 29M XPF 110M XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110,000 $270,000 $1,000,000

House price

15M XPF 88M XPF 130M XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130,000 $800,000 $1.1M

Villa price

18M XPF 98M XPF 150M XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$160,000 $890,000 $1.3M

The average price of a studio apartment in New Caledonia can range from 1.5M XPF to 4.4M XPF depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 1.8M XPF to 11M XPF. A villa can cost you 98M XPF on average with prices ranging from 18M XPF to 150M XPF.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in New Caledonia 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


32 x91 monthly income 195
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in New Caledonia can be x91 to x195 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x91 multiples of the average monthly salary in New Caledonia.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


19% 29% of income 39%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in New Caledonia is around 29%. This means that people pay 29% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 19% to 39% 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
27%

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
1.9%
AVERAGE
2.9%
TO
3.9%

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.


130 XPF 1,700 XPF 17,000 XPF
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 New Caledonia

Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.


Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in New Caledonia

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Individual

510 XPF 3,600 XPF 24,000 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.6 $33 $220

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple

1,300 XPF 4,500 XPF 29,000 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$12 $41 $270

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Family

2,300 XPF 6,700 XPF 43,000 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21 $61 $390

Internet and cable cost

440 XPF 880 XPF 1,200 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4 $8 $11

Mobile phone bill and charges

350 XPF 590 XPF 1,800 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.2 $5.3 $16

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 expenditure for individuals on electricty, water, and gas in New Caledonia ranges between 510 XPF and 24,000 XPF with average being 3,600 XPF, meanwhile the expenditure of couples is slightly higher at 4,500 XPF with 1,300 XPF and 29,000 XPF being the upper and lower limits respectively. As expected, the energy and water consumption of families is the highest among the three groups with an average of 6,700 XPF. The cost of internet and WiFi is unchanged among the three groups and ranges from 440 XPF to 1,200 XPF with 880 XPF being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 590 XPF but can range between 350 XPF and 1,800 XPF 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 New Caledonia 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 New Caledonia

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


Prices and cost of goods and services in New Caledonia

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

Fast food combo meal price

88 XPF 180 XPF 290 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.80 $1.6 $2.7

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in New Caledonia is approximatly 180 XPF with meal cost ranging from 88 XPF to 290 XPF. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

290 XPF 440 XPF 880 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.7 $4 $8

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 290 XPF and 880 XPF with 440 XPF being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in New Caledonia.

Fine dining meal for one price

590 XPF 880 XPF 3,500 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.3 $8 $32

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 590 XPF to 3,500 XPF with the average cost being 880 XPF for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in New Caledonia.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

73 XPF 120 XPF 180 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.67 $1.1 $1.6

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in New Caledonia is around 120 XPF. Price ranges between 73 XPF and 180 XPF depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.



Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

59 XPF 70 XPF 88 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.53 $0.64 $0.80

The average price of a large bottle of milk in New Caledonia is 70 XPF. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 88 XPF and the minimum being 59 XPF depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

44 XPF 59 XPF 88 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.40 $0.53 $0.80

A dozen eggs costs around 59 XPF on average with 44 XPF and 88 XPF being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

100 XPF 130 XPF 180 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.91 $1.2 $1.7

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in New Caledonia is between 100 XPF and 180 XPF depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 130 XPF.

Pack of beef price

120 XPF 180 XPF 350 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1 $1.6 $3.2

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 180 XPF. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

47 XPF 65 XPF 92 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.43 $0.59 $0.83

A bag of rice in New Caledonia costs around 65 XPF on average with prices rangeing between 47 XPF and 92 XPF depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

18 XPF 23 XPF 44 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.16 $0.21 $0.40

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 18 XPF to 44 XPF. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

31 XPF 41 XPF 68 XPF
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.29 $0.37 $0.62

A bag of apples costs 41 XPF 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


19% 27% of income 33%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average grocery-to-income ratio in New Caledonia is around 27%. This means that people spend 27% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 19% to 33% depending on salary and location.


Expenditure on food and grocery for every population group

A single person living alone spends approximately 9,600 XPF per month on grocery and food with expenditure fluctuating between 1,300 XPF and 64,000 XPF depending on location and the type of person. The average cost of food and groceries for a couple is around 14,000 XPF per month. That number can be get as low as 4,700 XPF or a high as 75,000 XPF. Families' spending on grocery ranges from 8,400 XPF to 160,000 XPF with the location, income, and size of the family being the most determinite factors.


Single
Spending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in New Caledonia

Housing cost for a single person30%

30% of total expenses on average (18% to 42%)

LOW$28   3,000 XPF
AVERAGE$200   22,000 XPF
HIGH$1,300   140,000 XPF
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile8%

8% of total expenses on average (4% to 13%)

LOW$4.6   510 XPF
AVERAGE$33   3,600 XPF
HIGH$220   24,000 XPF
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Cost5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$6.1   670 XPF
AVERAGE$44   4,800 XPF
HIGH$290   32,000 XPF
Per Month

Food and Groceries Cost19%

19% of total expenses on average (13% to 24%)

LOW$12   1,300 XPF
AVERAGE$87   9,600 XPF
HIGH$580   64,000 XPF
Per Month

Healthcare Cost12%

12% of total expenses on average (6% to 16%)

LOW$6.9   760 XPF
AVERAGE$49   5,400 XPF
HIGH$330   36,000 XPF
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Expenditure3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 6%)

LOW$3.8   420 XPF
AVERAGE$27   3,000 XPF
HIGH$180   20,000 XPF
Per Month

Education Cost1%

1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)

LOW$1.5   170 XPF
AVERAGE$11   1,200 XPF
HIGH$73   8,000 XPF
Per Month

Other Expenses22%

22% of total expenses on average (14% to 26%)

LOW$14   1,500 XPF
AVERAGE$98   11,000 XPF
HIGH$650   72,000 XPF
Per Month


Couple
Average monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in New Caledonia

Housing cost for a couple27%

27% of total expenses on average (20% to 37%)

LOW$100   11,000 XPF
AVERAGE$310   34,000 XPF
HIGH$1,600   180,000 XPF
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$12   1,300 XPF
AVERAGE$41   4,500 XPF
HIGH$270   29,000 XPF
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Cost9%

9% of total expenses on average (3% to 14%)

LOW$36   4,000 XPF
AVERAGE$110   12,000 XPF
HIGH$580   64,000 XPF
Per Month

Food and Groceries Cost17%

17% of total expenses on average (12% to 22%)

LOW$42   4,700 XPF
AVERAGE$130   14,000 XPF
HIGH$680   75,000 XPF
Per Month

Healthcare Cost14%

14% of total expenses on average (8% to 18%)

LOW$33   3,700 XPF
AVERAGE$100   11,000 XPF
HIGH$530   59,000 XPF
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Cost4%

4% of total expenses on average (1% to 7%)

LOW$18   2,000 XPF
AVERAGE$55   6,000 XPF
HIGH$290   32,000 XPF
Per Month

Education Cost1%

1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)

LOW$6.1   670 XPF
AVERAGE$18   2,000 XPF
HIGH$97   11,000 XPF
Per Month

Other Expenses21%

21% of total expenses on average (15% to 27%)

LOW$51   5,700 XPF
AVERAGE$150   17,000 XPF
HIGH$820   91,000 XPF
Per Month


Family
Average monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in New Caledonia

Housing cost for a family26%

26% of total expenses on average (21% to 36%)

LOW$140   15,000 XPF
AVERAGE$390   43,000 XPF
HIGH$2,500   280,000 XPF
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile5%

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

LOW$21   2,300 XPF
AVERAGE$61   6,700 XPF
HIGH$390   43,000 XPF
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Expenses5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 7%)

LOW$42   4,700 XPF
AVERAGE$120   13,000 XPF
HIGH$790   87,000 XPF
Per Month

Food and Groceries Cost21%

21% of total expenses on average (14% to 27%)

LOW$76   8,400 XPF
AVERAGE$220   24,000 XPF
HIGH$1,400   160,000 XPF
Per Month

Healthcare Expenses11%

11% of total expenses on average (7% to 16%)

LOW$38   4,200 XPF
AVERAGE$120   13,000 XPF
HIGH$630   69,000 XPF
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Cost3%

3% of total expenses on average (1% to 7%)

LOW$21   2,300 XPF
AVERAGE$61   6,700 XPF
HIGH$390   43,000 XPF
Per Month

Education Cost13%

13% of total expenses on average (6% to 21%)

LOW$59   6,500 XPF
AVERAGE$170   19,000 XPF
HIGH$1,100   120,000 XPF
Per Month

Other Expenses16%

16% of total expenses on average (9% to 21%)

LOW$34   3,700 XPF
AVERAGE$97   11,000 XPF
HIGH$630   69,000 XPF
Per Month


Student
Cost of living and expenses break down for students living in New Caledonia

Housing costs for Student18%

18% of total expenses on average (13% to 24%)

LOW$15   1,600 XPF
AVERAGE$96   11,000 XPF
HIGH$640   71,000 XPF
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, and Mobile Expenses6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$2.4   270 XPF
AVERAGE$16   1,800 XPF
HIGH$110   12,000 XPF
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Cost4%

4% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$4.2   470 XPF
AVERAGE$28   3,100 XPF
HIGH$190   21,000 XPF
Per Month

Food and Groceries Expenditure23%

23% of total expenses on average (17% to 27%)

LOW$12   1,300 XPF
AVERAGE$80   8,800 XPF
HIGH$530   59,000 XPF
Per Month

Healthcare Cost9%

9% of total expenses on average (6% to 12%)

LOW$3.6   400 XPF
AVERAGE$24   2,600 XPF
HIGH$160   18,000 XPF
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Cost3%

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

LOW$3   330 XPF
AVERAGE$20   2,200 XPF
HIGH$130   15,000 XPF
Per Month

Education Cost18%

18% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)

LOW$12   1,300 XPF
AVERAGE$76   8,400 XPF
HIGH$510   56,000 XPF
Per Month

Other Expenses19%

19% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)

LOW$9.1   1,000 XPF
AVERAGE$60   6,600 XPF
HIGH$400   44,000 XPF
Per Month
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