Is Vanuatu expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Vanuatu is fairly expensive for the Pacific, mainly because so much is imported and domestic flights are costly; it is cheaper than French Polynesia but pricier than much of Southeast Asia. Plan on about VT 12,000 (roughly US$100) a day per person on a budget, VT 28,500 mid-range and VT 62,000 for comfort, plus domestic flights. Beds, flights and tours take most of the money; market food and kava are cheap.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | VT5,000 | VT12,000 | VT30,000 |
| Food & drink | VT3,500 | VT6,500 | VT12,000 |
| Sights & tickets | VT2,000 | VT6,000 | VT12,000 |
| Local transport | VT1,500 | VT4,000 | VT8,000 |
| Per person, per day | VT12,000 | VT28,500 | VT62,000 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Vanuatu day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Shell of kava at a nakamal | about VT 100–200 |
| Fish and chips or steak on the Port Vila waterfront | VT 1,800–3,500 |
| Shared minibus ride in Port Vila | about VT 150–200 |
| National Museum of Vanuatu | about VT 1,000 |
| Mele Cascades entry | about VT 2,000–2,500 |
| Efate round-island tour | about VT 7,000–12,000 per person |
| Flight Port Vila–Tanna | about VT 15,000–25,000 one way |
| Mount Yasur volcano tour with entry and transport | about VT 10,000–15,000 |
| Mid-range waterfront room in Port Vila | VT 15,000–28,000 a night |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Accommodation in Port Vila and resorts on Efate and Santo is the biggest daily cost, though simple bungalows on Tanna and in villages are much cheaper. Domestic flights are the biggest single expense, and since the collapse of Air Vanuatu in 2024 schedules have been disrupted, which can mean extra nights. Tours and kastom fees — Mount Yasur, blue holes, waterfalls and village visits — each charge an entry fee to the landowners. Imported food and drink in restaurants are expensive, while the Port Vila market and local kai kai stalls are cheap.
When it is cheaper
The wet season (November to April) often brings lower resort rates, but it is hot, humid and cyclone season. Rates are highest in the dry season, especially during Australian and New Zealand school holidays.
How to spend less
- Eat at the Port Vila Market House food stalls, where local meals cost a fraction of waterfront restaurants.
- Use the shared minibuses (a red 'B' on the number plate) instead of taxis in Port Vila.
- Book domestic flights early and check the current operators, as schedules change.
- Stay in island bungalows on Tanna and Santo, which are cheaper than resorts and often include meals.
- Carry cash in vatu for kastom fees, village visits and markets; cards are not accepted outside towns.
- Rent a car with friends for the Efate ring road instead of a tour.
Some links on this page are partner links. If you book through them TonyPlan earns a small commission — the price you pay is exactly the same.
Common questions
Is Vanuatu expensive?
It is fairly expensive, mainly because of imported goods and domestic flights. Market food and kava are cheap.
How much does it cost to see Mount Yasur?
About VT 10,000–15,000 including the entry fee and transport, plus the flight to Tanna.
Can I use cards in Vanuatu?
In Port Vila and Luganville, often yes. On outer islands, bring cash in vatu.