Vanuatu is a stunning South Pacific archipelago of 83 volcanic islands offering pristine beaches, world-class diving, active volcanoes, and authentic Melanesian culture. From the bustling capital Port Vila to the remote outer islands, Vanuatu combines adventure and relaxation in a tropical paradise.
Local currency: Vanuatu Vatu (VT/VUV).
Daily budget by traveller style
Typical per-person daily spend in Vanuatu.
Cost breakdown
Typical price ranges across major spending categories.
Accommodation
- Hostel
- $25-35 (dorm)
- Budget
- $60-90 (guesthouse)
- Midrange
- $150-250 (mid resort)
- Luxury
- $400-1200+
Food
- Street
- $3-7 (market stalls, lap-lap)
- Local
- $10-18 (casual restaurant)
- Midrange
- $25-45 (tourist restaurant)
- Fine
- $70-150+ (fine dining)
Transport
- Bus
- $1.30 (minibus city ride)
- Taxi
- $12-21 (airport to center)
- Airport
- $12-21 by taxi, $1.30 by minibus
- Daytrip
- $30-150 (organized day tour)
Activities
- Museum
- $4 (National Museum)
- Sites
- $5-20 (community beaches, blue holes)
- Tour
- $35-80 (cultural village, waterfall tour)
- Excursion
- $150-280 (volcano tour, WWII dive)
Trip budgets by length
What a typical trip to Vanuatu costs end-to-end.
Budget traveller
$350-490/week
Midrange traveller
$1050-1750/week
Luxury traveller
$2800-5600+/week
Money-saving tips
Practical ways to stretch your budget further.
Shop at the Port Vila Main Market for the cheapest fresh food — market stall meals cost $3-7 versus $15-25 at restaurants
Use the public minibus network around Port Vila ($1.30 per ride) rather than taxis to save significantly on transport costs
Book directly with guesthouses rather than through booking platforms — many offer discounts for direct reservations
Fly to outer islands (Tanna, Santo) rather than booking expensive package tours — you can arrange guides locally on arrival at much lower prices
Visit community beaches with small entry fees ($5-8) rather than paying resort day passes ($20-40) for similar beach experiences
Cook some meals using market ingredients if staying in accommodation with kitchen access — self-catering cuts food costs dramatically
Free things to do
Memorable experiences that cost nothing.
Port Vila Waterfront Stroll
Walk the entire Lini Highway waterfront from the market to the far end — beautiful harbor views, street vendors, and a great introduction to city life. Completely free and enjoyable at any time of day.
Port Vila Main Market Visit
Entry to the market itself is free — wander through the produce stalls, watch vendors prepare food, and see the incredible variety of tropical fruits and vegetables. One of the best free cultural experiences in Vanuatu.
Iririki Island Walk
The ferry to Iririki Island is free for non-guests with a day pass (check current policy), and the hilltop walking trail with panoramic harbor views is accessible to all. Best at sunset.
Michoutouchkine-Pilioko Foundation Gallery
Free admission to this remarkable gallery preserving decades of Pacific art documenting Melanesian cultural traditions. The foundation accepts donations.