Capital
Honiara
Currency
SBD
Population
720K
Visa Difficulty
3/10
Cost of Living
—
GDP per Capita
$2,361
Region
Oceania
Climate
Tropical
Solomon Islands presents significant challenges for foreign residents but unique opportunities for the right professional.
Best for
Not ideal for
| Scenario | Rent | Groceries | Transport | Healthcare | Eating Out | Total/mo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solo (Frugal) | $250 | $100 | $25 | $37 | $62 | $474 |
| Couple (Comfortable) | $400 | $150 | $32 | $55 | $124 | $805 |
| Family of Four | $550 | $250 | $50 | $92 | $155 | $1,327 |
Salary reality: Local salaries are modest but cost of living is low — expats on remote salaries live very comfortably.
City variation: The capital Honiara is typically 20-40% more expensive than secondary cities.
Employed professional
Work Permit
Timeline: 2-6
Cost: $100-$500
Note: Employer sponsorship significantly improves chances
The catch: Most require a confirmed job offer before application
Path to Permanent Residency
Timeline: 5-7
Path to Citizenship
Timeline: 7-10
In-demand roles
| Role | Min (USD) | Max (USD) | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | $500 | $1,250 | monthly |
| English Teacher | $300 | $625 | monthly |
| Marketing/Business | $375 | $875 | monthly |
Hiring reality: English-speaking professionals find reasonable opportunities, especially in multinational companies.
Remote work: Check current visa type — dedicated digital nomad/remote work visas are becoming more common but traditional work visas may not cover remote employment.
Honiara
Established expat community, international amenities, good connectivity
Rent: $250-$450/mo
Suburban Honiara
More space, quieter, family-friendly neighborhoods
Rent: $125-$250/mo
Can foreigners buy property? Yes
Scams to watch
Public healthcare is accessible and decent quality; private offers faster service.
Doctor Visit
$14
ER Visit
$74
Insurance Required
No
Insurance Cost
$29-$92/month
English-speaking doctors: Easy
English Survivability
English widely spoken in business and urban areas.
Bureaucracy Rating
8/10
Transport vs Car
Public transport available in the capital; car recommended outside major cities.
Internet
20 Mbps avg
Remote work: Improving but power/connectivity issues in some areas
What people love
What people dislike
Current issues
Common mistakes
Explore the cost of living in the Solomon Islands, covering essential expenses like rent, groceries, and utilities. Learn about recent policy changes and practical money-saving tips for 2026.
Insider guide to is it worth moving to Solomon Islands. Real costs, practical tips, and honest advice from experts.