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Island, Cook Islands

Cost of living in Rarotonga

Updated October 2026Sources

How much a month costs in Rarotonga

For one person, including rent. A comfortable month costs about $1,960–2,810 (NZ$3,500–5,000).

Lean$1,120–1,570NZ$2,000–2,800 · Room or studio, local food
Comfortable$1,960–2,810NZ$3,500–5,000 · 1-bed apartment, eating out daily
Luxury$3,930–5,610NZ$7,000–10,000 · Upscale apartment, restaurants, taxis

Prices in Rarotonga

Typical 2026 ranges in NZD, rounded. US$ at the 03 Oct 2026 exchange rate.

ItemNZDUS$
Housing
1-bedroom apartment, center (month)NZ$1,200–2,200$674–1,240
1-bedroom apartment, outside center (month)NZ$900–1,600$505–898
Hostel dorm bed (night)NZ$30–50$17–28
Mid-range hotel room (night)NZ$150–300$84–168
Food and drink
Local meal or street foodNZ$8–16$4.5–9.0
Mid-range restaurant, per personNZ$25–45$14–25
CappuccinoNZ$5–7$2.8–3.9
Local beer, 0.5 l in a barNZ$7–11$3.9–6.2
Getting around
Public transport, one rideNZ$5–6$2.8–3.4
Ride-hailing or taxi, about 5 kmNZ$15–30$8.4–16.8
Work and life
Gym membership (month)NZ$50–100$28–56
Mobile data, 20–50 GB (month)NZ$30–70$17–39

Quick answers

How much money do you need per month in Rarotonga?

About $1,120–1,570 on a lean budget, $1,960–2,810 for a comfortable month and $3,930–5,610 for a luxury one, rent included.

How much is rent in Rarotonga?

A furnished 1-bedroom apartment costs NZ$1,200–2,200 ($674–1,240) a month in the center and NZ$900–1,600 ($505–898) outside it.

How much does food cost in Rarotonga?

A local meal is NZ$8–16 ($4.5–9.0); a mid-range restaurant is NZ$25–45 ($14–25) per person.

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Sources

Prices are SoloSquare estimates for 2026, reviewed against official and operator prices where available. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.