Bora Bora is renowned as a must-see destination in the Tahitian isles. More than seven million years ago, a volcano formed Bora Bora, one of nine islands that make up the Society Islands. As with the other islands in French Polynesia, Bora Bora is encircled by a coral reef or atoll.
Also, overwater bungalows, thatched-roof houses, and a dreamlike atmosphere make this South Pacific island the epicenter of romance. Bora Bora is among the most stunning islands on the planet.
Read this article to know how much money you’ll need to have a pleasant and affordable stay in Bora Bora. Moreover, this article will provide information about the advantages of living in Bora Bora, which will aid you in determining whether or not this is the best place for you.
Here is a complete guide to the cost of living in Bora Bora…
The cost of living in Bora Bora – an overview
You’ve been dreaming of relocating to the South Pacific’s dazzling utopia of Bora Bora, French Polynesia, and now you’re curious about what it’ll take to make a new life there. Some considerations must be made.
Bora Bora has an average pay of $12 per hr, equivalent to about $25,000 per year in American dollars. Locals spend over 60% of their money on food and housing, making the low wages irrelevant.
Similarly, the monthly rent for a residence on the Island is approximately $3000, which doesn’t include utilities. Milk costs roughly $10 for a gallon (3.8 liters), and eggs cost about $12 for a dozen. Groceries are also quite pricey.
Additionally, Bora Bora is a great place to visit, but if you’re considering making it your permanent home, you should have at least $200,000. This may only be the best spot for you if you want to live like a local, dine out every night, and spend all your free time diving and sunbathing. However, Bora Bora is indeed breathtaking if you have the means to visit.
Detailed cost of living – Four estimated monthly costs
Here is a detailed version of the direct cost of living in the Bora Bora. The four estimated monthly costs (utilities, food, transportation, and accommodation) are listed below:
Utilities
Home utilities will run you about $45 a week in New York City but only $18 a week in Bora Bora.
Buying food for a couple will cost at least $1,000 a month, and that’s before you factor in the higher price of imported goods.
As an illustration, the price of a lb of coffee in the United States is around $30, but in Europe, it is closer to $7. Since most restaurants’ supplies come from Tahiti, you should prepare for higher food costs.
Furthermore, steak is still on the menu even with the higher cost of living! Even at the most upscale restaurants on Vaitape Bay, a three-course dinner for two plus drinks will be under $100.
Bora Bora is still significantly more expensive than in other areas in the United States, so keep that in mind. Bora Bora is not ideal if you’re looking for a cheap retirement destination or tropical vacation spot.
Food
U.S. pricing for a gallon of milk, at $3.15, is roughly double those of Bora Bora, where a gallon will set you back around $1.70. Eggs are about $1.50 for a twelve, and bread is usually under $2 a loaf, so costs have gone down.
Eating affordably in Bora Bora is possible by eating at moderately priced restaurants or buying snacks from street vendors.
Lastly, visitors on a tight budget won’t go hungry on the Island, as many restaurants provide reasonable prices. Also, the food truck trend along the luxurious resorts is active so take advantage of that. The estimated monthly food costs can vary with your tastes and spending limits.
Transport
New York’s monthly metro pass costs roughly $116, but getting around the Island on foot or a rented motorcycle or scooter is almost free. Similarly, the average expense of a gallon of gas in this country is around $2.80, compared to nearly $3.80 in several countries across the Pacific.
Finally, it is best to take advantage of public transportation to reduce monthly expenses.
Renting (residence)
Unless you’ve got a wild spending habit, your housing costs in Bora Bora would be your biggest expense. The monthly rent you pay might range from roughly $1400 to $2000 for a small studio apartment or homestay to $5000 or more for a large private luxury villa.
Apartment rentals in French Polynesia may be the most practical choice for those searching for permanent residences.
Apartments on Airbnb in Bora Bora charge an average of $2300 per month. Rent for a property with two bedrooms or more on the Island, including utilities, can run you about $3000 per month if you’re on a tight budget.
Here are some of the tips when you are looking to rent an apartment in Bora Bora:
- You should first decide whether you like a house, a villa, roommates, or living alone.
- If you’re trying to save money while still eating healthily, one great strategy is to shop and dine in the neighborhoods surrounding grocery stores and restaurants.
- Short-term holiday accommodations in Bora Bora can be found on numerous websites, many of which charge well over $700 per night.
- If you are on a tight budget, consider getting accommodation away from the city centre.
- The easiest method to figure out where to stay on a long-term basis (say, a month) is to rent an Airbnb for 3 days, look about, and question other locals, virtual nomads, and expatriates. Also, one can always locate a spot to stay through personal connections. Most tenants would rather make periodic payments than one large annual one.
- Try to make plans with friends and combine resources to rent high-cost accommodation.
- Digital Nomads groups on Facebook can help you get a great deal on an apartment. You will benefit greatly by participating in these Facebook groups. This may be a good jumping-off point for further exploration. Most users are Westerners who act as landlords by renting out their residences.
- Finally, it’s best to deal with the source or a service like Airbnb to save money.
Other costs when staying in Bora Bora
Bora Bora is a popular honeymoon destination. The Island’s stunning scenery and high-end hotels have made it a tourist hotspot. It’s easy to see why people consider it one of the most romantic destinations on earth.
But do you want to know how much it would cost to reside at a lodge in this tropical paradise? If you’re curious, keep reading!
If you want to wake up to breathtaking scenery every morning, living in an over-water cottage is the way to go. As the ideal way to showcase Bora Bora’s beauty, it’s not surprising that these lodgings come at a high price.
The nightly rate for an overwater bungalow typically ranges from $900 to $2,000. If the cost is too much, consider a cliffside villa or a bell tent instead. Standard nightly rates for such establishments cost $300 to $800.
Generally speaking, booking 6-12 months in advance is recommended because of Bora Bora’s popularity all year round and to ensure you get the best possible cost.
Summarizing the cost of living in Bora Bora
Here is a list of essential items with their estimated monthly prices:
- Residence rent $1250 – $5000
- Electric plus water $200 – $300
- Mobile with Wifi $80 – $100
- Food and entertainment $400 – $2000
- Transport $100 – $200
- Fitness $100 – $200
- Health $40 – $150
- Total monthly expenses $2000 – $7500
Why go to Bora Bora? Other Islands in the South Pacific ocean
Bora Bora, French Polynesia, is a famous island in the South Pacific located amid the breathtaking Pacific Ocean.
You have undoubtedly seen countless YouTube videos and read numerous articles about this once-in-a-lifetime paradise, its welcoming residents, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable hotel overwater bungalows set between lush green jungles and picture-perfect beaches.
The Cost of Living in Bora Bora allows you to fulfil your fantasy of spending a few months in paradise.
The Polynesian people are warm and welcoming, the weather is always perfect, and the scenery from your huge water bungalow is worth the move alone.
It is located in the South Pacific Ocean, so you can visit other society Islands (other beautiful islands like Bora Bora) and their beautiful beaches in a single tour.
Furthermore, Bora Bora’s low cost of living means that it’s possible to get by well on an annual income of $30,000 or even $25,000, as discussed below.
Finally, here are a few other Islands located in the region:
- Tahiti
- Mo’orea
- Rangiroa
Things to do in Bora Bora
Don’t get so caught up in the cost of living that you forget your purpose of visiting Bora Bora. Here are a few things to do once you are here:
- Matira Beach’s shark snorkeling is a top attraction for visitors.
- Ride your bike around the Island and see the gorgeous lagoon from every aspect.
- Try a jeep tour of the Island’s outlying regions to get a feel for the Island’s history and culture (not to mention some amazing photo ops!).
- Baie des Fourmis and Baie de l’Absinthe are just two of Bora Bora’s stunning beaches, but there are dozens more to choose from.
- Matira Beach has pristine seas, perfect for a swim.
- Experience the beautiful shoreline of Bora Bora Lagoon by sailboat or kayak.
- You may go out on the water and dive with sharks at Snorkeling Point Paree (a quick boat trip from town) or try classic outrigger canoeing on Piha Island, close to Mahina Bay.
Furthermore, boaters and surfers can fulfil all their dreams on Bora Bora. You can rent:
- Sailboats,
- Kayaks
- Speedboats,
- Glass-bottom boats,
- Jet Skis and more
Saving Tips – How to save money?
It is always great to save money if you are tight on a budget or even if you are not. Here are a few tips:
- While the expense of living on Bora Bora can seem prohibitive initially, there are methods to make ends meet without going into debt. Neither eating out nor cooking at home should be relied on as much as reasonable.
- Buy in bulk instead to cut expenses without sacrificing quality.
- You can plan ahead by buying food in bulk and going out once a week instead of cooking.
- When possible, prepare meals at home using a meal plan. Your kitchen budget will thank you.
- When going on a trip, if you don’t feel like cooking, make sure you bring enough food to last you.
- Finally, take advantage of public transit to reduce car expenditures. You may avoid worrying about being abandoned on the roadside this way.
- In addition, Airbnb or a nearby hotel should be your monthly rental choice.
What is the average cost of living on the Island?
Regarding tourist traffic, Bora Bora ranks among the top spots worldwide. Stunning landscapes, high living costs, and a high standard of living make this place famous. But if you want to live like a king without going into debt, Bora Bora could be your place.
Compared to other parts of the world, the cost of living in Bora Bora is quite low, averaging between $2,300 and $3,500 per month. This is equivalent to a savings of about $2,600 compared to New York City.
Lastly, there are better spots for you if you’re hoping to live extravagantly on a monthly budget of just. Think about things carefully before making a move.
Approximately how much does a vacation to Bora Bora cost?
Less than 70 persons are carried on each of the four planes landing at Bora Bora Terminal daily.
Getting to Bora Bora will make any trip there quite pricey. And when you factor in the location’s desirability, you have the makings of an exclusive experience that can justify the exorbitant prices charged by hotels and resorts.
For that reason alone, a trip to Bora Bora is worth taking. Since you will only visit once in your lifetime, treating yourself to some luxury while it is virtually obligatory.
If you can’t afford an overwater villa for a full week, consider booking it for the last 2 days and staying at a more affordable hotel on the Big Island for the first few days. Visit the local market and stock up on bread and cheese for a nighttime picnic in a secluded section of Matira Beach if your budget allows for something other than nice dining every night.
How to live here for cheap?
If it comes to paradise, Bora Bora is difficult to beat. Nevertheless, the cost of living is quite high there. The price might range from $2,300 to $3,500 a month.
Here is a collection of frugal living suggestions we made for you:
- Try Airbnb instead of a monthly rental if you can’t afford a traditional one.
- If you don’t have a place to stay, you may crash at a friend’s home or book a room through a service like VRBO or Airbnb.
- Try food trucks instead of going to an elegant restaurant and reduce monthly rent by getting accommodation away from the city centre.
- Although leasing a villa can break the bank, the independence and privacy it provides more than makes up for the higher cost.
- Consider the expense of residing in Bora Bora if you consider doing so. You’re about to embark on a vacation in paradise.
Conclusion
It is vital to remember that people only visit the Bora Bora for vocational purposes. Also, it is one of the best spots in the world where you can enjoy an outside-the-box kind of living. The total permanent residents on the Island are not more than 9000, and they are nice folks.
Finally, pack your bags and plan a trip to Bora Bora with your loved ones. Thanks for the Read!
