Cost of Living in Honiara
How much does it cost to visit Honiara? Daily budgets, accommodation costs, and real price examples for 2026.
Photo: Sven Pieren / Unsplash
Daily Budget Breakdown
Budget
Hostels, street food, free attractions
SBD 300
per day
Weekly: SBD 2100
Monthly: SBD 9000
Examples
- 🏨Room at Coral Sea Beach Resort (basic room)SBD 150
- 🍽️Lunch at a local market stall (e.g. grilled fish and rice)SBD 40
- 🍽️Dinner at a casual local eatery (e.g. chicken and chips)SBD 60
- 🚌Local bus fares around HoniaraSBD 30
- 🎟️Visit the National Museum and Cultural CentreSBD 20
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, restaurants, guided tours
SBD 600
per day
Weekly: SBD 4200
Monthly: SBD 18000
Examples
- 🏨Room at Mendana Hotel (standard room)SBD 350
- 🍽️Lunch at the Mendana Hotel restaurantSBD 100
- 🍽️Dinner at a mid-range restaurant like Boneghi Beach RestaurantSBD 150
- 🚌Taxi for half-day explorationSBD 100
- 🎟️Visit WWII historical sites like the US War MemorialSBD 50
Luxury
5-star hotels, fine dining, private tours
SBD 1200
per day
Weekly: SBD 8400
Monthly: SBD 36000
Examples
- 🏨Deluxe room at Coral Sea Beach ResortSBD 700
- 🍽️Fine dining lunch at a reputable hotel restaurantSBD 250
- 🍽️Gourmet dinner at Lime LoungeSBD 400
- 🚌Private car with driver for the daySBD 300
- 🎟️Guided tour of Guadalcanal's historical sites with a local guideSBD 250
Cost by Category
accommodation
150-400 SBD
food
100-250 SBD
Transport
50-100 SBD
activities
50-150 SBD
Cost by Neighbourhood
| Neighbourhood | Budget Level | vs City Centre | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Honiara | Mid-range | At center | first-timers, culture |
| Town Ground | Budget | Slightly below center | budget, families |
| White River | Luxury | West of center | couples, families |
Money-Saving Tips for Honiara
🏨 Accommodation
- Stay in budget neighbourhoods outside the tourist centre
- Book apartments for longer stays (weekly discounts)
- Travel in shoulder season for lower hotel rates
- Compare prices across multiple booking platforms
🍽️ Food & Drink
- Eat where locals eat, away from tourist hotspots
- Try street food and market stalls for cheap eats
- Buy lunch specials instead of evening meals
- Cook some meals if your accommodation has a kitchen
🚌 Transport
- Buy multi-day transit passes for unlimited travel
- Walk between nearby attractions to save fares
- Use public transport over taxis where possible
- Book airport transfers in advance for fixed prices
🎟️ Activities
- Take free walking tours (tip-based)
- Look for free museum days or discounted hours
- Book tours and activities online for lower prices
- Explore parks, markets, and neighbourhoods on foot
Find the best hotel deals in Honiara
Compare prices from SBD 300/night across thousands of hotels.
We earn a small commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.
Found your hotel in Honiara?
We search 30+ sites including members-only platforms like Secret Escapes and Voyage Privé. Most people save 14-23%.
FAQ: Honiara Costs
How much does it cost to visit Honiara?
Budget travellers can visit Honiara for around SBD 300/day (SBD 2100/week). Mid-range travellers should budget SBD 600/day, while luxury travel costs around SBD 1200/day.
Is Honiara expensive?
Honiara is on the expensive side. Budget travellers need at least SBD 300/day. Consider staying in budget neighbourhoods and eating at local spots to save.
How much should I budget per day in Honiara?
For a comfortable mid-range experience in Honiara, budget SBD 600/day. This covers a decent hotel, meals at sit-down restaurants, public transport, and a couple of activities.
What is the cheapest way to visit Honiara?
Budget travellers in Honiara can get by on SBD 300/day by staying in hostels or budget hotels, eating street food and local restaurants, using public transport, and choosing free walking tours and public attractions.