8 Pacific Islands Where You Can Enjoy a Comfortable Retirement Without Breaking the Bank

Eight Affordable Island Paradises for Retirement

Imagine living in a tropical haven where your monthly expenses are far less than what many Americans pay just for housing. Here, we highlight eight idyllic islands where you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank.

Main Highlights

• You can embrace a relaxed island lifestyle—complete with beautiful beaches, pleasant weather, and a slower pace—at a much lower cost than in the United States.
• These islands offer stunning scenery, peaceful surroundings, English-friendly environments, and straightforward visa options.
• Potential drawbacks include limited dining options, occasional monotony, and distance from specialized healthcare and family.

Have you ever imagined retiring on a sun-soaked island, only to dismiss the idea as too expensive? The truth is, these tropical retreats are more attainable than you might think, especially compared to the rising living costs in the U.S.

We explored the South Pacific, focusing on affordability, infrastructure, safety, long-term visa availability, and access to nature and beaches. Here are eight standout islands for a budget-friendly retirement.

Viti Levu, Fiji

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Fiji consists of over 330 islands, with Viti Levu as the largest. Situated about 1,100 miles northeast of New Zealand, Viti Levu covers 4,026 square miles and features mountains, rivers, rainforests, and sandy shores. The island boasts a vibrant capital, Suva, modern infrastructure, and a diverse climate.

About three-quarters of Fiji’s population reside on Viti Levu, which is home to the nation’s only two cities: Suva and the tourist hotspot Nadi.

Cost of Living: According to Expat.com, a single person can expect to spend between $1,800 and $2,100 per month, including rent and health insurance.

Efate, Vanuatu

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Efate, located east of Australia, serves as Vanuatu’s political and economic center. The island blends natural wonders, cultural diversity, and modern comforts.

Vanuatu is especially attractive to retirees, as it imposes no personal income, wealth, inheritance, or capital gains taxes.

Cost of Living: In Port Vila, the capital, monthly expenses typically range from $1,600 to $2,400 per person, depending on lifestyle and reliance on imported goods. Living outside the capital can reduce costs.

Keep in mind that imported products and Western-style amenities can be pricier in this region.

Upolu, Samoa

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Upolu, Samoa’s most populated island, sits roughly halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand. Life here centers around fa'a Samoa—the traditional Samoan way—where extended families and village leaders play a key role in daily affairs, preserving one of the Pacific’s most enduring cultures.

Cost of Living: Living in Apia, the capital, a single person can expect to spend about $1,018 per month.

If you’re willing to forego some conveniences and embrace a more remote lifestyle, the smaller islands offer even greater savings.

Rarotonga, Cook Islands

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Rarotonga, the largest of the Cook Islands, is renowned for its volcanic mountains, lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and coral reefs. The island maintains close ties to New Zealand and is known for its relaxed pace—there are no traffic lights and no buildings taller than a coconut tree.

Cost of Living: A monthly budget of $1,485 per person covers rent (about $640), utilities, groceries, health insurance, entertainment, and other essentials.

Tongatapu, Tonga

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Tongatapu, Tonga’s largest island, spans 100 square miles and is steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty. Tonga remains the only indigenous monarchy in the Pacific and has never been colonized, allowing its traditions to thrive.

Cost of Living: Expatriates can live comfortably on about $1,024 per month. Adopting a local lifestyle keeps costs low, while imported goods and Western comforts can be expensive.

Palawan, Philippines

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Palawan, often called the Philippines’ crown jewel, is a province about 360 miles from Manila, made up of a main island and over 1,700 smaller ones. It features two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Puerto Princesa Underground River and Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park.

Cost of Living: A single person can live here for as little as $638 per month, including rent.

Lombok, Indonesia

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Lombok is famous for its picturesque beaches, dramatic landscapes, and volcanoes. It offers a quieter, more affordable alternative to neighboring Bali, with less crowded roads and beaches.

Mount Rinjani, Indonesia’s second-highest volcano, dominates the island, which is often described as “an unspoiled Bali.”

Cost of Living: Rent for a one-bedroom apartment ranges from $150 to $300 per month, while villas cost between $300 and $1,000. Dining out is very affordable, with meals costing $1.50 to $5.00, and groceries typically run $100 to $150 monthly.

Important Note

For serious medical emergencies or specialized surgeries, you may need to travel significant distances to access advanced healthcare facilities.

Lifou, New Caledonia

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Lifou is part of New Caledonia, a French territory in the southwest Pacific. Covering 1,207 square kilometers, it is the world’s largest raised coral atoll and is known for its vanilla plantations, which supply premium beans for luxury perfumes like Chanel No. 5.

Cost of Living: Monthly expenses per person typically range from $1,900 to $3,000, though costs are slightly lower on Lifou compared to the main island.