Living in Polynesia: What salary is necessary to lead a comfortable life?
Introduction
French Polynesia is an overseas territory located in the South Pacific, known for its white sand beaches, turquoise waters and unique Polynesian culture. However, to be able to live there comfortably, it is important to know what salary is necessary.
In this article, we are going to look at the different costs of living in French Polynesia and determine the salary minimum required to live there comfortably.
Costs of living in French Polynesia
French Polynesia is known for its high living costs, due to its geographical remoteness and heavy reliance on imports.
Here are some examples of average costs in French Polynesia:
- A monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in downtown Papeete (the capital) can vary from 100,000 to 150,000 XPF (€840 to €1,250).
- A meal in a basic restaurant costs on average XPF2,800 (€23), while a meal in a high-end restaurant can reach the XPF10,000 (€83).
- Grocery prices can also be high due to imports, for example a liter of milk can cost between 130 and 200 FCFP (€1.10 to €1.70), a 1.5 liter bottle of water can cost XPF150 (€1.30), and a bottle of wine can cost FCFP 1,000 (€8.30).
Salaries in French Polynesia
TEA salary minimum in French Polynesia is set at XPF150,000 (€1,250) gross per month. However, to live comfortably, a salary higher is recommended.
Here are some examples of wages means in French Polynesia for different positions:
| Occupation | salary average monthly |
|---|---|
| teacher | 300,000 to 350,000 FCFP (€2,500 to €2,900) |
| Doctor | 800,000 to 1,000,000 XPF (€6,700 to €8,300) |
| Engineer | 400,000 to 500,000 XPF (€3,300 to €4,200) |
| Official | 250,000 to 300,000 FCFP (€2,100 to €2,500) |
Living on the island of Bora Bora
Bora Bora is one of the most popular islands in French Polynesia due to its heavenly beaches and crystal clear lagoon. However, living costs on this island can be higher than on the main island of Tahiti.
TEA salary minimum recommended to live comfortably on the island of Bora Bora is approximately XPF300,000 (€2,500) per month, due to higher real estate and consumer goods costs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, to live comfortably in French Polynesia, it is recommended to have a salary higher than the salary at least XPF150,000 (€1,250) gross per month. Costs of living can be high due to geographic remoteness and heavy reliance on imports, especially on the island of Bora Bora. It is important to take these costs into account when considering employment in this overseas territory.
FAQ’s
Q: Are there any high-paying jobs not related to tourism in French Polynesia?
A: Yes, there are several diverse industries in French Polynesia, such as the shipping industry, the oil industry, the research sector, as well as public administration.
Q: Can you live comfortably with a salary less than 300,000 FCFP per month in Bora Bora?
A: It’s possible, but it may depend on your spending habits and priorities. It is important to be aware of the higher costs of real estate and consumer goods on the island of Bora Bora.