8 Pacific Islands Where You Can Retire Without Breaking the Bank

Ever dreamed of spending your post-working years on an island but figured you’d never be able to save enough to make it happen? Think again. The warm climates, ocean views, natural beauty, and laid-back lifestyles offered by these paradises are often more accessible than you might expect, especially compared with rising costs in the U.S.

We scoured the island-heavy area of the South Pacific Ocean using the criteria of affordability, infrastructure, safety, long-term visa accessibility, and, of course, access to beaches, nature, and spectacular landscapes. Here are eight that stood out as having the most potential as a retirement destination.

Viti Levu (Fiji)

Fiji is home to over 330 islands, the largest being Viti Levu. Located about 1,100 miles northeast of New Zealand, Viti Levu spans 4,026 square miles of mountains, rivers, rain forests, and sandy beaches and offers a diverse climate, the bustling city of Suva, great infrastructure, and plenty more.  

Viti Levu is home to around 75% of Fiji’s population and its only two cities—the capital Suva and tourism hub Nadi.

Affordability: Monthly expenses for a single person range between $1,800-2,100, including rent and health insurance, according to Expat.com.

Efate (Vanuatu)

Located to the east of Australia, Efate, Vanuatu’s political and economic hub, offers a blend of natural beauty, culture, multiculturalism, and modern amenities.

Vanuatu is a tax haven with no personal income, wealth, inheritance, or capital gains taxes—a major draw for retirees seeking to stretch their savings.

Affordability: The total monthly expenses per person in the capital, Port Vila, can range from $1,600 to $2,400, depending on your lifestyle and need for imported products. Outside of Port Vila, rents tend to be cheaper.

Upolu (Samoa)

Located about halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand. Upolu is Samoa’s most populous island.

Daily life in Samoa revolves around fa’a Samoa—”the Samoan way”—a 3,000-year-old communal system where extended family (‘aiga) comes first, and village leaders manage shared resources, making it one of the Pacific’s most intact traditional cultures.

Affordability: A single person living in the developed capital of Apia would likely spend around $1,018 a month.

Rarotonga (Cook Islands)

The largest of the Cook Islands, tax-friendly Rarotonga is known for its volcanic peaks, rain forests, breathtaking beaches, coral reefs, and ties to New Zealand.

Rarotonga has no traffic lights and no building taller than a coconut tree—a deliberate effort to preserve its unspoiled character.

Affordability: A budget of $1,485 a month per person should be enough. That includes rent ($640), utilities, groceries, health insurance, entertainment, and other typical expenses.

Tongatapu (Tonga)

Tongatapu, the largest island of Tonga, spans 100 square miles and is rich in culture, history, and natural beauty.

Tonga is the only remaining indigenous monarchy in the Pacific and was never colonized, allowing its traditional culture to remain largely intact.

Affordability: An expat needs about $1,024 a month to live comfortably in Tonga. Like other places on this list, if you live like a local, you won’t spend much, while U.S.-style amenities and products can be expensive.

Palawan (Philippines)

Often considered the Philippines’ crown jewel, Palawan is a province about 360 miles from Manila, consisting of one main island and over 1,700 smaller ones.

Palawan is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, among the world’s longest navigable underground rivers, and Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park.

Affordability: A person can get by here on $638 a month, including rent.

Lombok (Indonesia)

Lombok is an Indonesian island best known for its beautiful beaches, scenic landscapes, volcanoes, and its more laid-back atmosphere than neighboring Bali.

Lombok is home to Mount Rinjani, Indonesia’s second-highest volcano, and is called “an unspoiled Bali” for its quieter roads, emptier beaches, and more affordable prices.

Affordability: Rents range from $150 to $300 a month for a one-bedroom apartment to $300 to $1,000 a month for a villa. Eating at a restaurant, meanwhile, costs between $1.50 and $5.00, while monthly grocery bills can vary from $100 to $150.

Lifou (New Caledonia)

Lifou is an island in New Caledonia, a French territory located in the southwest Pacific Ocean.

At 1,207 square kilometers, Lifou is the world’s largest raised coral atoll, and its vanilla plantations supply the high-grade beans used in Chanel No. 5 perfume.

Affordability: The cost of living per person can range from $1,900 to $3,000, according to Expat.com. However, the higher price is for the main island of New Caledonia. Lifou is slightly cheaper.