Vanuatu
Profiled in Port Vila · Oceania and the Pacific
Port Vila is a barefoot harbour town where French pastries meet Melanesian markets and your income tax bill quietly vanishes.
Cost of living
What a month costs
Almost everything is imported, so groceries and electronics run high. Local produce from the market and eating out at simple spots keeps the day-to-day bill down.
The scores
How it rates for a moving family
See and do
Top 10 in Port Vila
- Port Vila Market HouseCentral produce and handicraft market run around the clock by the mamas.
- National Museum of VanuatuThe Cultural Centre shows sand drawing, outrigger canoes and custom artefacts.
- Independence ParkGreen civic lawn beside the government buildings, busy on national days.
- Iririki IslandResort island in the harbour reached by a short ferry that runs all day.
- Erakor Island and LagoonPalm island with a small church and calm swimming, a quick boat hop from town.
- Port Vila seafront promenadeWaterfront seawall walk lined with stalls, cafes and moored yachts.
- Mele CascadesTiered turquoise waterfall you can climb, a short drive west of town.
- Hideaway Island Marine ReserveSnorkeling reserve home to the world's only underwater post office.
- Secret Garden VanuatuCultural garden with custom stories, kava and local wildlife.
- Summit GardensHillside botanical garden with tropical plants and harbour views.
Where to go
Weekend escapes
- Tanna IslandShort flight south to Mount Yasur, one of the most accessible active volcanoes on Earth.
- Espiritu SantoChampagne Beach, freshwater blue holes and the famous SS President Coolidge wreck dive.
- Blue Lagoon at EtonA clear turquoise swimming hole with a rope swing on the east coast of Efate.
- Pele and Nguna IslandsOffshore Efate islands with village homestays, snorkeling and quiet beaches.
- Chief Roi Mata's DomainUNESCO World Heritage burial site spread across Lelepa and nearby Efate shores.
Coffee
Best cafes
- Nambawan CafeSeafront institution for coffee, breakfast and people-watching over the harbour.
- Jill's CafeAmerican-style spot known for big breakfasts, burgers and thick milkshakes.
- Au Peche MignonFrench bakery and patisserie for croissants, baguettes and pastries.
Restaurants
Where to eat
- The Waterfront Bar & GrillLong-running harbour-side grill for steaks, seafood and sunset drinks.
- Chill Bar & RestaurantPopular waterfront spot with wood-fired pizza and a lively evening crowd.
- The Beach BarMele Bay beachfront with live music, wood-fired fare and famous sunsets.
- Warhorse SaloonCasual saloon-style place known for ribs, steaks and cold beer.
Morning
Best breakfast
- Nambawan CafeGo-to seafront breakfast with strong coffee and eggs by the water.
- Jill's CafeHearty morning plates, pancakes and shakes in a friendly diner setting.
- Au Peche MignonFresh croissants and pastries for a quick French-style start.
Residency
Vanuatu grants investor and self-funded residence permits with light presence requirements, and runs a well-known citizenship-by-investment program via a government donation. Approvals are fast by regional standards, which is why the tiny nation draws so many passport and residency seekers.
Tax
There is no personal income tax, no capital gains tax and no inheritance or wealth tax. Most government revenue comes from VAT and import duties, so the cost lands on goods rather than earnings.
Thinking about moving here for real? See the verified Vanuatu residency and citizenship routes →
Curious what you would actually pay? See the Vanuatu tax profile: income, corporate, VAT and exit rules →
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