How Much Does Tahiti Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Tahiti is a high-end destination where costs vary significantly depending on whether travelers stay on the main island or venture to remote luxury resorts. With daily budgets ranging from $94 / XPF 9,500 for budget solo travelers to over $1,825 / XPF 185,000 for a luxury experience, it is more expensive than many other tropical hubs. The price of seclusion is high, with luxury overwater bungalows averaging $1,263 / XPF 128,001 per night. However, the presence of local guesthouses and the famous "roulotte" food trucks makes a more moderate trip possible. Most expenses are driven by the high cost of imported goods and the premium placed on lagoon-front real estate.
Is Tahiti expensive to visit?
Tahiti is an expensive destination — expect to spend between $94 / XPF 9,500 and $1,825 / XPF 185,000 per day depending on your accommodation and dining choices.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Tahiti
$94
per person /day
$612
per person /day
$1,825
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $281 | $1,835 | $5,474 |
| 5-Day Trip | $468 | $3,058 | $9,124 |
| 7-Day Trip | $656 | $4,281 | $12,773 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
Maintain a 15% buffer to cover the ~$18 / XPF 1,790 daily resort fees and the $1 / XPF 101 surcharge for heavy luggage on taxis. This extra cushion also accounts for the tourist tax collected at checkout, which is often omitted from initial booking prices.
How Does It Compare?
See how Tahiti stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Tahiti
Food & Drink (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Main Dish at a Roulotte (Food Truck) Portions are very large; Poisson Cru and Steak Frites are the local staples. | $22 XPF 2,200 |
| Local Hinano Beer (Bar/Restaurant) Buying from a supermarket is much cheaper, costing roughly ~$3.53 / XPF 358 per bottle. | $8.38 XPF 850 |
| Mid-range 3-Course Dinner Water is safe to drink from the tap in Papeete, saving you ~$4.12 / XPF 418 per bottle. | $64 XPF 6,500 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Public Bus (Le Truck) Zone 1 The fare increases to ~$4.94 / XPF 501 for longer routes around the island. Service is limited after 17:00. | $1.98 XPF 200 |
| 24-Hour Economy Car Rental Renting a car is the most efficient way to see the 114km loop road of Tahiti Nui. | $97 XPF 9,801 |
| Official Taxi Base Hire This is the regulated starting fee before the distance rate applies. | $9.86 XPF 1,000 |
| Terevau High-Speed Ferry (One-way) Standard adult rate for the crossing to Moorea. Residents pay a reduced rate of ~$10 / XPF 1,050. | $13 XPF 1,350 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Hostel Dorm Bed in Papeete Centrally located budget options like Papeete Backpackers or Tahiti Lodge. Expect to pay ~$41 / XPF 4,177 per night. | $41 XPF 4,200 |
| Mid-range Hotel Room (Double) Includes access to infinity pools and fitness centers. Most mid-range resorts are located in Punaauia. | $380 XPF 38,499 |
| Luxury Overwater Bungalow Prices peak during the Heiva festival in July. These rates usually exclude the ~$18 / XPF 1,790 daily resort fee. | $1,263 XPF 128,001 |
Activities (2)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Fautaua Valley Hiking Permit Must be purchased at the Papeete City Hall (Mairie) between 08:00 and 15:00 on weekdays. | $5.92 XPF 600 |
| Half-Day 4x4 Island Safari This is the best way to see the Papenoo Valley and interior waterfalls. | $84 XPF 8,500 |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Vini Travel Card (20GB SIM) Includes 20GB of data and ~$20 / XPF 1,993 in call credit, valid for 30 days. | $39 XPF 4,000 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
Dining revolves around the "Roulottes" (food trucks) at Place Vaiete, where large portions of Poisson Cru or Steak Frites cost approximately $22 / XPF 2,200. For a formal meal, a mid-range three-course dinner averages $64 / XPF 6,500, though tap water in Papeete is safe to drink and can save travelers about $4.12 / XPF 418 per bottle compared to buying bottled water.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Roulotte Chez Dominique
$18–$26 / XPF 1,799–XPF 2,600Place Vaiete, Papeete · Street food area
The Chow Mein is a local favorite and easily serves two people for ~$18 / XPF 1,790.
Snack du Marché
$12–$18 / XPF 1,200–XPF 1,799Papeete Municipal Market · Local chain
Visit on Sunday morning at 05:00 for the most authentic and cheapest local breakfast.
Pâtisserie Hiriata
$3.94–$9.86 / XPF 400–XPF 1,000Avenue Prince Hinoi · Bakery
Grab a 'Casse-Croûte' sandwich for ~$5.3 / XPF 537 for a perfect cheap picnic lunch.
Ma'u Snack
$14–$22 / XPF 1,400–XPF 2,200Faa'a · Local chain
Excellent Poisson Cru au Lait de Coco for a fraction of resort prices.
L'Aremiti Snack
$7.89–$15 / XPF 800–XPF 1,500Papeete Ferry Terminal · Food court
Best place for a quick bite before boarding the ferry to Moorea.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
The public "Le Truck" bus system is the most affordable way to move around, with Zone 1 fares starting at $1.98 / XPF 200. For those wanting to explore the 114km loop road of Tahiti Nui, an economy car rental for $97 / XPF 9,801 per day is the most efficient choice, while the Terevau high-speed ferry offers crossings to Moorea for $13 / XPF 1,350.
Accommodation Overview
Budget travelers can find hostel dorm beds in Papeete for roughly $41 / XPF 4,200, while mid-range resorts in Punaauia typically cost $380 / XPF 38,499 per night. The iconic luxury overwater bungalows command roughly $1,263 / XPF 128,001, a price that often excludes a mandatory daily resort fee of approximately $18 / XPF 1,790.
Accommodation Budget in Tahiti
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Eat at Roulotte Chez Dominique at Place Vaiete for massive portions that cost roughly $22 / XPF 2,200.
- 2 Purchase Hinano beer at local supermarkets for $3.53 / XPF 358 instead of paying $8.38 / XPF 850 at hotel bars.
- 3 Refill water bottles from the tap in Papeete to save the $4.12 / XPF 418 typically charged for bottled water.
- 4 Take the Terevau high-speed ferry for $13 / XPF 1,350 to Moorea for a day trip rather than paying for expensive inter-island flights.
- 5 Visit the Marché de Papeete early in the morning for cheap local snacks at Snack du Marché.
- 6 Shop for groceries at Carrefour or Champion supermarkets to avoid the high cost of resort dining.
- 7 Use "Le Truck" for local transport during the day for just $1.98 / XPF 200, as taxi base hires start at a steep $9.86 / XPF 1,000.
- 8 Book your visit in May or October to avoid the peak season price hikes of $118–$235 / XPF 11,933–XPF 23,866 per night.
- 9 Purchase a Fautaua Valley hiking permit for only $5.92 / XPF 600 at the Papeete City Hall (Mairie) between 08:00–15:00.
- 10 Stick to Tahiti Nui and Tahiti Iti rather than outer islands to avoid the high cost of domestic flights.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Jun, Jul, Aug, Dec
+25-40%
Jan, Feb, Mar
-20-30%
May, Oct
The dry season from May to October offers the best weather. Visit in May or October to avoid the high-season premiums of ~$118–$235 / XPF 11,933–XPF 23,866 per night.
Events to Watch
- ● Heiva I Tahiti (July): +50% hotel rates and high occupancy
- ● Tahiti Pro Surfing (August): Crowds in Tahiti Iti
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Relaxing at Plage de Vaiava (PK18), the most popular white sand beach on the island.
- 2 Exploring the vibrant atmosphere and cultural displays at the Marché de Papeete.
- 3 Watching world-class surfers tackle the waves at the Teahupo'o lookout point.
- 4 Strolling through the waterfront Paofai Gardens to see local outrigger canoe practice.
- 5 Observing the natural power of the Arahoho Blowhole on the rugged north coast.
- 6 Visiting the Faarumai Waterfalls (Les Trois Cascades) in the lush valley of Tiarei.
- 7 Watching the sunset at Venus Point (Pointe Vénus) near the historic lighthouse.
- 8 Exploring the ancient stone religious structures at Marae Arahurahu in Paea.
- 9 Hiking the trails at the Watergardens of Vaipahi to see tropical flowers and lily ponds.
- 10 Taking in the panoramic views of the isthmus from the Belvedere Lookout in Taravao.
- 11 Walking the coastal path at Tiarei to view the steep cliffs and black sand beaches.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Catamaran Day Trip to Tetiaroa
Visit Marlon Brando's private island for incredible bird watching and pristine blue lagoons. It costs ~$261 / XPF 26,491 but includes all meals and drinks.
Helicopter Flight (15-Minute Tahiti Nui)
Provides a breathtaking view of the interior's dramatic peaks and waterfalls that are otherwise inaccessible.
Fine Dining at Le Lotus
This overwater restaurant offers the most romantic setting in Tahiti with views of Moorea for ~$162 / XPF 16,468 per person.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Tahiti
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Tahiti and what they cost
Moorea Island
$27 / XPF 2,700 by High-speed ferry
$44 / XPF 4,500
$123 / XPF 12,500
Tahiti Iti (Teahupo'o)
$118 / XPF 12,000 by Water taxi / Car
Free
$163 / XPF 16,500
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
CFP Franc (XPF)
1 $ ≈ 101 CFPF
Yes
Cards are standard at resorts, car rentals, and upscale Papeete shops. Cash is mandatory for the roulottes (food trucks), the Papeete Market, and the public bus (Le Truck).
Tipping is not customary in French Polynesia. Service is included in the price. A small tip of ~$2.35–$5.89 / XPF 239–XPF 597 for exceptional tour guides is appreciated but not expected.
ATMs (Banque de Polynésie, Socredo) are plentiful in Papeete and at the airport. Avoid non-bank ATMs near the cruise terminal which charge ~$7.06 / XPF 716 per withdrawal.
Connectivity
eSIM: $35–$53 for 20GB (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $38–$41 / XPF 3,819–XPF 4,177 for 20GB
WiFi: Reliable in resort lobbies and Papeete cafés; virtually non-existent in the mountainous interior.
Buy a local Vini Travel Card at the airport for ~$39 / XPF 3,938. It offers the most reliable coverage across the island loop and Tahiti Iti.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Tahiti.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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Where to Stay
Best neighborhoods and hotel recommendations
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Complete Cost Guide
Full budget and cost breakdown