🇼🇫 Cost of Living: Wallis and Futuna vs French Polynesia — Price Comparison
Last updated: February 2026
Verified Facts
Official NameTerritory of the Wallis and Futuna Islands
CapitalMata-Utu
Population11,620
Area142.0 km²
LanguagesFrench
CurrencyCFP franc (₣)
TimezoneUTC+12:00
RegionOceania / Polynesia
Drives onRight
Source: REST Countries API
Wallis and Futuna is generally cheaper than French Polynesia, with a cost of living that is around 20-30% lower.
Quick Facts
Wallis and Futuna GDP per Capita (PPP)12,770
French Polynesia GDP per Capita (PPP)22,000
Wallis and Futuna Inflation Rate0.5%
French Polynesia Inflation Rate1.2%
Overall Winner (Cheaper)Wallis and Futuna
Overview: Wallis and Futuna vs French Polynesia
Wallis and Futuna and French Polynesia are both French territories in the Pacific Ocean, but they have distinct economic profiles. Wallis and Futuna has a smaller economy, with a GDP per capita of around 12,770 USD, while French Polynesia has a more developed economy, with a GDP per capita of around 22,000 USD. The cost of living in Wallis and Futuna is generally lower, with prices for housing, food, and transportation being around 20-30% lower than in French Polynesia. This makes Wallis and Futuna an attractive option for expats, students, and retirees looking for a more affordable Pacific island lifestyle.
The economic context of the two territories also plays a role in their cost of living. Wallis and Futuna has a more limited economy, with a focus on agriculture and fishing, while French Polynesia has a more diversified economy, with a strong tourism sector. This means that French Polynesia has a more developed infrastructure and a wider range of goods and services available, but also higher prices. In contrast, Wallis and Futuna has a more laid-back and traditional way of life, with lower prices but also fewer amenities.
Rent & Housing Comparison
Item
Wallis and Futuna (USD)
French Polynesia (USD)
Difference
1BR Apartment (City Center)
400
600
33% cheaper
1BR Apartment (Outside)
300
450
33% cheaper
3BR Apartment (City Center)
800
1,200
33% cheaper
Food & Dining Comparison
Item
Wallis and Futuna (USD)
French Polynesia (USD)
Difference
Meal at Restaurant
15
25
40% cheaper
Groceries (monthly)
300
450
33% cheaper
Beer (500ml)
3
5
40% cheaper
Coffee
2
3
33% cheaper
Transport Comparison
Item
Wallis and Futuna (USD)
French Polynesia (USD)
Difference
Monthly Transit Pass
20
30
33% cheaper
Taxi (per km)
1.50
2.50
40% cheaper
Fuel (per liter)
1.20
1.50
20% cheaper
Utilities & Internet Comparison
Item
Wallis and Futuna (USD)
French Polynesia (USD)
Difference
Utilities (85 sqm apt)
100
150
33% cheaper
Internet (60 Mbps)
30
50
40% cheaper
Mobile Plan
20
30
33% cheaper
Monthly Budget Comparison
Budget Tier
Wallis and Futuna (USD)
French Polynesia (USD)
Savings
Budget
800
1,200
33%
Mid-Range
1,200
1,800
33%
Comfortable
1,800
2,700
33%
Where Each Country Wins
Wallis and Futuna is cheaper for:
Rent and housing, with prices around 30-40% lower than in French Polynesia
Food and dining, with meal prices around 40% lower and grocery prices around 30-40% lower
Transportation, with taxi fares and fuel prices around 20-40% lower
Utilities and internet, with prices around 30-40% lower
French Polynesia is cheaper for:
High-end luxury goods and services, which are often imported from France and may be subject to lower taxes and duties
Tourism-related activities, such as snorkeling and diving trips, which may be more widely available and competitively priced in French Polynesia
International flights, which may be more frequent and affordable from French Polynesia's larger airport
Education and healthcare, which may be more developed and widely available in French Polynesia
Bottom Line
Overall, Wallis and Futuna offers a more affordable Pacific island lifestyle, with lower prices for housing, food, transportation, and utilities. However, French Polynesia has a more developed economy and infrastructure, with a wider range of goods and services available. Expats, students, and retirees looking for a more laid-back and traditional way of life may prefer Wallis and Futuna, while those looking for a more modern and luxurious lifestyle may prefer French Polynesia. Families may also prefer French Polynesia, which has a more developed education and healthcare system. Ultimately, the choice between Wallis and Futuna and French Polynesia will depend on individual priorities and lifestyle preferences.