Solomon Islands
Profiled in Honiara · Oceania and the Pacific
Nearly a thousand islands of rainforest and lagoon, with Guadalcanal's Pacific War history, Marovo Lagoon's reefs and one of the most linguistically diverse populations on earth.
Cost of living
What a month costs
Honiara is expensive for the region, with most goods imported. Village life outside the capital operates largely outside the cash economy.
The scores
How it rates for a moving family
See and do
Top 10 in Honiara
- Marovo LagoonDouble-barrier lagoon on the UNESCO tentative list.
- Bonegi and Iron Bottom SoundShipwrecks from the 1942 naval battles.
- Bloody RidgeGuadalcanal battlefield above Honiara.
- Langa Langa LagoonArtificial shell-money islands on Malaita.
- Kennedy IslandWhere the future US president swam ashore in 1943.
- National MuseumCultural collections in Honiara.
- Mataniko FallsWaterfall and caves in the hills above the capital.
- Tenaru FallsRainforest waterfall on Guadalcanal.
Where to go
Weekend escapes
- Marovo LagoonThe world's largest saltwater lagoon, in Western Province.
- GizoDiving base in the west with wrecks and reef.
- Guadalcanal battlefieldsBloody Ridge and the Pacific War sites near Honiara.
- MalaitaArtificial islands of Langa Langa Lagoon.
- TetepareThe largest uninhabited island in the South Pacific.
Residency
Residence follows work or business permits, and there is no investor route. Land is overwhelmingly under customary tenure and cannot generally be bought by foreigners.
Tax
Personal rates reach 40% and the corporate rate is 30%, with 35% for non-resident companies. A goods tax applies in place of full VAT. There is no wealth or inheritance tax.
Curious what you would actually pay? See the Solomon Islands tax profile: income, corporate, VAT and exit rules →
Nearby
More of Oceania and the Pacific
Frequently asked
How much does it cost to live in Solomon Islands?
About $1,200 a month for one person and $2,600 for a family. A one-bedroom flat rents for around $700, and a casual meal costs about $9. Honiara is expensive for the region, with most goods imported. Village life outside the capital operates largely outside the cash economy.
Is Solomon Islands safe, and what is healthcare like?
In our index safety scores 4 out of 10 and healthcare 3 out of 10, where 10 is best.
What language and currency are used in Solomon Islands?
English and Pijin. The currency is Solomon Islands dollar (SBD).
What is the capital of Solomon Islands?
Honiara.
How can a foreigner get residency in Solomon Islands?
Residence follows work or business permits, and there is no investor route. Land is overwhelmingly under customary tenure and cannot generally be bought by foreigners.
What taxes does Solomon Islands charge?
Personal rates reach 40% and the corporate rate is 30%, with 35% for non-resident companies. A goods tax applies in place of full VAT. There is no wealth or inheritance tax.