French Polynesia Budget Guide

2 500 - 5 000 €
XPF

VUE D'ENSEMBLE

80-120 €


180-250 €


500-1 200 €


ITEM BY ITEM

Detailed Budget Breakdown (2 Weeks)

Expense Budget Mid-range Luxury
International flights 800 - 1 000 € 1 000 - 1 400 € 1 800 - 4 000 €
Accommodation 840 - 1 680 €
(60-120 €/night)
2 100 - 4 200 €
(150-300 €/night)
5 600 - 16 800 €
(400-1 200 €/night)
Inter-island transport 0 - 200 €
(ferry Moorea)
300 - 500 €
(2-3 flights)
600 - 1 000 €
(4-5 flights)
Food & dining 280 - 420 €
(20-30 €/day)
560 - 840 €
(40-60 €/day)
1 400 - 2 800 €
(100-200 €/day)
Activities & excursions 100 - 200 € 400 - 700 € 1 500 - 3 000 €
Shopping & extras 80 - 150 € 200 - 350 € 400 - 800 €
Total (2 weeks) 1 800 - 2 500 € 3 500 - 5 000 € 8 000 - 20 000 €

BY DESTINATION

Daily Budget by Island

Island Budget Mid-range Luxury Best for
Tahiti 60-80 €/j 150-200 €/j 400 €+/j Culture, city life
Moorea 80-110 €/j 180-250 €/j 500 €+/j Families, hiking
Huahine 80-120 €/j 180-260 €/j 450 €+/j Authentic, off-beaten
Bora Bora 200-300 €/j 400-600 €/j 1 000 €+/j Romance, luxury
Rangiroa 100-150 €/j 200-350 €/j 600 €+/j Diving, snorkelling

BUDGET TIPS

6 Tips to Save on Your Polynesia Trip

Travel Off-Season

Visit between November and March for 20-30% lower rates on flights and hotels. The weather is warmer and wetter, but still enjoyable with plenty of sunshine.

Stay in Pensions

Family-run guesthouses (pensions de famille) offer authentic experiences at a fraction of resort prices — typically 8,000-15,000 XPF per night with meals included.

Shop at Roulottes

Eat at food trucks (roulottes) in Papeete and on the islands. A full meal costs 1,200-1,800 XPF compared to 3,500-6,000 XPF at restaurants.

Book Flights Early

Domestic inter-island flights are cheaper when booked 3-6 months ahead. Air Tahiti multi-island passes can save up to 40% vs. individual tickets.

Use Local Transport

Rent a scooter or bicycle instead of a car. On smaller islands like Huahine or Raiatea, this cuts transport costs by half and gives more freedom.

Free Activities

Snorkelling from the beach, hiking volcanic trails, visiting marae (ancient temples), and exploring local markets are all free and unforgettable experiences.

PLANNING

When to Book What

1

6-9 Months Before

Book international flights to Papeete. Prices rise sharply within 3 months of departure, especially June-September. Compare Air France, Air Tahiti Nui, and United Airlines.

2

4-6 Months Before

Reserve inter-island flights and accommodation. Popular pensions on Bora Bora and Moorea fill up fast. Consider the Air Tahiti multi-island pass for the best value.

3

2-3 Months Before

Book activities and excursions: diving, lagoon tours, whale watching (July-November). Some operators offer early-bird discounts when booked online.

4

1 Month Before

Finalise travel insurance, check passport validity (6+ months), and prepare cash (XPF). ATMs are available on main islands but scarce on atolls.

FAQ

How much does a trip to French Polynesia cost?
A 2-week trip costs between 2,500–5,000 € per person (flights included) on a comfort budget. Budget travel can drop to 1,800–2,500 €, while luxury easily exceeds 8,000–15,000 € per person. Costs vary by island: Tahiti and Moorea are affordable, while Bora Bora is 2–3× more expensive.
What's the cheapest time to visit?
November to April (wet season) sees 20–35% price reductions. Hotels are less crowded and weather remains excellent (26–29°C). Avoid July–August (high season) and late December (Christmas/New Year). January and February offer the best negotiating power on accommodation rates.
How much should I budget for food?
Budget 50–100 € per day for food. Street roulottes (food trucks) offer meals for 8–15 €. Restaurant meals cost 25–50 € for dinner. Self-catering helps reduce costs. Local fish and tropical fruit are affordable, while imported goods are expensive. Eating like locals saves 30–40% compared to tourist-focused venues.
Are there budget accommodation options?
Yes. Family pensions cost 80–120 € per night and offer local hospitality. Budget hotels and guesthouses range from 120–200 €. Bora Bora starts at 150–200 € minimum, while Moorea and Huahine offer quality options from 80–150 €. Camping and hostels are rare, so pensions are the true budget choice.
How much do inter-island flights cost?
Air Tahiti regional flights cost 60–150 € per person one-way depending on distance. Tahiti to Moorea: ~70 €. Tahiti to Bora Bora: ~150 €. A typical 2-island itinerary (Tahiti–Moorea–Bora Bora) adds 250–400 € per person in inter-island flights. Ferries are cheaper (20–40 €) but slower.
Any tips to save money?
Book international flights 3–6 months ahead. Choose Moorea or Huahine over Bora Bora for equal beauty at half cost. Use ferries for nearby islands. Eat at roulottes and local markets. Skip pricey resort activities: snorkeling is often free from beaches. Travel during wet season (Nov–Apr). Book accommodation with kitchen access to prepare some meals.