How Much does a holiday in French Polynesia cost in 2026?

How expensive is French Polynesia for travelers in 2026 (in EUR)

French Polynesia is one of the most expensive tropical destinations in the world. Its extreme isolation, costly inter‑island transportation, high import prices, and the overall luxury‑oriented tourism market drive prices far above average. With smart planning, however, a holiday here can be more affordable than it first appears.

Conversion used:
1 EUR ≈ 25 Kč
1 XPF ≈ 0.20 Kč

 International Flights

Flights are usually the biggest single expense.

  • typical range: €1,120–€2,000
  • from Europe: usually €1,400–€2,200
  • most expensive periods: June–August, Christmas
  • cheapest periods: January–March, November

 Accommodation

Prices vary significantly between islands.

Guesthouses / pensions

€48–€120 per night

Standard hotels

€160–€400 per night

Mid‑range hotels

€400–€800 per night

Luxury hotels

€600–€1,200 per night

Overwater bungalows

€1,000–€2,400 per night
(Bora Bora often starts around €1,600/night)

Inter‑Island Transportation

French Polynesia is made up of 118 islands — flights and ferries are a major budget factor.

Air Tahiti flights

€170–€490 one way
(two to three flights can add €330–€990 to the budget)

Lowest Air Tahiti fares (approx.)

Tahiti → Bora Bora return: from €160
(realistic prices more often €400–€560 depending on season)

Tahiti–Moorea ferry

€11–€16 one way
(cheapest transfer in all of French Polynesia)

Food & Restaurant Prices

Restaurants

  • main dish: €24–€56
  • three‑course dinner for two: €48–€76
  • fast‑food menu: €11

Food trucks (roulottes)

  • meals: €11–€21

 Non‑Alcoholic Drinks

  • espresso: €3–€4.40
  • cappuccino: €4.40–€5.20
  • Coca‑Cola 0.33 l: €1.80–€2.80
  • bottled water in restaurant (0.33 l): €2.20–€3
  • water in shop (1.5 l): €1.40–€2

 Alcohol – very expensive

In restaurants

  • local Hinano beer 0.5 l: €5.60–€7.20
  • imported beer: €6–€7.60
  • cocktails: €10–€17
  • bottle of wine: €28–€60

In shops

  • local beer: €1.60–€2.20
  • imported beer: €2.60–€3.40
  • wine: €10–€14

 Cigarette Prices

Cigarettes are significantly more expensive than in Europe.

  • standard brands: €6.40–€8
  • premium brands: €8.80–€11.20
  • remote atolls: up to €12

 Activities & Excursions

  • scuba diving: €80–€120 per dive
  • lagoon tour: €100–€180
  • whale watching: €112–€168
  • boat rental / private tour: €360–€720
  • luxury private experiences: €840–€2,000

Everyday Costs on the Islands

  • petrol: €1.40–€1.50 per litre
  • public transport in Papeete: €1.80
  • taxi start: €12–€15, then €2.80 per km
  • groceries: more expensive than mainland Europe, cheaper than restaurants

Realistic Daily Budgets

Budget traveler

€88–€112 / day
(pensions + roulottes + fewer islands)

Mid‑range

€200–€240 / day

Luxury

€360–€480 / day

Ultra‑luxury

€800–€1,800 / day
(overwater villas, Bora Bora, private experiences)

 How much does a week in French Polynesia cost?

Budget

€1,400–€2,400

Mid‑range

€3,800–€6,000

Luxury

€9,200–€12,800

Ultra‑luxury (Bora Bora)

€16,000–€22,000 per week

 Why is French Polynesia so expensive?

  • extreme isolation (almost everything is imported)
  • limited competition among hotels
  • highly luxury‑focused market
  • expensive inter‑island flights
  • strong seasonal demand
  • limited accommodation capacity

Average tourist spending (excluding flights) is around €3,000 per stay.

How to save money

  • choose Tahiti or Moorea instead of Bora Bora
  • visit fewer islands to reduce flight costs
  • stay in guesthouses or Airbnbs
  • eat at roulottes
  • travel off‑season: January–March, October–November