Nauru: cost of living

What is the inflation rate in Nauru?

Consumer prices in Nauru were 4.4% higher in the March 2025 quarter than a year earlier, according to the Nauru Bureau of Statistics' consumer price index report (released 21 May 2026). The annual rate was 11.5% in the December 2024 quarter. Prices fell 2.3% in the March quarter itself, mainly because transport prices dropped 12.0%.

The index measures prices of goods and services bought by households, collected from five main outlets and service providers such as transport, energy and telecommunications. Its weights come from the 2012–13 household survey. The Department of Finance's 2026–27 budget paper, citing the IMF, puts average inflation at 6.1% in 2024–25 and forecasts 5.5% in 2025–26.

Official sources: Nauru Bureau of Statistics: CPI March 2025 quarter (PDF) · Nauru Bureau of Statistics: Consumer Price Index March 2025 · Department of Finance: 2026–27 Budget Paper No. 1 (PDF)

What do households in Nauru spend money on?

The average household in Nauru spent A$64,190 a year in 2024–25, or A$11,100 per person, according to the Nauru Bureau of Statistics' 2024–25 Household Income and Expenditure Survey report. Housing took 37% of spending, food 23%, and restaurants and hotels 14%; health and education were each under 1%.

Housing spending includes imputed rent, the estimated rental value of owner-occupied homes, which is why its share is high. The survey found 46% of households took part in fishing, livestock, farming or other primary activities. 90% of people used safely managed drinking water and 96% had electricity. The survey's food consumption results are published in a separate report.

Official sources: Nauru Bureau of Statistics: 2024–25 Household Income and Expenditure Survey report (PDF) · Nauru Bureau of Statistics: 2024–25 HIES report launched

What is food insecurity in Nauru?

29.9%: that is moderate or severe food insecurity in Nauru for 2022, according to the FAO. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 16.5%, and Nauru placed 6th highest of 20. World rank, highest first: 64th of 147.