Cost To Visit Tahiti: Complete 2026 Budget Guide

Is Tahiti Expensive to Visit?

Yes—Tahiti is considered an expensive destination, especially when compared to other South Pacific or Southeast Asian islands. That said, Tahiti is the most affordable island in French Polynesia, compared to Bora Bora or Moorea.

For U.S. travelers, Tahiti is more expensive than Hawaii or Mexico, but cheaper than a luxury trip to the Maldives. Travelers can reduce costs by staying in guesthouses (called pensions), eating local food, and avoiding the premium of overwater bungalows.

In this guide, we’ll break down:

• The cheapest vs. priciest times to go
• What lodging, food, tours, and transport cost
• Where to stay to save or splurge
• Full daily and weekly budgets by travel style

Seasonal Cost

Tahiti has a tropical climate with a wet and dry season that directly affects travel prices.

Peak Season (June – August & December Holidays)

• Best weather: dry, sunny, and breezy
• Popular with European and American travelers
• Highest prices for flights, hotels, and excursions

Shoulder Season (April – May & September – October)

• Warm and mostly dry
• Fewer crowds and more reasonable prices

Off-Season (November – March)

• Hot, humid, and rainy (wet season)
• Chance of tropical storms
• Best prices on accommodations and flights
• Some tours may be limited due to rain

Most Expensive Times To Visit Tahiti

• June – August (dry season and French school holidays)
• Christmas and New Year
• Heiva Festival in July – traditional dancing and culture make this peak season

Cheapest Months To Visit Tahiti

• February and March – wettest months = lowest prices
• November and early December – better weather than deep rainy season but still low-season rates
• Late April – May – dry weather begins, still affordable

Tahiti Regional Cost

Where you stay in Tahiti (and the type of lodging) can significantly affect your travel budget.

Most Expensive Areas To Stay

• Punaauia
  • Upscale resorts and overwater bungalows
  • Stunning sunsets and views of Moorea
  • Near: Lagoonarium, white-sand beaches, Marina Taina
• Faa’a (Near the Airport)
  • Convenient for arrivals and luxury resorts
  • Near: InterContinental, ferry port, luxury spas
• Arue (Northeast Tahiti)
  • Private villas and high-end beachfront homes
  • Near: Black sand beaches, surf spots, scenic coast

Affordable Areas To Stay

• Papeete (City Center)
  • Budget hotels, pensions, walkable to restaurants and ferry
  • Near: Papeete Market, Vai'ete Square, cultural centers
• Mahina
  • Quiet area with guesthouses and local life
  • Near: Pointe Vénus Lighthouse, black sand beaches
• Taravao (Tahiti Iti Peninsula)
  • Great for nature and surfing lovers
  • Fewer tourists, rural charm, budget-friendly

Cheapest Areas To Stay

• Inland Villages (Paea, Papenoo, Tiarei)
  • Family-run pensions, low tourist traffic
  • Cheaper, but limited transportation and amenities
  • Best for nature, waterfalls, and hiking access

Tahiti Vacation Costs

Let’s break down what you’ll actually spend each day based on travel style.

Average Accommodation Cost (Per Night)

• Budget Traveler
  • Guesthouses (pensions), dorm beds, inland Airbnbs
  • XPF 4,500–8,000 / $40–$70 USD
• Moderate Traveler
  • 2–3 star hotels, beachfront pensions, boutique hotels
  • XPF 12,000–25,000 / $100–$210 USD
• Luxury Traveler
  • 4–5 star resorts, overwater bungalows
  • XPF 40,000–90,000+ / $350–$800+ USD

Food Cost (Per Person, Per Day)

• Budget
  • Food trucks (roulottes), markets, snacks
  • XPF 1,200–2,500 / $10–$22 USD
• Moderate
  • Mid-range restaurants, mixed local and Western cuisine
  • XPF 3,500–6,000 / $30–$50 USD
• Luxury
  • Fine dining, seafood, wine, resort restaurants
  • XPF 8,000+ / $70+ USD

Transportation Cost

• Public Bus (Le Truck)
  • Limited schedule but very cheap
  • XPF 200–500 / $2–$5 USD
• Car Rental
  • Best for exploring the whole island
  • XPF 6,000–10,000 / $50–$85 USD per day
• Taxi
  • Expensive and charged per person
  • XPF 2,500–5,000+ / $22–$45 USD per ride
• Ferries (to Moorea)
  • 30-minute ride
  • XPF 1,500 / $13 USD one-way per adult

Attractions

• Museum of Tahiti & Her Islands – XPF 1,000 / $8 USD
• Teahupo’o Surf Spot (boat tour) – XPF 5,000–10,000 / $45–$90 USD
• Lagoon Tours or Snorkeling Excursions – XPF 8,000–20,000 / $70–$175 USD
• Black Sand Beaches – Free
• Waterfalls & Hiking Trails – Free or guided hikes: $30–$70 USD

As you are aware, most of your attractions will be simply taking in the beauty of the island, and that won't cost you anything.

Day Trips From Tahiti

• Moorea (via ferry)
  • Day trip from Papeete – snorkeling, lagoon tours, mountain hikes
  • Ferry round-trip: $26 USD, plus excursions $50–$150 USD
• Tahiti Iti Peninsula
  • Wild, less developed part of Tahiti
  • Ideal for surfers, hikers, nature lovers
  • Drive yourself or hire a local guide ($40–$90 USD/day)
• Faarumai Waterfalls & Arahoho Blowhole
  • East coast scenic drive, free natural sights

Daily Budget (Per Person)

• Budget Traveler
  • Pension, food trucks, free beaches
  • $70–$110 USD per day
• Moderate Traveler
  • Hotel, car rental, restaurants, guided tour
  • $180–$280 USD per day
• Luxury Traveler
  • Resort, overwater bungalow, excursions, fine dining
  • $500–$1,000+ USD per day

Weekly Budget (7 Days)

Flight Cost

Round-trip flights from the U.S. to Faa’a International Airport (PPT), Tahiti:

• Peak Season: $1,200–$1,600
• Shoulder Season: $850–$1,200
• Off-Season: $650–$950

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