New Caledonia, Noumea

Country Full Name: New Caledonia.

Location: New Caledonia (Self-governing territory of France) is in Oceania, and comprises islands in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Australia.

Country Climate: Tropical; modified by southeast trade winds; hot, humid.

Country Terrain: Coastal plains with interior mountains.

Major Languages: French (official), Melanesian and Polynesian dialects.

Major Religions: Christianity, indigenous beliefs.

Population: 0.096 Mil (2012 est.).

Country Economy: New Caledonia has more than 25% of the world's known nickel resources. In addition to nickel, the substantial financial support from France and tourism are keys to the health of the economy.

Currency: CFP Franc (XPF).

Inflation: 2.6% (2011 est.).

Noumea is the capital city of the French territory of New Caledonia.

Noumea has experienced a major housing construction boom within the past decade. The installation of amenities has kept pace, and the municipality boasts a public works programme.

The cost of living in Noumea in New Caledonia is very high compared to other places. The overall cost of living is determined using the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across 13 Basket Groups. Noumea in New Caledonia is currently ranked 106 overall out of 780 places (rank 1 is most expensive: rank 780 is least expensive). The cost of living rank for each of the 13 Basket Groups is as follows:

Alcohol & Tobacco costs are high compared to other places for items such as alcohol at a bar, beer, locally produced spirit, whiskey, wine (where alcohol is legally sold) and tobacco related products. There are 236 places that are more expensive, and 543 places that are less expensive for alcohol and or tobacco.

Clothing costs are very high compared to other places for items such as business suits, casual clothing, children's clothing, coats, evening wear, footwear, hats, shoe repairs and underwear. There are 63 places that are more expensive, and 716 places that are less expensive for clothing.

Communication costs are very high compared to other places for various communication costs such as call charges, home telephone rental, internet connection, mobile data costs, mobile phone contract and service provider fees. There are 4 places that are more expensive, and 775 places that are less expensive for communication.

Education costs are high compared to other places for items such as creche / pre-school fees, primary school fees, high school fees and tertiary study fees. There are 294 places that are more expensive, and 485 places that are less expensive for education.

Furniture & Appliance costs are very high compared to other places for items such as DVD player, fridge freezer, furniture, household equipment, iron, kettle, light bulbs, microwave, television, toaster, vacuum cleaner and washing machine. There are 16 places that are more expensive, and 763 places that are less expensive for furniture and appliances.

Grocery costs are very high compared to other places for items such as baby consumables, baked goods, baking, canned foods, cheese, cleaning materials, cleaning products, dairy, fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, fruit juices, meat, oil & vinegars, pet food, pre-prepared meals, sauces, seafood, snacks, soft drinks, spices & herbs. There are 95 places that are more expensive, and 684 places that are less expensive for groceries.

Healthcare costs are low compared to other places for general healthcare, general practitioner consultation rates, healthcare/medical insurance, hospital private ward daily rate and non-prescription medicine. There are 489 places that are more expensive, and 290 places that are less expensive for healthcare.

Household Accommodation costs are high compared to other places for items such as accommodation, apartment, flat, house, villa, rent, electricity, household fuels, household gas, water, and local property rates / residential taxes / levies. There are 205 places that are more expensive, and 574 places that are less expensive for household accommodation.

Miscellaneous costs are very high compared to other places for items such as dry cleaning, general goods, general services, linen, magazines, maid, newspapers, office supplies, postage stamps and stationery. There are 37 places that are more expensive, and 742 places that are less expensive for miscellaneous items.

Personal Care costs are very low compared to other places for items such as cosmetics, hair care, moisturizer, nappies, pain relief tablets, shampoo, soap, sun block, toilet paper and toothpaste. There are 727 places that are more expensive, and 52 places that are less expensive for personal care.

Recreation and Culture costs are very high compared to other places for items such as books, camera, cinema tickets, fitness/health club membership, sports goods and theatre tickets. There are 39 places that are more expensive, and 740 places that are less expensive for recreation and culture.

Restaurants, Meals Out and Hotel costs are high compared to other places for items such as a business dinner, dinner at a family restaurant (non fast food), 4 star and 5 star hotel rates and take away meal (fast food). There are 303 places that are more expensive, and 476 places that are less expensive for restaurants, meals out and hotels.

Transport costs are average compared to other places for items such as car hire purchase, car insurance, car lease, car maintenance, car rental, car service, diesel, petrol, tyres and public transport. There are 446 places that are more expensive, and 333 places that are less expensive for transport.

Personalized cost of living indexes for Noumea in New Caledonia are based on the basket groups and comparison location(s) selected in the Calculators.

In terms of the hardship people are likely to experience, assessed in global terms, Noumea in New Caledonia is ranked as high degree of hardship with a hardship index of 30%.

Personalized hardship index premiums for Noumea in New Caledonia are based on the comparison location(s) selected in the Calculators.

Note: Xpatulator.com data is updated quarterly. The latest update is as at 1 April 2012. Create a personalized cost of living comparison report using the calculators:
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