The Economy of the Cook Islands is isolated from foreign markets, has inadequate infrastructure, lacks major natural resources and suffers greatly from natural disasters. Agriculture is the main economic base while there is limited manufacturing. The Cook Islands economy is reliant on foreign aid, mostly from New Zealand.
Avarua is the capital and largest town in the Cook Islands. Avarua has several supermarkets, two banks, several restaurants and other shops specializing in the sale of black pearls and other handicrafts. The economy is based on tourism, trade, fishing and agriculture.
Avarua has an overall cost of living index which equates it with middle cost of living locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups.
The latest cost of living rank for each of the 13 Basket Groups is now available.
Expatriate International Cost of Living 