Cost of Living in Fiji

The cost of living in Fiji is surprisingly high. If you earn a local salary, your budget may be a bit tight – but if you earn more than the typical local salary, you should find Fiji rather affordable.

Cost of accommodation in Fiji

Accommodation, especially in Suva or Nadi, will be your biggest expense. If you live in the city centre or on the main islands, the costs can be steep. Expats are increasingly moving into neighbourhoods like Lami in Suva and the Denarau area in Nadi. These areas offer modern amenities and a community feel, making them attractive for expats.

You may also face safety issues such as break-ins and petty theft, necessitating the additional costs of private security for your home. While petty theft and break-ins have been a concern in urban areas in recent years, the situation has improved due to increased police presence and community initiatives. However, residents are still advised to take precautions, particularly in less populated areas.

Other costs associated with renting a standalone home include a backup electrical supply, as there are frequent power cuts in Fiji. Residents commonly use generators and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) as backup solutions to mitigate the impact of outages.

Cost of transport in Fiji

Getting around Fiji is fairly easy and inexpensive. Buses are particularly cheap. Taxis are more costly but are still far more reasonable than in Europe or the US, although they have gradually increased over the past few years, reflecting rising fuel prices and operational costs.

Cars are slightly pricey in Fiji, and finding a reliable second-hand vehicle can be challenging. Drivers in the country are notoriously reckless, meaning that second-hand cars are rarely in good condition. Recent regulations have focused on improving road safety, including stricter enforcement of traffic laws and initiatives to enhance vehicle maintenance standards.

Due to the tropical climate, car owners often face issues such as poor road conditions, limited parking in urban areas, and occasional mechanical problems.

Cost of groceries in Fiji

Grocery prices in Fiji have been on the rise, influenced by global supply chain issues and inflation. The availability of imported goods has improved, but prices remain high due to shipping costs and tariffs. Many expats report higher prices for imported products compared to local alternatives.

Expats typically prefer to shop for fresh produce at places like the Suva Municipal Market and Nadi Market. Newer grocery chains like Fresh Choice have also gained popularity for their variety and quality.

Local grocery prices in Fiji can be significantly higher than in Western countries, especially for imported goods. Basic items like dairy and cereals are notably more expensive.

Cost of entertainment and eating out in Fiji

With a vibrant and diverse culinary scene, it’s no wonder eating out is a favourite pastime in Fiji. You can find everything from cheap street food to the more expensive and trendy resort restaurants serving local and international cuisine. New restaurants in Fiji are focusing on fusion cuisine, blending local flavours with international dishes.

Festivals such as the Fiji International Jazz and Blues Festival have gained popularity, attracting both locals and tourists. These events celebrate music and culture, contributing to the vibrant entertainment scene. If you're more budget-conscious, there are plenty of outdoor activities that you can do at no or little cost in Fiji.

Cost of education in Fiji

Fiji offers free education for all children between the ages of 6 and 16. Despite this, you might choose to enrol your children in expensive international schools. This is because the standard of Fiji’s public schools varies considerably due to inadequate government funding. Fortunately, you can negotiate to have this cost covered or subsidised by your employer as part of your relocation costs.

International school enrolments have risen, particularly among expat families seeking quality education for their children. Schools like International School Suva and Nadi International School are seeing increased demand.

Cost of healthcare in Fiji

Fiji’s healthcare infrastructure has improved, with investments in modern facilities and technology, particularly in urban centres like Suva and Nadi. That said, if you can afford it, you should probably purchase private health insurance when moving to Fiji.

Some of Fiji’s government hospitals lack equipment and the skills you may be accustomed to in Western countries. Secure comprehensive private healthcare, including cover for medical evacuation to Australia or New Zealand.