Average Food Costs in Fiji

In the table above, we have pooled together a selection of commonly purchased items across different food categories to enable you to get a general understanding of the products available and the average cost. There are many different brands normally stocked at the different supermarkets and grocers, with fluctuations in price and regularity across the stores.
We have also written a sister article on the different supermarket brands across Fiji, titled Supermarkets and Grocery Stores in Fiji: An Expat’s Guide.” It’s a short read that provides you with the ability to familiarize yourself with the companies operating across the two main islands.
Personal Care Costs in Fiji

Similar to the table of assembled food products listed above, we have gathered together a selection of household cleaning articles and some general personal hygiene products, like shaving creams, deodorant, etc.
The more well-known brands that populate your local supermarkets at home are normally available here, to cater to the expat community and the ever-expanding cosmopolitan community Fiji has, though the items might be slightly more expensive. Locally Fijian-Made alternative products are available to purchase, and we always recommend them as they support the smaller businesses within Fiji. You can head on over to our article called Fijian-Made: Let’s Make Everyday A Fijian Day for a large selection of these businesses.
Housing Costs in Fiji
If you find yourself in a position where you are required to find your home in Fiji and get established, DO NOT PANIC! On the surface, this may seem insurmountable, but believe me, if I can do it, anybody can.
Firstly, before you arrive, join the two highly active Facebook forums (Suva Expats Market and Fiji Expats); they are an amazing source of up-to-date information. Ask a few questions, and slowly and methodically create a diary of information relative to your situation.
Secondly, book a cheap Airbnb or hotel in the area you wish to reside and work in (between 1-3 weeks); this will allow you to take a breather and familiarize yourself with the area upon arrival. Start to speak to your newly acquainted friends; ask your work colleagues where they stay and what the average price is. Fiji is the friendliest place on earth, and people will go out of their way to help you get set up.
Online and Printed Resources Available
Printed Resources – The two leading tabloid newspapers in Fiji, the Fiji Sun and Fiji Times, each week have classifieds and typically a multi-spread pull-out section on the properties currently available.
If you are going to utilize this method, meticulously follow the following:
- Buy the newspaper as early as possible in the morning.
- Grab a pen, sit down, scan the paper, and circle the potentials (Marking your top five)
- Surf the three websites listed below and type in similar properties, sizes, and numbers of rooms in that particular area to educate yourself on the common prices.
- Call the vendor or landlord to request a viewing. Suggestion: Take a local Fijian friend or work colleague with you on the viewing, especially if you are dealing directly with a landlord, as the price might suddenly go up if they know you are an ex-pat.
- If you find a property you like, you are able to negotiate the price, especially if the duration of your stay is several years.
Noteworthy Websites – Property.com.fj, Harcourts and Professionals FIJI
Household Utilities Costs in Fiji
Image | Product | Quantity | Category | Cost (FJD) |
---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | FIJI GAS REFILL | 12KG | Energy | 38.59 |
![]() | BLUE GAS REFILL | 12KG | Energy | 38.59 |
On average, the water in Fiji is relatively cheap; you will probably spend an average of 50–100 FJD per month. Estimate your average expenditure. Check the number of liters used monthly at home and substitute the cost per unit with the calculated charge below. You can also do this with your electricity bill. Be aware that air conditioning can substantially increase your cost. We use roof fans and localized desk fans to cool any given area, and we spend on average 140 FJD per month.
If you are using Fiji Gas or Blue Gas (see Table above) and you cook every day, you will normally need to purchase a bottle of gas every 2-3 months; this is the best and most economical option.
Technical Information
EFL Electricity – The regulated domestic tariff set by the Commerce Commission is 34.01 cents/unit. kWh = Kilowatt-hour, 1 kWh = 1 unit of electricity.
Water – Your charge is calculated using a tiered method based on how many units you consume. 1 unit is 1000 litres or 1 cubic metre. (0-50 Units $ 0.153, 51-100 Units $ 0.439, 100 Units $ 0.838)
Cost of Clothing in Fiji

Establishing the average cost of clothing can be difficult, as it all depends on your age, style, and gender. The four main retail outlets in Fiji that stock local as well as international brands are Jacks of Fiji, S Nagindas, Harrisons Fiji, and Tappoos Fiji. We have included links to their respective websites so you can gauge and compare the costs.
With smaller artisan clothing brands found across the main tourist hubs and towns, their clothing really captures the spirit of the Fijian culture and helps develop the Fiji Fashion Market. Here are a few examples: 8Mountains Fiji, Malia Clothing Fiji, Pacific Islands Art Pte Limited, and Tau Sports Fiji; you can find their links and details in the article Fijian-made: Let’s Make Everyday A Fijian Day.
Also, there are many second-hand clothing shops, which are normally found on the second floor of a retail outlet (saving costs by having no shop frontage). You cannot miss them, as there are always numerous brightly handcrafted signs pointing up a steep concrete staircase, telling you of their existence. You will have to carefully navigate and sidestep, giving way to the people coming down with their newly acquired items. Upon reaching the last few treads, your eyes will be welcomed to a vast open-plan floor, with rows and rows of clothing rails bathed in different colored items, with signage dangling from the roof categorizing the clothes. The clothes normally originate from New Zealand and Australia. They are definitely worth a few minutes of your time, as you might find a little gem that is hidden away.
Transportation Costs in Fiji
Taxi fares 2023
- Viti Levu Flag Fall Charge is $2 between 6 am to 9 pm and $3 from 9 pm to 6 am
- Outside Viti Levu Flag Fall Charge is $1.70 to $2.30 cents and $3.30 between 9 pm to 6 am
- The flag fall charge for airport taxis is $7.10 cents with waiting charges being 18 cents per minute.
(With 1 FJD charged per 1 KM afterward)
Coach Prices 2023

Entertainment a Social Costs in Fiji

A short list detailing some of the normal social events most people will take part in during any given month.
- Newspaper Fiji Sun and Fiji Times Daily (FJD 1.50)
- Cinema (Damodar Admission Prices – FJD 5 – 7.50 Life Cinema Admission Prices – FJD 8 – 19)
- Sports event (FJ$20. for a local event, FJ$ 40 – 150 dollars for a stand seat at an International event)
- Nightout nightclub or restaurant (FJ$50 – 150 Dollars on food and drinks)
Fiji Journal Top Tip #1 – Energy Saving (Expats) in Fiji

Using less means paying less. Here are a few helpful inexpensive tips to reduce your energy use around the house.
Save Power in the Living Room
- Switch appliances off at the wall
- TVs, computers & stereos still use energy in standby mode. When not in use, switch these appliances off at the wall.
- Use a power board – A power board can supply electricity to multiple appliances at the same time and allows you to switch off all appliances using the same switch.
- Use energy-saving bulbs – Change your old light bulbs to energy-efficient compact fluorescent (CFL) or Light Emitting Diode(LED) ones.
- How many lights are on? – Turn the lights off in the rooms you’re not using.
- Do you really need to switch on during the day? – Open up curtains or drapes to make full use of the sunlight
Save Power in the Kitchen
- Electric Kettles – Only fill the kettle with the amount of water you need.
- Electric Cooktops – Choose the right size pot when cooking and keep the lid on.
- Fridge & freezers – 1) Defrost your freezer regularly, 2) Keep fridges and freezers in a cool, well-ventilated spot away from the oven and the sun to save electricity and 3) Keep a clear gap around your fridge so air can circulate freely.
Save Power in the Laundry
- Washing Clothes – Only run the washing machine on full load, as this will reduce the number of times you use the washing machine.
- Drying Clothes – Avoid using a dryer instead hang your clothes out to dry on a clothesline.