Cost of Living in Fiji | 2023 Price list | Expat’s Guide

In this article, we touch upon the average costs you will most likely incur each month while in Fiji. We have broken down the article into subcategories covering food, personal items, housing, household utilities, clothes, transport, and finally entertainment. The costs listed may fluctuate slightly through the year, but with this information, you are able to create a solid foundation and a greater understanding of your monthly outgoings.

Average Food Costs in Fiji


Interior View of the Extra Supermarket in FIJI
Extra Supermarket in FIJI
ImageProductQuantity CategoryFJD
NESTLE MILO SOFT PACK 400GNESTLE MILO SOFT PACK400 GHot Chocolate8.75
G H COCOA POWDER 200GMG/H COCOA POWDER200 GMHot Chocolate6.95
NESTLE COCOA 190GMNESTLE COCOA190 GMHot Chocolate8.65
OVALTINE 400GMSOVALTINE400 GMHot Chocolate9.95
NESCAFE CLASSIC INST COFFEE 100GNESCAFE CLASSIC INST COFFEE100GCoffee12.50
NOBLE CLASSIC INST COFFEE 200GNOBLE CLASSIC INST COFFEE200GCoffee9.45
BUSHELLS TEA 100GBUSHELLS TEA100GTea1.63
ROYAL TEA BAGS 100S 120SROYAL TEA BAGS100STea7.35
NO.1 TEA BAGS 100SNO.1 TEA BAGS100STea4.95
CRUSH NATURAL ARTESIAN WATER 1.5LTRCRUSH NATURAL ARTESIAN WATER1.5LTRWater1.50
ISLAND CHILL ARTESIAN WATER 1.5LTRSISLAND CHILL ARTESIAN WATER1.5LTRSWater1.75
FIJI NATURAL WATER 500MLFIJI NATURAL WATER500MLWater2.00
ISLAND CHILL ARTESIAN WATER 330MLISLAND CHILL ARTESIAN WATER330MLWater0.65
TANG LITRO ORANGE 25GTANG LITRO ORANGE25 GCold Beverage1.00
COCA COLA 2.25LTCOCA COLA2.25 LTCold Beverage5.25
SUNQUICK TROPICAL 840MLSSUNQUICK TROPICAL840 MLSCold Beverage11.65
SPRITE 2.25LTSPRITE 2.25 LTCold Beverage5.25
VANNAMEI SHRIMP 41 50 350GVANNAMEI SHRIMP 41 50350GSea Food12.95
SEA HARVEST PRAWNS MEAT 80 120 400GSEA HARVEST PRAWNS MEAT 80 120400GSea Food13.35
PREMIER LAMB SAUSAGE 500GPREMIER LAMB SAUSAGE 500G500 GSausages7.50
CREST CHICKEN SIZZLERS ORIGINAL 1KGCREST CHICKEN SIZZLERS ORIGINAL 1KG1KGSausages9.95
PERFECT CHOICE LAMB SAUSAGES 1.5KGPERFECT CHOICE LAMB SAUSAGES1.5KGSausages19.95
COUNTRY K LAMB DELIGHTS SAUSAGE 1KGCOUNTRY/K LAMB DELIGHTS SAUSAGE 1KGSausages13.95
CREST CHICKEN FROZEN NO.16CREST CHICKEN FROZENNO.16Poultry19.95
RAM SAMI EGGS SIZE 7 30s 1.65kgRAM SAMI EGGS (SIZE 7)1.65kgPoultry16.25
CREST CHICKEN LIVER 500G TUBSCREST CHICKEN LIVER500G TUBSPoultry5.95
LAMB CURRY PIECES KGLAMB CURRY PIECES KG- Lamb11.95
LAMB SHOULDER CHOPSLAMB SHOULDER CHOPS- Lamb24.95
TUCKERS VANILLA ICE CREAM 4.5LTRSTUCKERS VANILLA ICE CREAM4.5LTRSIcecream16.95
WATTIES MIX VEG 1KGWATTIES MIX VEG1KGFrozen Vegetable9.95
GLDN HVST MIX VEG 1KGGLDN HVST MIX VEG1KGFrozen Vegetable6.55
POMMES FRENCH FRIES 10MM 2.5KGPOMMES FRENCH FRIES 10MM2.5KGFrozen Meals13.95
BROKEN SHACKLE CLASSIC RED WINE 750MLBROKEN SHACKLE CLASSIC RED WINE750MLBeer Wine Spirits12.95
FIJI GOLD CAN 330mlFIJI GOLD CAN330mlBeer Wine Spirits2.95
FIJI GOLD BEER 355MLFIJI GOLD BEER 355MLBeer Wine Spirits3.00
JACK DANIELS AMERICAN SERVE 250ML CANJACK DANIELS AMERICAN 250ML CANBeer Wine Spirits4.95
BOUNTY OP RUM 750MLBOUNTY OP RUM750MLBeer Wine Spirits69
FIJI BITTER GREEN CANS 330MLFIJI BITTER GREEN CANS330MLBeer Wine Spirits2.95
HEINEKEN BEER BOTT 330MLHEINEKEN BEER BOTTLE330MLBeer Wine Spirits4.85
FRUTO S BERRY JAM 450GMFRUTO S/BERRY JAM 450GMSpreads4.65
PREMIUM ISLAND SALTED PEANUT 150GPREMIUM ISLAND SALTED PEANUT 150GSpreads1.95
AMERICANA PEANUT BUTTER CREAMY 510GAMERICANA PEANUT BUTTER CREAMY 510GSpreads5.95
PUNJAS HOT MASALA 500GPUNJAS HOT MASALA500GSpices7.15
PUNJAS CURRY POWDER 500GPUNJAS CURRY POWDER 500GSpices5.35
G HARVEST SULTANA 200GG/HARVEST SULTANA 200GSpices2.65
ISLAND PERFECT CHOICE HONEY 350GISLAND/PERFECT CHOICE HONEY350GSpeciality Food 9.45
BONGO JNR CHEESE 20GRBONGO JNR CHEESE20GSnacks0.60
UFO SNACKS 20GUFO SNACKS20GSnacks0.55
JASON PEANUT RUFFS 20GJASON PEANUT RUFFS20GSnacks0.60
TWISTIS CHSE FLAV 20GTWISTIS CHSE FLAV20GSnacks0.70
JASONS WHEELS SMOKED CHICKEN 20GJASONS WHEELS SMOKED CHICKEN20GSnacks0.55
VALLEY FRESH T S REF425gVALLEY FRESH T/S 425gSauce2.95
PEARL R SOY SAUCE DARK 600MLPEARL/R SOY SAUCE DARK600MLSauce3.95
AMERICANA SWEET CHILLI SAUCE 300MLAMERICANA SWEET CHILLI SAUCE300MLSauce6.95
PERFECT CHOICE IODIZED SALT 907GPERFECT CHOICE IODIZED SALT 907GSalt0.68
PUNJAS JASMINE RICE 10KGPUNJAS JASMINE RICE10KGRice24.00
PUNJAS PREM LONG RICE 10KGPUNJAS PREM L/G RICE10KGRice18.58
BALDUCCI P RIGATI NO18 500GBALDUCCI P/RIGATI NO18500GPasta3.15
BALDUCCI SPIRAL NO55 500GBALDUCCI SPIRAL NO55500GPasta3.15
BALDUCCI SPAGHETTII NO4 500GBALDUCCI SPAGHETTII NO4500GPasta3.15
SIMPLY SOYA BEAN OIL 1LTRSIMPLY SOYA BEAN OIL 1LTROil4.96
MAGGI CHICKEN NOODLE 80G 10PKMAGGI CHICKEN NOODLE 80G 10PKNoodles8.25
REWA LIFE UHT MILK 1LTRREWA LIFE UHT MILK 1LTRMilk2.80
RED COW MILK POWDER 450GRED COW MILK POWDER450GMilk5.88
TIFFANY MAYONNAISE 500MLTIFFANY MAYONNAISE 500MLMayonnaise6.65
FMF NORMAL FLOUR 4KFMF NORMAL FLOUR4KGFlour7.29
WRIGLEYS P.K. 10 PACKWRIGLEYS P.K.10 PackConfectionery0.90
MM CHOCOLATE 49GM&M CHOCOLATE49GConfectionery2.65
SNICKERS SINGLE BAR 50GMSNICKERS SINGLE BAR50GConfectionery2.65
MARS SINGLE BAR 47GMARS SINGLE BAR47GConfectionery2.65
AMERICANA COCONUT CREAM 400MLAMERICANA COCONUT CREAM400MLCoconut Cream3.45
WATTIES B BEANS T S 420GWATTIES B/BEANS T/S420GBaked Beans4.65
WATTIES SPAGHET T S 420GWATTIES SPAGHET T/S420GBaked Beans3.75
FMF B FAST CRACKER.375GFMF B/FAST CRACKER375GBiscuits2.10
OREO CHOCOLATE CREME 119.6GOREO CHOCOLATE CREME119.6GBiscuits3.25
PUNJAS MILK ARROWROOT 250GPUNJAS MILK ARROWROOT250GBiscuits2.45
G H ROLLED OATS 400GMG/H ROLLED OATS 400GMBreakfast3.10
SANITARIUM WEETBIX 375GSANITARIUM WEETBIX 375GBreakfast6.15
KELLOGGS CORNFLAKES 725GKELLOGGS CORNFLAKES 725GBreakfast21.65
SEA KING MACKEREL IN T SAUCE 425GSEA KING MACKEREL IN T/SAUCE 425GCanned Fish3.76
SKIPPER TUNA FLAKES IN VEG OIL 180GSKIPPER TUNA FLAKES IN VEG OIL 180GCanned Fish2.65
G H FRUIT SALAD 410GG/H FRUIT SALAD410GCanned Fruit4.25
OXFORD C BEEF 326GOXFORD C/BEEF326GCanned Meat5.07
FARMERS STYLE C MUTTON 326GFARMERS STYLE C/MUTTON326GCanned Meat5.41
ENERGIZER AA 3 1EVEREADY BATTERY AAANon-Food3.10

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


Fiji Spice Queen
Fiji Spice Queen
ImageProductQuantity CategoryCost (FJD)
BIC COMFORT 3 ADVANCE SHAVERS 4SSHAVING RAZOR-Non-Food8.55
PALMOLIVE SHAMPOO INTENSIVE MOIST 350MLSHAMPOO350MLNon-Food6.99
PROTEX BATH SOAP 3 X 75G FRESHSOAPS3 PackNon-Food3,99
NIVEA ROLL ON 50ML COOL KICKDEODORANT50mlNon-Food5.95
BRUT DEODRANT 150GMBRUT DEODORANT150GMNon-Food9.20
ORCHID T TISSUE 10SORCHID TOILET TISSUE10SNon-Food5.85
AXION DISHWASHING PASTE LEMON LIME 350GAXION DISHWASHING PASTE LEMON LIME350GNon-Food3.30
STELOW STEELWOOL ONE PADSTELOW STEELWOOOLONE PADNon-Food1.00
STELOW SCOUR SPONGE 5SSTELOW SCOUR SPONGE5SNon-Food2.35
ORCHID GARBAGE BAG 10SORCHID GARBAGE BAG10SNon-Food4.45
GOODKNIGHT ADV HP CHAR JUMBO COILGOODKNIGHT JUMBO COIL 10 PackNon-Food1.40
MORTEIN SPRAY RED 300 GMMORTEIN SPRAY RED300 GM.Non-Food8.65
CORAL LEMON ZEST SACHET 910GCORAL LEMON ZEST SACHET 910GNon-Food3.45
Libra Goodnite W wings 10sLIBRA GOODNITE W/WINGS10sNon-Food3.95
Sparky 3 In 1 Toilet Cleaner 500mlSPARKY 3 IN 1 TOILET CLEANER500mlNon-Food3.95
Colgate Triple Action 193gCOLGATE TRIPLE ACTION193gNon-Food5.50
Colgate Plax 250ml PeppermintCOLGATE PLAX PEPPERMINT250mlNon-Food5.95

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


Denarau Island Exterior and Interior View World Class Properties

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:

  1. Buy the newspaper as early as possible in the morning.
  2. Grab a pen, sit down, scan the paper, and circle the potentials (Marking your top five)
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.fjHarcourts and Professionals FIJI 

Household Utilities Costs in Fiji


ImageProductQuantity CategoryCost (FJD)
FIJI GAS REFILL 12KGFIJI GAS REFILL12KGEnergy38.59
BLUE GAS REFILL 12KGBLUE GAS REFILL12KGEnergy38.59

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


A Young Lady wearing Pacific Islands Art clothing on the Beach
Pacific Islands Art

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


Aerial View busy street Suva Fiji people

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


Pacific Transport Limited
Pacific-Transport-Limited

Entertainment a Social Costs in Fiji


Republik Night Club (Courtesy of Management)
Republik Night Club (Courtesy of Management)

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


Clothes drying on a clothes line in Fiji, beautiful sunny day, clothes swaying in the wind
Clothes swaying in the wind hung on a clothesline

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.

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