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

Average Food Costs

Image	Product	Quantity	Category	FJD
	NESTLE MILO SOFT PACK	400 G	Hot Chocolate	8.75
	G/H COCOA POWDER	200 GM	Hot Chocolate	6.95
	NESTLE COCOA	190 GM	Hot Chocolate	8.65
	OVALTINE	400 GM	Hot Chocolate	9.95
	NESCAFE CLASSIC INST COFFEE	100G	Coffee	12.50
	NOBLE CLASSIC INST COFFEE	200G	Coffee	9.45
	BUSHELLS TEA	100G	Tea	1.63
	ROYAL TEA BAGS	100S	Tea	7.35
	NO.1 TEA BAGS	100S	Tea	4.95
	CRUSH NATURAL ARTESIAN WATER	1.5LTR	Water	1.50
	ISLAND CHILL ARTESIAN WATER	1.5LTRS	Water	1.75
	FIJI NATURAL WATER	500ML	Water	2.00
	ISLAND CHILL ARTESIAN WATER	330ML	Water	0.65
	TANG LITRO ORANGE	25 G	Cold Beverage	1.00
	COCA COLA	2.25 LT	Cold Beverage	5.25
	SUNQUICK TROPICAL	840 MLS	Cold Beverage	11.65
	SPRITE	2.25 LT	Cold Beverage	5.25
	VANNAMEI SHRIMP 41 50	350G	Sea Food	12.95
	SEA HARVEST PRAWNS MEAT 80 120	400G	Sea Food	13.35
	PREMIER LAMB SAUSAGE 500G	500 G	Sausages	7.50
	CREST CHICKEN SIZZLERS ORIGINAL 1KG	1KG	Sausages	9.95
	PERFECT CHOICE LAMB SAUSAGES	1.5KG	Sausages	19.95
	COUNTRY/K LAMB DELIGHTS SAUSAGE	1KG	Sausages	13.95
	CREST CHICKEN FROZEN	NO.16	Poultry	19.95
	RAM SAMI EGGS (SIZE 7)	1.65kg	Poultry	16.25
	CREST CHICKEN LIVER	500G TUBS	Poultry	5.95
	LAMB CURRY PIECES KG	-	Lamb	11.95
	LAMB SHOULDER CHOPS	-	Lamb	24.95
	TUCKERS VANILLA ICE CREAM	4.5LTRS	Icecream	16.95
	WATTIES MIX VEG	1KG	Frozen Vegetable	9.95
	GLDN HVST MIX VEG	1KG	Frozen Vegetable	6.55
	POMMES FRENCH FRIES 10MM	2.5KG	Frozen Meals	13.95
	BROKEN SHACKLE CLASSIC RED WINE	750ML	Beer Wine Spirits	12.95
	FIJI GOLD CAN	330ml	Beer Wine Spirits	2.95
	FIJI GOLD BEER	355ML	Beer Wine Spirits	3.00
	JACK DANIELS AMERICAN	250ML CAN	Beer Wine Spirits	4.95
	BOUNTY OP RUM	750ML	Beer Wine Spirits	69
	FIJI BITTER GREEN CANS	330ML	Beer Wine Spirits	2.95
	HEINEKEN BEER BOTTLE	330ML	Beer Wine Spirits	4.85
	FRUTO S/BERRY JAM	450GM	Spreads	4.65
	PREMIUM ISLAND SALTED PEANUT	150G	Spreads	1.95
	AMERICANA PEANUT BUTTER CREAMY	510G	Spreads	5.95
	PUNJAS HOT MASALA	500G	Spices	7.15
	PUNJAS CURRY POWDER	500G	Spices	5.35
	G/HARVEST SULTANA	200G	Spices	2.65
	ISLAND/PERFECT CHOICE HONEY	350G	Speciality Food	9.45
	BONGO JNR CHEESE	20G	Snacks	0.60
	UFO SNACKS	20G	Snacks	0.55
	JASON PEANUT RUFFS	20G	Snacks	0.60
	TWISTIS CHSE FLAV	20G	Snacks	0.70
	JASONS WHEELS SMOKED CHICKEN	20G	Snacks	0.55
	VALLEY FRESH T/S	425g	Sauce	2.95
	PEARL/R SOY SAUCE DARK	600ML	Sauce	3.95
	AMERICANA SWEET CHILLI SAUCE	300ML	Sauce	6.95
	PERFECT CHOICE IODIZED SALT	907G	Salt	0.68
	PUNJAS JASMINE RICE	10KG	Rice	24.00
	PUNJAS PREM L/G RICE	10KG	Rice	18.58
	BALDUCCI P/RIGATI NO18	500G	Pasta	3.15
	BALDUCCI SPIRAL NO55	500G	Pasta	3.15
	BALDUCCI SPAGHETTII NO4	500G	Pasta	3.15
	SIMPLY SOYA BEAN OIL	1LTR	Oil	4.96
	MAGGI CHICKEN NOODLE	80G 10PK	Noodles	8.25
	REWA LIFE UHT MILK	1LTR	Milk	2.80
	RED COW MILK POWDER	450G	Milk	5.88
	TIFFANY MAYONNAISE	500ML	Mayonnaise	6.65
	FMF NORMAL FLOUR	4KG	Flour	7.29
	WRIGLEYS P.K.	10 Pack	Confectionery	0.90
	M&M CHOCOLATE	49G	Confectionery	2.65
	SNICKERS SINGLE BAR	50G	Confectionery	2.65
	MARS SINGLE BAR	47G	Confectionery	2.65
	AMERICANA COCONUT CREAM	400ML	Coconut Cream	3.45
	WATTIES B/BEANS T/S	420G	Baked Beans	4.65
	WATTIES SPAGHET T/S	420G	Baked Beans	3.75
	FMF B/FAST CRACKER	375G	Biscuits	2.10
	OREO CHOCOLATE CREME	119.6G	Biscuits	3.25
	PUNJAS MILK ARROWROOT	250G	Biscuits	2.45
	G/H ROLLED OATS	400GM	Breakfast	3.10
	SANITARIUM WEETBIX	375G	Breakfast	6.15
	KELLOGGS CORNFLAKES	725G	Breakfast	21.65
	SEA KING MACKEREL IN T/SAUCE	425G	Canned Fish	3.76
	SKIPPER TUNA FLAKES IN VEG OIL	180G	Canned Fish	2.65
	G/H FRUIT SALAD	410G	Canned Fruit	4.25
	OXFORD C/BEEF	326G	Canned Meat	5.07
	FARMERS STYLE C/MUTTON	326G	Canned Meat	5.41
	EVEREADY BATTERY	AAA	Non-Food	3.10

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

Image	Product	Quantity	Category	Cost (FJD)
	SHAVING RAZOR	-	Non-Food	8.55
	SHAMPOO	350ML	Non-Food	6.99
	SOAPS	3 Pack	Non-Food	3,99
	DEODORANT	50ml	Non-Food	5.95
	BRUT DEODORANT	150GM	Non-Food	9.20
	ORCHID TOILET TISSUE	10S	Non-Food	5.85
	AXION DISHWASHING PASTE LEMON LIME	350G	Non-Food	3.30
	STELOW STEELWOOOL	ONE PAD	Non-Food	1.00
	STELOW SCOUR SPONGE	5S	Non-Food	2.35
	ORCHID GARBAGE BAG	10S	Non-Food	4.45
	GOODKNIGHT JUMBO COIL	10 Pack	Non-Food	1.40
	MORTEIN SPRAY RED	300 GM.	Non-Food	8.65
	CORAL LEMON ZEST SACHET	910G	Non-Food	3.45
	LIBRA GOODNITE W/WINGS	10s	Non-Food	3.95
	SPARKY 3 IN 1 TOILET CLEANER	500ml	Non-Food	3.95
	COLGATE TRIPLE ACTION	193g	Non-Food	5.50
	COLGATE PLAX PEPPERMINT	250ml	Non-Food	5.95

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

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.fj,  Harcourts and Professionals FIJI 

Household Utilities

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)

Clothes

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

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 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)

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.