You can live modestly in Fiji on roughly 2,100–3,200 FJ$ per month as a single person and about 6,000 FJ$ for a family of four, covering rent, food, utilities and transport. City one‑bed rents average ~1,440 FJ$ with cheaper suburban options; utilities run ~121 FJ$, internet ~52 FJ$, and monthly transport ~67 FJ$. Groceries and dining are generally cheaper than in many Western countries. Keep going to see detailed cost breakdowns and saving tips.

Overview of Monthly Living Expenses in Fiji

Although living costs vary by location and lifestyle, you can expect clear benchmarks: a single person needs about 3,205 FJ$ per month while a family of four averages roughly 6,026 FJ$.

Although living costs vary, expect about 3,205 FJ$ monthly for a single and 6,026 FJ$ for a family of four.

You’ll compare these totals against typical line items: average net monthly salary is about 2,123.03 FJ$, so a single person’s baseline living expenses exceed average earnings, indicating reliance on higher income or cost-cutting.

Rent in city centers (excluded from detailed housing analysis here) can span 1,200–2,500 FJ$, while basic utilities for a 915 sq ft unit average 121.38 FJ$.

Public transport is relatively inexpensive at roughly 67.12 FJ$ per month, reducing commuting impact on the cost of living.

Housing and Rental Costs Across Cities and Suburbs

Expect city-center one-bedroom rents to range widely—about 600–2,500 FJ$ per month with an average near 1,441.67 FJ$, while suburban three-bedroom homes typically run 600–1,200 FJ$, offering clearer value for families.

You’ll find city apartments generally pricier than rural options, and long-term leases usually reduce monthly costs compared with short stays.

If you’re a foreigner, check local rental rules and visa-related tenancy requirements, since they can affect lease length and eligibility.

City-Center One-Bed Rents

In many parts of Fiji you’ll find city-center one-bedroom rents average about 1,441.67 FJ$ per month (roughly 400–800 USD), with listings typically spanning 600–2,500 FJ$ depending on neighborhood and amenities.

You’ll see one-bedroom apartment options that are competitively priced versus Western cities, making central living affordable for expats.

Data points to clear patterns:

• Expect basic one-bedroom apartment units at the lower end (600–1,000 FJ$) with limited amenities.
• Mid-range listings (1,000–1,800 FJ$) often include air conditioning, security, and proximity to services.
• Premium units (1,800–2,500 FJ$) offer modern finishes and central locations.

You’ll save compared with many US urban centers, and long-term leases usually reduce monthly cost further.

Suburban Family Homes

If city-center one-bedrooms suit singles and couples, suburban family homes offer much more space at a lower cost: three-bedroom houses in suburban Fiji typically rent for 600–1,200 FJ$ per month, about half or less of comparable Western rents. You’ll find suburban family homes give you yards, multiple bedrooms and lower per-person rent. Rent varies by proximity to urban centers; rural rates drop further. Expats often secure better deals than at home, lowering overall living costs. You should compare suburbs for commute versus savings. Renting remains primary for foreigners due to ownership limits, so focus on lease terms and neighborhood services.

Rental Rules for Foreigners

Because foreigners can’t buy property in Fiji, you’ll rely on rentals and should compare city-center one-bed rates (about 400–800 FJ$) with suburban three-bed options (600–1,200 FJ$) to balance space and cost.

You’ll follow Fiji’s rental rules for foreigners: leases, durations, and local practice shape affordability. Long-term contracts reduce monthly rates versus short-term stays. Review lease terms, deposits, and notice periods to avoid disputes.

• Expect clearer value in suburbs: larger units for similar or lower total rent.
• Negotiate longer leases: landlords often lower rates for stable tenants.
• Confirm legal clauses: eviction, maintenance, and payment schedules matter.

Data show expats often find better deals than at home; prioritize contract clarity and term length.

Food, Groceries, and Local Market Prices

While you’re budgeting in Fiji, you’ll find groceries and market produce generally cheaper than in many Western countries: a dozen large eggs run about 9 FJ$, 1 kg of apples about 9 FJ$, tomatoes 17 FJ$/kg, potatoes only 2.54 FJ$/kg, and a gallon of milk roughly 10.76 FJ$.

So cooking at home is cost-effective compared with eating out (inexpensive restaurant meals ≈10 FJ$, mid-range dinner for two ≈92.50 FJ$). You’ll see fresh produce at local markets priced competitively versus supermarkets, which keeps your weekly food bill lower if you choose seasonal fruit and vegetables.

Staples like rice, root crops and locally caught fish further reduce costs compared with imported goods. For living in Fiji, planning meals around market availability and buying bulk dairy or pantry items cuts per-meal expenses.

Eating out occasionally remains affordable, but your monthly food spend will fall substantially when you prioritize home cooking and market shopping over frequent restaurant meals.

Utilities, Internet, and Mobile Phone Plans

You’ll typically pay about 121.38 FJ$ monthly for basic utilities in a 915 sq ft apartment, with bills ranging from 80–180 FJ$.

High‑speed internet (60 Mbps+) averages 51.67 FJ$ (40–100 FJ$), while a mobile plan runs roughly 30.38 FJ$ (15–35 FJ$).

Compared to many Western countries, these combined costs for utilities and communications are generally lower, making Fiji relatively affordable.

Monthly Utility Costs

Expect to pay roughly 121.38 FJ$ per month for basic utilities in a 915 sq ft apartment, though bills commonly range from 80–180 FJ$ depending on consumption and what’s included.

In Fiji you’ll find variability by season and usage; expect higher costs with heavy AC or frequent appliance use.

Compare costs like this:

• Utilities: average 121.38 FJ$ (range 80–180 FJ$), varies with services included and consumption.
• Mobile plans: average ~30.38 FJ$ monthly (range 15–35 FJ$), useful for budgeting phone access versus prepaid.
• Internet: typical monthly cost ~51.67 FJ$ (range 40–100 FJ$) for high-speed options; factor this into total monthly bills.

You’ll monitor usage to control costs and plan for fluctuations.

Internet Speed and Price

Although urban areas generally get the best service, you’ll pay about 51.67 FJ$ monthly for 60+ Mbps internet on average (typical range 40–100 FJ$), while mobile plans run roughly 30.38 FJ$ (15–35 FJ$).

Rural coverage is often patchy, fiber availability is growing in serviced zones, and prepaid options let you avoid long-term contracts.

You’ll compare providers by internet speed and price: 60+ Mbps is common in towns, higher tiers via fiber appear where infrastructure exists.

In rural locations expect slower, more expensive satellite or wireless links.

Price-performance varies—some ISPs charge near the lower bound for basic 60 Mbps, others charge premium rates for stable fiber.

Factor coverage maps and peak-time speeds when choosing a plan.

Mobile Plans and Data

While urban areas typically get the best coverage, mobile plans in Fiji remain affordable: the average monthly plan is about 30.38 FJ$ (range 15–35 FJ$).

Prepaid rates run roughly 0.19 FJ$ per minute, and data availability and pricing drop off in rural zones where satellite or wireless links are more common.

You’ll find mobile plans that suit light to heavy use, and overall costs compare favorably with many regional markets.

High-speed home internet (60 Mbps+) sits around 51.67 FJ$ monthly, so bundling can be economical.

Consider these points when choosing service:

• Urban vs rural: coverage and data caps vary greatly.
• Plan type: prepaid gives flexibility; postpaid averages 30.38 FJ$.
• Speed vs cost: 60+ Mbps costs ~51.67 FJ$, higher in remote areas.

Transportation and Commuting Expenses

If you’re budgeting for daily travel, local one-way fares run about 2.00 FJ$ (typically 1.50–3.00 FJ$). You’ll find transportation generally affordable, depending on the location: island hubs have more frequent services and lower per-ride costs than remote areas.

A monthly public transport pass averages 67.12 FJ$ (range 50.00–130.43 FJ$), so compare providers if you commute daily.

Taxis start at 2.00 FJ$ under normal tariffs, with an approximate 1.61 FJ$ per mile rate, making short trips reasonable but longer rides costly versus buses.

If you drive, gasoline runs about 11.15 FJ$ per gallon (typical 9.88–12.49 FJ$), so estimate fuel expenses by weekly mileage. Overall, you’ll pay less for daily mobility than in many developed countries, though costs scale with distance, service frequency, and island remoteness.

Use passes for frequent travel and taxis selectively to minimize monthly commuting expenses.

Healthcare, Insurance, and Medical Costs

Because public hospitals like Colonial War Memorial keep checkups around $20–$50 USD and many consultations are free for locals, basic medical care in Fiji is noticeably cheaper than in many developed countries.

You’ll find continuous upgrades to facilities have pushed down medication and service costs, so routine treatments and vaccines often cost less than in Western nations. For expats, health insurance is advisable because private clinics charge higher fees for consultations and procedures.

• Public healthcare: affordable checkups, free consultations for locals, lower drug prices.
• Private care: faster service but higher fees; insurance reduces out-of-pocket risk.
• Preventive services: vaccinations and screenings available at reasonable prices.

Compare expected annual spend: locals may pay minimal public fees; expats without insurance could face significant private bills.

If you prioritize cost control, use public facilities when appropriate and buy an extensive expatriate health insurance plan to cover private-treatment gaps and emergency evacuations.

Entertainment, Leisure, and Lifestyle Spending

Although entertainment costs in Fiji vary by activity and location, you can expect modest prices compared with many Western destinations. You’ll pay about 30 FJ$ for a basic dinner for two at a neighborhood pub and roughly 50 FJ$ for an Italian restaurant—useful benchmarks when budgeting weekly social meals.

Movie outings are inexpensive: two tickets typically run ~18 FJ$, so cinema stays cheap. Outdoor recreation spans 20–100 FJ$ depending on kayaking, diving, or guided tours; plan higher for specialized dive trips and remote-island excursions. Many beaches and national parks charge low entrance fees (2–5 FJ$), keeping casual outdoor days affordable.

Nightlife is accessible: a downtown cocktail averages 11 FJ$, letting you socialize without large expense. Compared to prior healthcare-related costs, entertainment remains a smaller, more discretionary portion of your monthly budget—unless you opt frequently for high-end tours.

Note that public spending priorities like medical services can influence local amenity quality and availability.

Money, Banking, and Currency Exchange Options

After budgeting for meals, outings, and tours, you’ll want a clear picture of how money moves in Fiji and how to get the best value when paying or exchanging currency.

The Fijian Dollar (FJ$) is used nationwide; mid-market exchange rates give a reliable baseline so you can compare bank and bureau prices. Local and international banks are widely available, supporting accounts, cards, and cash withdrawals for residents and expats.

• Use multi-currency services like Wise to hold 40+ currencies, get local account details, and pay into 140 countries with lower fees than traditional banks.
• Expect utilities for a standard apartment near 121.38 FJ$/month and mobile plans starting around 30.38 FJ$; factor recurring costs when choosing banking options.
• For transit, single fares are about 2.00 FJ$ and monthly passes roughly 67.12 FJ$, so prioritize low-fee debit/credit access for frequent small transactions.

Compare fees, ATM spreads, and card acceptance to minimize costs when handling money in Fiji.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a US Citizen Move to Fiji?

Yes — you can move to Fiji: Visa Requirements allow US citizens four months visa-free, longer stays need residence permits; compared to the US, costs are lower, rentals common, and you’ll likely rent due to land ownership limits.

How Much Money Do You Need to Retire in Fiji?

Think of Fiji as a gentle tide: you’ll need a Retirement Budget around 3,200 FJ$ monthly for a solo retiree, or about 6,026 FJ$ for a family of four, reflecting lower costs versus many Western countries.

What Is the Average Rent in Fiji?

The average rent in Fiji is about 1,441.67 FJ$ monthly for a one-bedroom city-center apartment; Rental Prices range from 600–2,500 FJ$, often lower than Western markets, with suburban three-bed rents typically 600–1,200 FJ$.

Is Fiji a Good Place to Live?

Like a modern Robinson Crusoe, you’ll find Fiji’s lifestyle benefits compelling: you’ll enjoy affordable housing, lower living costs than many Western countries, strong community ties, and accessible healthcare, making it a very attractive place to live.

Conclusion

Living in Fiji balances like a tide: accommodation and groceries set the base, utilities and transport create the ebb and flow, and healthcare or leisure are occasional high waves. Compared to regional peers, rent is moderate, food affordable if you favor markets, and imported goods push costs up. Plan with insurance and a reliable internet plan to avoid surprises. With clear budgeting, you’ll navigate costs here as predictably as the island currents—measured, comparative, and manageable.