Cost of Living in Savusavu
Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Savusavu helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
Apartment Rentals | Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Savusavu is around $400 USD per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around $800 USD per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside of the city center is around $300 USD per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside of the city center is around $600 USD per month. |
Apartment Purchases | The cost of purchasing a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Savusavu is around $50,000 USD. The cost of purchasing a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around $100,000 USD. The cost of purchasing a one-bedroom apartment outside of the city center is around $40,000 USD. The cost of purchasing a three-bedroom apartment outside of the city center is around $80,000 USD. |
Transportation | The cost of public transportation in Savusavu is around $1 USD per ride. The cost of a taxi ride in the city center is around $5 USD. The cost of a taxi ride outside of the city center is around $10 USD. |
Groceries | The cost of groceries in Savusavu is relatively low. A loaf of bread is around $1 USD, a liter of milk is around $2 USD, a dozen eggs is around $3 USD, and a kilogram of rice is around $2 USD. |
Restaurants | The cost of eating out in Savusavu is relatively low. A meal at a fast food restaurant is around $5 USD, a meal at a mid-range restaurant is around $15 USD, and a meal at a high-end restaurant is around $30 USD. |
Utilities | The cost of utilities in Savusavu is relatively low. The cost of electricity is around $50 USD per month, the cost of water is around $20 USD per month, and the cost of internet is around $30 USD per month. |
Private School Tuition | The cost of private school tuition in Savusavu is relatively low. The cost of preschool tuition is around $200 USD per month, the cost of elementary school tuition is around $300 USD per month, the cost of middle school tuition is around $400 USD per month, and the cost of high school tuition is around $500 USD per month. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Savusavu
"The cost of living in Savusavu is generally considered to be quite affordable. Groceries, utilities, and other basic necessities are generally quite inexpensive, and the cost of housing is also quite reasonable. Eating out at restaurants is also quite affordable, and there are plenty of options to choose from. Overall, Savusavu is a great place to live if you're looking for a place with a low cost of living," said one expat living in Savusavu.
Can I live in Savusavu on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Savusavu for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find affordable housing. I recommend looking for a place in neighborhoods like Nawi, Vunivau, or Yaroi, where you can find a decent house or apartment for around $500-$700 a month. Avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Lesiaceva or Cousteau, as the prices there can be much higher.Next, you'll need to adjust your expectations when it comes to modern amenities. While you can find most things you need in Savusavu, some items might be more expensive or harder to come by. For example, imported goods like electronics or certain food items can be pricey, so you'll need to be mindful of your spending in those areas.Transportation is another area where you'll need to make some adjustments. Owning a car can be expensive, so I recommend using public transportation like buses or taxis, which are quite affordable. Alternatively, you can also consider buying a bicycle or scooter for getting around town.Eating out can also be a significant expense, so I recommend cooking at home as much as possible. Local markets offer fresh produce and seafood at reasonable prices, and you can find most basic groceries at local stores. However, if you're craving some Western-style food, there are a few restaurants and cafes in town that offer more familiar options, but they can be a bit more expensive.Finally, you'll need to be mindful of your entertainment and leisure expenses. While there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Savusavu, like hiking, snorkeling, or visiting local beaches, you might need to cut back on more expensive hobbies or outings.Overall, living in Savusavu on $1,500 a month is doable, but it requires some adjustments and sacrifices. By being mindful of your spending and embracing the local lifestyle, you can make it work and enjoy your time in this beautiful Fijian town," commented an expat living in Savusavu.
Can I live in Savusavu on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Savusavu for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, especially if you're used to modern amenities. However, there are some sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll need to be mindful of your housing choices. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods, like the ones near the marina or with ocean views, can be quite pricey. I'd recommend looking for a place in more affordable areas, such as Nawi or Lesiaceva. You can find decent houses or apartments for rent within your budget in these neighborhoods.Another thing to consider is transportation. Owning a car can be expensive due to import taxes and high fuel prices. I'd suggest using public transportation, like buses and taxis, which are quite affordable and reliable. Alternatively, you could also consider buying a scooter or a bicycle for getting around town.Eating out can also be a significant expense, especially if you're used to dining at high-end restaurants. I'd recommend cooking at home as much as possible and shopping at local markets for fresh produce. When you do eat out, try to stick to local eateries, which are not only more affordable but also offer delicious Fijian cuisine.As for entertainment and leisure activities, you might have to cut back on some of the more expensive options, like scuba diving or sailing. However, there are plenty of affordable or free activities to enjoy, such as hiking, snorkeling, or exploring the beautiful beaches and waterfalls around Savusavu.Lastly, keep in mind that while you can find most modern amenities in Savusavu, some items might be more expensive due to import costs. It's a good idea to be flexible and adapt to using local products and services whenever possible.Overall, living in Savusavu on $3,000 a month is doable, but it requires some adjustments and sacrifices. By being mindful of your spending and embracing the local lifestyle, you can enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling life in this beautiful Fijian town," said one expat living in Savusavu.
Can I live in Savusavu on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Savusavu for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, especially if you're used to modern amenities. However, there are some sacrifices you might have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll need to be mindful of your housing choices. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods, like the ones near the marina or with ocean views, can be quite pricey. I'd recommend looking for a place in more affordable areas, such as Nawi or Lesiaceva. You can still find nice homes or apartments in these neighborhoods, but they'll be more budget-friendly.Another thing to consider is transportation. Owning a car in Savusavu can be expensive, especially when you factor in the cost of fuel and maintenance. I've found that using public transportation, like buses and taxis, is a more cost-effective option. Plus, it's a great way to get to know the local community and experience the Fijian way of life.Eating out can also add up quickly, so I'd recommend cooking at home as much as possible. The local markets in Savusavu offer a great selection of fresh produce, fish, and other ingredients at reasonable prices. You can still enjoy the occasional meal at a restaurant, but try to stick to more affordable options like local eateries instead of high-end establishments.Finally, be mindful of your entertainment and leisure expenses. While there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Savusavu, such as hiking, snorkeling, and exploring the local beaches, some activities like scuba diving or visiting nearby islands can be quite expensive. It's all about finding a balance and prioritizing what's most important to you.Overall, living in Savusavu on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, but it requires some careful budgeting and a willingness to make a few sacrifices. By being mindful of your housing, transportation, food, and entertainment expenses, you can enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling life in this beautiful Fijian town," commented an expat living in Savusavu.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.