Cost of Living in Ba
Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Ba helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
Category | Details | Cost |
---|---|---|
Apartment Rentals | 1-bedroom apartment in city center | FJD 600 - FJD 1,000 per month |
1-bedroom apartment outside city center | FJD 400 - FJD 700 per month | |
Apartment Purchases | Price per square meter in city center | FJD 1,500 - FJD 2,500 |
Price per square meter outside city center | FJD 1,000 - FJD 1,800 | |
Transportation | One-way local transport ticket | FJD 1.50 |
Monthly local transport pass | FJD 40 - FJD 60 | |
Gasoline (1 liter) | FJD 2.00 - FJD 2.20 | |
Taxi (1 km) | FJD 2.00 - FJD 3.00 | |
Groceries | Milk (1 liter) | FJD 2.50 - FJD 3.50 |
Bread (500g) | FJD 1.50 - FJD 2.50 | |
Rice (1 kg) | FJD 1.50 - FJD 2.50 | |
Chicken breasts (1 kg) | FJD 10.00 - FJD 15.00 | |
Restaurants | Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | FJD 10.00 - FJD 20.00 |
Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | FJD 60.00 - FJD 100.00 | |
Fast food meal (e.g., McDonald's) | FJD 8.00 - FJD 12.00 | |
Utilities | Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment | FJD 200.00 - FJD 350.00 per month |
Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) | FJD 80.00 - FJD 150.00 per month | |
Mobile call (1 minute, no discounts or plans) | FJD 0.20 - FJD 0.50 | |
Private School Tuition | Preschool (or Kindergarten) | FJD 2,000 - FJD 4,000 per year |
Elementary School | FJD 3,000 - FJD 6,000 per year | |
Middle School | FJD 4,000 - FJD 8,000 per year | |
High School | FJD 5,000 - FJD 10,000 per year |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Ba
"The cost of living in Ba is relatively affordable compared to many Western countries. Housing is quite inexpensive, with both rentals and property prices being quite low. Utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water are also reasonably priced. Groceries in Ba are moderately priced, with local markets offering fresh produce at lower costs. Eating out is also quite affordable, with a wide range of options from inexpensive street food to more upscale dining. Transportation costs are also low in Ba, with affordable public transportation options and relatively low fuel prices. However, owning a car can be more expensive due to import taxes. Healthcare in Ba is generally affordable, but it's worth noting that more complex medical procedures may require travel to a larger city or even overseas. Education costs vary, with public schools being free of charge, while private and international schools come with tuition fees. Overall, while salaries in Ba are generally lower than in Western countries, the cost of living is also significantly lower, making it a reasonably affordable place to live," said one expat living in Fiji.
Can I live in Ba on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Ba 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 a place to live that's affordable. I recommend looking for a house or apartment in neighborhoods like Yalalevu or Vatulaulau, where the rent is generally lower. You might have to settle for a smaller place or one that's not as modern as you're used to, but it's still possible to find something decent.On the other hand, I would avoid neighborhoods like Namosau or Varadoli, as they tend to be more expensive. You'll also need to be mindful of your utility bills, as electricity and water can be quite costly here. Try to conserve energy by using fans instead of air conditioning and being conscious of your water usage.When it comes to food, you'll need to adjust your diet to include more local produce and ingredients, as imported goods can be quite expensive. Shopping at local markets and cooking at home will help you save money. Eating out can be affordable if you stick to local restaurants and avoid touristy areas, but it's still more expensive than cooking at home.Transportation is another area where you can save money. Public transportation is relatively cheap, and you can also consider getting a bicycle or walking to get around. Owning a car can be expensive, not only because of the initial cost but also due to fuel prices and maintenance.Finally, you'll need to be mindful of your entertainment and leisure expenses. Going out to bars and clubs can quickly eat into your budget, so consider finding more affordable ways to socialize and have fun. There are plenty of outdoor activities and local events that you can enjoy for little to no cost.In conclusion, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Ba, Fiji is possible, but you'll need to make some sacrifices and adjustments to your lifestyle. By being mindful of your expenses and embracing the local culture, you can make it work and enjoy your time in this beautiful country," commented an expat living in Fiji.
Can I live in Ba on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Ba for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you'll have to make some adjustments to your lifestyle. First, you'll need to find a place to live that's within your budget. Some of the more affordable neighborhoods in Ba include Yalalevu, Vatulaulau, and Nailaga. These areas offer decent housing options at a lower cost compared to more expensive neighborhoods like Namosau and Varadoli. You might have to settle for a smaller house or apartment, but it's still possible to find a comfortable place to live.One of the sacrifices you'll have to make is adjusting to the local transportation options. Public transportation in Ba is not as reliable or convenient as what you might be used to in a more developed country. Buses and taxis are the main modes of transportation, and they can be quite slow and crowded. You might want to consider buying a used car or motorbike to get around more easily, but keep in mind that fuel prices can be high.Another adjustment you'll have to make is in terms of shopping and dining options. While there are supermarkets and local markets in Ba, the variety of products available might be limited compared to what you're used to. You'll need to adapt to the local cuisine and ingredients, which can be quite different from what you're used to. Eating out can also be a bit more expensive, especially if you're looking for international cuisine. To save money, you might want to cook more at home and explore the local markets for fresh produce.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, you'll also need to adjust your expectations. Ba doesn't have the same variety of entertainment options as a larger city, so you might need to find new hobbies or interests to keep yourself occupied. Outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and exploring the beautiful Fijian landscape can be great ways to spend your free time without spending too much money.Lastly, you'll need to be prepared for the slower pace of life in Ba. Things might not move as quickly or efficiently as you're used to, and you'll need to learn to be patient and adapt to the local way of doing things. This can be a challenge for some expats, but it can also be a refreshing change of pace if you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of a busy city.Overall, living in Ba on $3,000 a month is possible, but it will require some adjustments and sacrifices. By finding affordable housing, adapting to the local transportation and shopping options, and embracing the slower pace of life, you can make it work and enjoy your time in this beautiful part of Fiji," said one expat living in Fiji.
Can I live in Ba on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Ba 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 choose a neighborhood that's affordable but still offers the amenities you're used to. I'd recommend looking into areas like Varadoli, Yalalevu, or Nailaga. These neighborhoods are more affordable than some of the more upscale areas like Namosau or Votualevu, but they still have access to modern amenities like supermarkets, restaurants, and healthcare facilities.One sacrifice you might have to make is in terms of housing. While you can find modern, comfortable homes in Ba, they might not be as luxurious as what you're used to. You'll likely need to settle for a smaller house or apartment, but you can still find something clean and well-maintained within your budget.Another area where you might need to make some adjustments is transportation. While there are buses and taxis available in Ba, they might not be as reliable or convenient as what you're used to. You might want to consider purchasing a used car to get around more easily, but keep in mind that this will add to your monthly expenses.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, you might need to adjust your expectations a bit. While there are some nice restaurants and bars in Ba, the options are more limited than in a larger city. You'll also need to get used to a slower pace of life and find enjoyment in simpler activities like going to the beach, hiking, or exploring the local markets.Overall, living in Ba on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, but it will require some adjustments and sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being mindful of your housing and transportation choices, and embracing the local culture and lifestyle, you can make it work and enjoy a comfortable life in Fiji," commented an expat living in Fiji.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.