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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Mamanuca Islands 2024
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Cost of Living in Mamanuca Islands

By Betsy Burlingame

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Summary: If you're moving to Mamanuca Islands, understanding the the cost of living in Mamanuca Islands helps you know 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 FJ$1,200 - FJ$1,800 per month
1-Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Center FJ$800 - FJ$1,200 per month
Apartment Purchases Price per Square Meter in City Center FJ$3,000 - FJ$5,000
Price per Square Meter Outside of City Center FJ$2,000 - FJ$3,500
Transportation One-way Ticket (Local Transport) FJ$1.50 - FJ$3.00
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) FJ$50 - FJ$100
Gasoline (1 liter) FJ$2.00 - FJ$2.50
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) FJ$5.00 - FJ$7.00
Groceries Milk (1 liter) FJ$2.50 - FJ$3.50
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) FJ$1.50 - FJ$2.50
Rice (1kg) FJ$2.00 - FJ$3.00
Chicken Breasts (1kg) FJ$10.00 - FJ$15.00
Restaurants Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant FJ$10.00 - FJ$20.00
Three-course Meal for Two at a Mid-range Restaurant FJ$60.00 - FJ$100.00
Domestic Beer (0.5-liter draught) FJ$5.00 - FJ$8.00
Utilities Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment FJ$200.00 - FJ$350.00 per month
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) FJ$0.20 - FJ$0.50
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) FJ$100.00 - FJ$150.00 per month
Private School Tuition Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child FJ$300.00 - FJ$600.00
Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child FJ$3,000.00 - FJ$6,000.00
Middle School, Yearly for 1 Child FJ$4,000.00 - FJ$8,000.00
High School, Yearly for 1 Child FJ$5,000.00 - FJ$10,000.00
Please note that the cost of living in the Mamanuca Islands, can vary greatly depending on the specific location and personal preferences. The information provided above is a general overview of the costs you may encounter while living in the Mamanuca Islands.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Mamanuca Islands

"The cost of living in the Mamanuca Islands, can be considered moderate to high, depending on the lifestyle one chooses to lead. Accommodation can range from budget-friendly hostels to luxury resorts, with the latter being more expensive. Eating out can also vary in cost, with local eateries being more affordable than high-end restaurants. Groceries tend to be more expensive due to the fact that many items need to be imported. Transportation costs are also a factor to consider, as traveling between islands can add up. However, public transportation and shared boat rides can help to mitigate these costs. Leisure activities such as water sports, tours, and excursions can also add to the overall cost of living. Despite these costs, many people find the natural beauty and relaxed lifestyle of the Mamanuca Islands to be worth the expense," said one expat living in Mamanuca Islands.

Can I live in Mamanuca Islands on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in the Mamanuca Islands 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. The cost of living here is generally lower than in more developed countries, but there are still some expenses that can add up quickly if you're not careful.First, you'll need to find affordable housing. I recommend looking for a place to live in the more local neighborhoods, like Malolo or Mana Island, where you can find a small house or apartment for around $500-$700 a month. Avoid the more touristy areas like Castaway Island or Tokoriki, as the prices there can be much higher.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your food expenses. Eating out at restaurants can be quite expensive, especially in the more touristy areas. I suggest cooking at home as much as possible and shopping at local markets for fresh produce and fish. This can help you save a significant amount of money on food each month.Transportation can also be a bit pricey, especially if you need to travel between islands frequently. I recommend using local boats and ferries whenever possible, as they are much more affordable than private charters or water taxis. If you need to travel to the mainland, try to plan your trips in advance and look for deals on flights or ferries.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of affordable options in the Mamanuca Islands. You can enjoy the beautiful beaches, go snorkeling or diving, or take part in local cultural events and activities. However, you may need to cut back on more expensive activities like resort-based water sports or guided tours.In terms of utilities and other monthly expenses, you'll need to be prepared for the fact that some modern amenities may not be as readily available or as reliable as you're used to. Internet service, for example, can be slow and expensive, so you may need to adjust your expectations and usage accordingly. Electricity and water can also be a bit more expensive than in more developed countries, so it's important to be mindful of your usage to keep costs down.Overall, living in the Mamanuca Islands on $1,500 a month is doable, but you'll need to be prepared to make some sacrifices and adjustments to your lifestyle. By being mindful of your expenses and taking advantage of the more affordable aspects of island life, you can make it work and enjoy a unique and beautiful living experience," commented an expat living in Mamanuca Islands.

Can I live in Mamanuca Islands on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in the Mamanuca Islands for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. The cost of living here is generally higher than in other parts of Fiji, mainly because it's a popular tourist destination. First, you'll need to find affordable accommodation. I'd recommend looking for a place to rent in the villages on the main island of Malolo, like Yaro or Solevu. These areas are more affordable compared to the resorts and private islands. You can find a decent house or apartment for around $500 to $1,000 per month. Next, you'll need to be mindful of your food expenses. Eating out at the resorts can be quite expensive, so I'd suggest cooking at home as much as possible. You can buy groceries from the local markets or take a trip to the mainland to stock up on supplies. It's also a good idea to eat local produce and seafood, as imported goods can be pricey. Transportation can also be a significant expense, especially if you need to travel between islands frequently. I'd recommend using the local ferries and boats, which are more affordable than the resort-owned options. You can also save money by walking or biking around the islands when possible. As for entertainment and leisure, you'll need to be selective about the activities you choose. Many of the resorts offer day passes for non-guests, which can be a great way to enjoy their amenities without breaking the bank. However, you'll want to limit these visits to once or twice a month. Instead, take advantage of the natural beauty of the islands by snorkeling, hiking, or simply relaxing on the beach. In terms of sacrifices, you'll likely need to give up some of the modern amenities you're used to, like high-speed internet and access to a wide variety of shopping and dining options. You'll also need to be prepared for the occasional power outage and limited access to healthcare facilities. Overall, living in the Mamanuca Islands on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your expenses and be willing to adapt to a simpler lifestyle," said one expat living in Mamanuca Islands.

Can I live in Mamanuca Islands on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in the Mamanuca Islands 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'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll need to be mindful of where you choose to live. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods, like those near the luxury resorts, can be quite pricey. I'd recommend looking for accommodation in more affordable areas, such as Malolo Lailai or Mana Island. These areas still offer beautiful surroundings and access to modern amenities, but at a more reasonable cost.Another thing to consider is transportation. While there are some public transportation options available, they can be quite limited, so you might need to rely on taxis or private car hires, which can add up quickly. To save on transportation costs, consider living close to your workplace or other places you frequent, or look into carpooling with coworkers or neighbors.Eating out can also be expensive, especially if you're dining at the high-end resorts or touristy areas. To save money, try to cook at home as much as possible and shop at local markets for fresh produce and seafood. When you do eat out, opt for more affordable local restaurants or cafes instead of the pricier tourist spots.Lastly, while there are plenty of recreational activities available in the Mamanuca Islands, some can be quite costly, such as scuba diving, parasailing, or visiting the luxury resorts. To save on entertainment costs, look for more budget-friendly activities like snorkeling, hiking, or exploring the local villages and cultural sites.Overall, living in the Mamanuca Islands on $5,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices to ensure you stay within your budget," commented an expat living in Mamanuca Islands.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame 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.


Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

SJB Global
SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
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SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

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