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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Rakiraki 2024
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Cost of Living in Rakiraki

By Betsy Burlingame

SJB Global
SJB Global

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Rakiraki 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 of 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 of City Center FJD 1,000 - FJD 1,800
Transportation One-way Ticket (Local Transport) FJD 1.50 - FJD 3.00
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) FJD 50 - FJD 100
Gasoline (1 liter) FJD 1.80 - FJD 2.20
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) FJD 3.00 - FJD 5.00
Groceries Milk (1 liter) FJD 2.00 - FJD 3.00
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) FJD 1.50 - FJD 2.50
Rice (1kg) FJD 1.50 - FJD 3.00
Chicken Breasts (1kg) FJD 8.00 - FJD 12.00
Restaurants Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant FJD 10.00 - FJD 20.00
Three-course Meal for Two at a Mid-range Restaurant FJD 50.00 - FJD 100.00
Utilities Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment FJD 150.00 - FJD 300.00 per month
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) FJD 0.20 - FJD 0.50
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) FJD 80.00 - FJD 150.00 per month
Private School Tuition Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child FJD 300.00 - FJD 600.00
Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child FJD 3,000 - FJD 6,000
Middle School, Yearly for 1 Child FJD 4,000 - FJD 8,000
High School, Yearly for 1 Child FJD 5,000 - FJD 10,000
Please note that the costs provided are approximate and may vary depending on the specific location within Rakiraki. It is always a good idea to research and compare prices in the area you plan to live in to get a more accurate understanding of the cost of living.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Rakiraki

"The cost of living in Rakiraki is considered to be relatively low compared to many Western countries. Housing and rental prices are quite affordable, especially when compared to major cities. The cost of food is also reasonable, with local markets offering fresh produce at lower prices. Utilities such as electricity, water, and internet are also relatively inexpensive. Public transportation is readily available and affordable, although owning a car can be more costly due to import taxes. Healthcare is generally affordable, but it's worth noting that complex medical procedures may require travel to a larger city or even overseas. Overall, the cost of living in Rakiraki allows for a comfortable lifestyle without excessive expenditure," said one expat living in Rakiraki.

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

"I've been living in Rakiraki 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 relatively low compared to more developed countries, but you'll still need to be mindful of your spending.First, you'll want to find an affordable place to live. I recommend looking for a house or apartment in neighborhoods like Vaileka or Naria, where you can find a decent place for around $300 to $500 a month. You might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Volivoli or Waimari, as the rent there can be significantly higher.Next, you'll need to budget for utilities, which can be a bit expensive in Fiji. Electricity, water, and internet can cost around $200 a month, depending on your usage. To save on electricity, you might want to consider using energy-efficient appliances and being mindful of your usage.When it comes to food, you can save money by shopping at local markets and cooking at home. Eating out can be quite expensive, especially in touristy areas. I usually spend around $300 a month on groceries, which allows me to eat well without breaking the bank.Transportation is another area where you can save money. Public transportation is quite affordable, with bus fares costing around $1 to $2 per trip. If you need a car, consider buying a used one, as new cars can be quite expensive due to import taxes.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of affordable options in Rakiraki. You can enjoy the beautiful beaches, go hiking, or visit local attractions like the Rakiraki Market or the Tomb of Udre Udre. However, you might have to cut back on more expensive activities like scuba diving or dining at high-end restaurants.In conclusion, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Rakiraki, Fiji is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being conscious of your utility usage, cooking at home, and enjoying low-cost leisure activities, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Rakiraki.

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

"I've been living in Rakiraki 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 choose a neighborhood that's affordable. I'd recommend looking into areas like Vaileka, which is the main town in Rakiraki, or nearby villages like Naria and Navuavua. These areas offer a good mix of local culture and modern amenities, and you can find decent housing options at reasonable prices. I'd avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Volivoli Beach or Wananavu, as these are popular tourist destinations and tend to have higher living costs.One of the sacrifices you'll have to make is adjusting to the local transportation system. While there are buses and taxis available, they may not be as reliable or frequent as you're used to. You might want to consider getting a car or a scooter to get around more easily, but keep in mind that this will add to your monthly expenses.Another thing to consider is the availability of certain products and services. While you can find most basic necessities in Rakiraki, you might have to give up on some of your favorite brands or products, as they may not be available or could be more expensive due to import costs. You'll also need to adapt to the local cuisine, as eating out at restaurants can be pricey, especially if you're looking for international options.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, you might have to cut back on some of the things you're used to. While there are beautiful beaches and natural attractions to enjoy, you won't find many shopping malls, movie theaters, or other entertainment options that you might be accustomed to. Instead, you'll need to embrace the local culture and find enjoyment in simpler activities like visiting local markets, attending community events, or exploring the beautiful Fijian landscape.Overall, living in Rakiraki on $3,000 a month is doable, but it will require some adjustments and sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, adapting to the local transportation system, and embracing the local culture and lifestyle, you can make it work and enjoy a comfortable life in this beautiful part of Fiji," said one expat living in Rakiraki.

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

"I've been living in Rakiraki for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even 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 neighborhoods can be quite expensive, so I'd recommend looking for a place in more affordable areas like Vaileka or Naria. These neighborhoods still offer decent housing options and are close to local amenities, but they're more budget-friendly compared to more upscale areas like Volivoli or Wananavu.One of the sacrifices you might have to make is adjusting to the slower pace of life here. Things don't always run as efficiently as they do in more developed countries, so you'll need to be patient when it comes to things like public transportation and getting things done.Another thing to consider is that while Rakiraki has some modern amenities, it's not as developed as larger cities. You might not have access to the same variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options that you're used to. However, this can also be a positive, as it encourages you to explore the local culture and natural beauty of Fiji.In terms of utilities and services, you might find that the quality of internet and mobile phone coverage isn't as reliable as you're used to. This can be frustrating at times, but it's something that you'll need to adapt to. You might also need to be more conscious of your water and electricity usage, as these can be more expensive than in other countries.Overall, living in Rakiraki on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, but it requires some adjustments and sacrifices. By being mindful of your spending and embracing the local way of life, you can enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling experience in this beautiful part of Fiji," commented an expat living in Rakiraki.

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.


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