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

By Betsy Burlingame

William Russell
William Russell

Summary: If you're moving to Sigatoka, understanding the the cost of living in Sigatoka helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Category Cost
Apartment Rentals
  • 1-bedroom apartment in city center: FJD 600 - FJD 800 per month
  • 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: FJD 400 - FJD 600 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment in city center: FJD 1,200 - FJD 1,800 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: FJD 800 - FJD 1,200 per month
Apartment Purchases
  • Price per square meter in city center: FJD 2,000 - FJD 3,000
  • Price per square meter outside city center: FJD 1,000 - FJD 2,000
Transportation
  • One-way local transport ticket: FJD 1.50
  • Monthly local transport pass: FJD 50 - FJD 70
  • Taxi starting tariff: FJD 5
  • Taxi per kilometer: FJD 1.50
  • Gasoline (1 liter): FJD 2.00 - FJD 2.20
Groceries
  • Milk (1 liter): FJD 2.50 - FJD 3.00
  • Bread (500g): FJD 1.50 - FJD 2.50
  • Rice (1kg): FJD 2.00 - FJD 3.00
  • Eggs (12): FJD 3.50 - FJD 5.00
  • Chicken breasts (1kg): FJD 10.00 - FJD 15.00
  • Beef round (1kg): FJD 15.00 - FJD 20.00
  • Apples (1kg): FJD 4.00 - FJD 6.00
  • Oranges (1kg): FJD 3.00 - FJD 5.00
  • Tomatoes (1kg): FJD 3.00 - FJD 5.00
  • Potatoes (1kg): FJD 2.00 - FJD 4.00
  • Water (1.5-liter bottle): FJD 1.50 - FJD 2.50
Restaurants
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: FJD 10.00 - FJD 20.00
  • Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: FJD 50.00 - FJD 80.00
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): FJD 5.00 - FJD 7.00
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): FJD 6.00 - FJD 8.00
  • Cappuccino: FJD 4.00 - FJD 6.00
  • Soft drink (0.33-liter bottle): FJD 1.50 - FJD 2.50
Utilities
  • Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment: FJD 200 - FJD 300 per month
  • Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): FJD 80 - FJD 120 per month
Private School Tuition
  • Preschool: FJD 3,000 - FJD 5,000 per year
  • Elementary School: FJD 5,000 - FJD 8,000 per year
  • Middle School: FJD 6,000 - FJD 10,000 per year
  • High School: FJD 7,000 - FJD 12,000 per year
Please note that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on individual preferences and lifestyle. It is always recommended to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Sigatoka

"The cost of living in Sigatoka is considered moderate. Housing and rental prices are relatively affordable, especially when compared to more developed countries. The cost of food and groceries is also reasonable, with local markets offering fresh produce at lower prices. Utilities such as electricity, water, and internet are fairly priced, although they may be higher than in some other parts of Fiji due to Sigatoka's location. Transportation costs are also moderate, with affordable public transportation options available. Healthcare is relatively inexpensive, but it's worth noting that more complex medical procedures may require travel to a larger city. Overall, while Sigatoka is not the cheapest place to live in Fiji, it offers a good balance of affordability and quality of life," said one expat living in Sigatoka.

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

"I've been living in Sigatoka 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 more affordable neighborhood to live in. I'd recommend looking into areas like Nayawa, Olosara, or Yavulo. These neighborhoods are more budget-friendly, and you can find a decent house or apartment for around $500-$700 a month. On the other hand, I'd avoid neighborhoods like Cuvu or Natadola, as they tend to be more expensive and cater to tourists and expats with higher budgets. In terms of utilities, you can expect to pay around $100-$150 a month for electricity, water, and gas, depending on your usage. Internet and mobile phone plans can be a bit pricey, so you might have to settle for a more basic plan to stay within your budget.When it comes to food, you'll need to be smart about your grocery shopping and eating out. Local markets are your best bet for affordable fresh produce, and you can find some great deals if you shop around. Eating out can be quite affordable if you stick to local restaurants and avoid touristy spots. You can expect to spend around $300-$400 a month on groceries and eating out if you're careful with your spending.Transportation is relatively affordable in Sigatoka, especially if you use public buses or shared taxis. Owning a car can be expensive due to import taxes and fuel costs, so I'd recommend relying on public transportation to save money. You can expect to spend around $100-$150 a month on transportation.Lastly, 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 Sigatoka, like visiting the beach or hiking, you'll need to budget for any additional expenses like gym memberships, hobbies, or weekend trips. I'd recommend setting aside around $200-$300 a month for these activities.Overall, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Sigatoka is doable, but you'll need to be disciplined with your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing, utilities, and leisure activities," commented an expat living in Sigatoka.

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

"I've been living in Sigatoka 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 find affordable housing. I'd recommend looking for a place in neighborhoods like Korotogo or Olosara, where you can find decent houses or apartments for around $500 to $800 a month. These areas are not too far from the town center, and you'll still have access to basic amenities like grocery stores, restaurants, and public transportation. I'd avoid neighborhoods like Natadola or Votua, as these are more upscale and expensive, with monthly rents easily going over $1,000.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive due to high import taxes and fuel prices. I'd suggest using public transportation like buses or shared taxis, which are quite affordable and reliable. If you really need a car, consider buying a used one to save on costs.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 most of the time and exploring local markets for fresh produce and seafood. When you do eat out, try local eateries and smaller restaurants, which offer delicious Fijian cuisine at a fraction of the cost of more upscale establishments.As for entertainment and leisure, there are plenty of affordable activities to enjoy in Sigatoka, like visiting the beautiful beaches, hiking in the nearby hills, or exploring the local markets. However, you might have to cut back on more expensive hobbies like golfing or scuba diving, as these can quickly eat into your budget.Lastly, keep in mind that while healthcare in Fiji is relatively affordable, it might not be up to the standards you're used to. I'd recommend getting a comprehensive health insurance plan that covers medical evacuation, just in case you need more advanced care than what's available locally.Overall, living in Sigatoka on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. By choosing affordable housing, using public transportation, cooking at home, and enjoying low-cost leisure activities, you can live comfortably and enjoy the beautiful surroundings that Fiji has to offer," said one expat living in Sigatoka.

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

"I've been living in Sigatoka 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 where you choose to live. Some neighborhoods can be quite expensive, so I'd recommend looking into more affordable areas like Korotogo or Olosara. These neighborhoods offer a good mix of local and expat communities, and you can find decent housing options at reasonable prices. I'd avoid the more upscale neighborhoods like Natadola or Shangri-La's Fijian Resort area, as the cost of living there can be significantly higher.In terms of utilities and internet, you might have to compromise on the quality and speed of your connection. While there are options for high-speed internet, they can be quite expensive, so you might have to settle for a slower connection to save some money. Electricity can also be costly, so it's a good idea to be conscious of your usage and try to conserve energy where possible.Transportation is another area where you might have to make some adjustments. Owning a car can be expensive due to import taxes and high fuel prices, so you might want to consider using public transportation or renting a car when necessary. Buses and taxis are relatively affordable and can get you around Sigatoka and to nearby towns.Eating out can also add up quickly, especially if you're dining at tourist-oriented restaurants. To save money, try eating at local eateries or cooking at home using fresh produce from the markets. You'll find that the cost of groceries is quite reasonable, and you can enjoy a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood.Lastly, while there are plenty of recreational activities to enjoy in Sigatoka, some can be quite pricey. To stay within your budget, consider taking advantage of the natural beauty of the area by exploring the beaches, hiking trails, and local parks. There are also plenty of free or low-cost cultural events and festivals throughout the year that you can attend.Overall, living in Sigatoka on $5,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being conscious of your utility usage, and finding ways to save on transportation, food, and entertainment, you can enjoy a comfortable life in this beautiful Fijian town," commented an expat living in Sigatoka.

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.


William Russell
William Russell

William Russell
William Russell

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