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

By Joshua Wood, LPC

AGS Worldwide Movers
AGS Worldwide Movers

Summary: If you're moving to Yasawa Islands, understanding the the cost of living in Yasawa 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
Apartment Rentals
  • 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: FJD 1,000 - 1,500 per month
  • 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: FJD 700 - 1,000 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment in the city center: FJD 2,000 - 3,000 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment outside the city center: FJD 1,500 - 2,000 per month
Apartment Purchases
  • Price per square meter in the city center: FJD 3,000 - 4,000
  • Price per square meter outside the city center: FJD 2,000 - 3,000
Transportation
  • One-way local transport ticket: FJD 1.50 - 2.50
  • Monthly local transport pass: FJD 50 - 70
  • Taxi starting tariff: FJD 5
  • Taxi fare per kilometer: FJD 1.50 - 2
  • Gasoline (1 liter): FJD 2 - 2.50
Groceries
  • Milk (1 liter): FJD 2.50 - 3.50
  • Bread (500g): FJD 1.50 - 2.50
  • Rice (1kg): FJD 2 - 3
  • Eggs (12): FJD 4 - 6
  • Chicken breasts (1kg): FJD 10 - 15
  • Beef round (1kg): FJD 15 - 20
  • Apples (1kg): FJD 6 - 8
  • Oranges (1kg): FJD 4 - 6
  • Tomatoes (1kg): FJD 4 - 6
  • Potatoes (1kg): FJD 3 - 5
  • Water (1.5-liter bottle): FJD 1.50 - 2.50
Restaurants
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: FJD 10 - 20
  • Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: FJD 50 - 80
  • Combo meal at a fast-food restaurant: FJD 10 - 15
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): FJD 5 - 7
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): FJD 6 - 8
  • Cappuccino: FJD 4 - 6
  • Soft drink (0.33-liter bottle): FJD 2 - 3
  • Water (0.33-liter bottle): FJD 1.50 - 2.50
Utilities
  • Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment: FJD 200 - 300 per month
  • Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): FJD 100 - 150 per month
  • Mobile call rate per minute (local, no discounts or plans): FJD 0.20 - 0.50
Private School Tuition
  • Preschool: FJD 3,000 - 5,000 per year
  • Elementary School: FJD 5,000 - 8,000 per year
  • Middle School: FJD 8,000 - 12,000 per year
  • High School: FJD 12,000 - 18,000 per year
Please note that the cost of living in the Yasawa Islands, can vary depending on the specific location and personal preferences. The information provided above is an estimate based on available data and should be used as a general guide.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Yasawa Islands

"The cost of living in Yasawa Islands, is considered relatively high compared to other parts of Fiji due to its remote location and the costs associated with transporting goods and services to the islands. Accommodation can range from budget-friendly backpacker options to luxury resorts, with prices varying accordingly. Eating out can also be expensive, with many resorts offering meal plans to help manage costs. Groceries and other everyday items tend to be more expensive than on the mainland due to transportation costs. Public transportation is limited, with most people relying on boats for inter-island travel, which can also be costly. However, despite these costs, many people find the natural beauty and tranquility of the Yasawa Islands to be worth the expense," said one expat living in Yasawa Islands.

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

"I've been living in Yasawa 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 some modern amenities might not be as readily available or as affordable as you're used to.First, you'll need to find affordable accommodation. I recommend looking for a place to live in the villages of Teci or Navotua, as they tend to have lower rental prices compared to more touristy areas like Nacula or Nanuya. You can find a simple house or a shared accommodation for around $300-$500 a month, but keep in mind that it might not have all the modern amenities you're used to, like air conditioning or high-speed internet.Next, you'll need to adjust your food budget. Eating out can be quite expensive, especially in the more touristy areas. I suggest cooking at home as much as possible and buying groceries from local markets, where you can find fresh produce and seafood at reasonable prices. You can expect to spend around $200-$300 a month on groceries if you're careful with your spending.Transportation can also be a significant expense, as the Yasawa Islands are quite remote and getting around can be challenging. I recommend using local boats or ferries for transportation between islands, which can cost around $50-$100 per trip, depending on the distance. If you need to travel to the mainland, you'll have to budget for flights or ferries, which can be quite expensive.As for entertainment and leisure activities, you'll have to be mindful of your spending. There are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy, like hiking, snorkeling, or exploring the local villages. However, if you want to participate in more organized tours or activities, you'll need to budget for those expenses.In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up some of the modern amenities you're used to, like high-speed internet, air conditioning, or access to a wide variety of restaurants and entertainment options. Additionally, you'll need to be prepared for a more laid-back, slower-paced lifestyle, as things tend to move at a more relaxed pace in the Yasawa Islands.Overall, living on $1,500 a month in Yasawa Islands, Fiji is possible, but it requires careful budgeting and a willingness to adapt to a simpler lifestyle. By choosing affordable neighborhoods, cooking at home, and enjoying low-cost activities, you can make it work and enjoy the beautiful surroundings and unique culture of the Yasawa Islands," commented an expat living in Yasawa Islands.

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

"I've been living in Yasawa 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 lower than in more developed countries, but some things can be more expensive, especially if you're used to modern amenities.First, you'll need to find a place to live. There are some affordable neighborhoods in the islands, like Nacula and Naviti, where you can find a decent house or apartment for around $500 to $800 a month. However, these areas might not have all the modern amenities you're used to, like high-speed internet or air conditioning. If you want to live in a more upscale neighborhood, like the ones near the luxury resorts, you'll have to pay a lot more – around $1,500 to $2,000 a month.Next, you'll need to consider transportation. There's no public transportation system in the Yasawa Islands, so you'll either have to rely on boats or seaplanes to get around. This can be quite expensive, especially if you need to travel frequently. A more affordable option is to buy a small boat, which will cost you around $1,000 to $2,000, and then you'll only have to pay for fuel.Food can also be a bit more expensive here, especially if you want to eat out or buy imported products. A meal at a local restaurant will cost you around $10 to $15, while a meal at a more upscale restaurant can be around $30 to $50. If you cook at home, you can save some money by buying local produce and seafood, which are relatively cheap. However, imported products like cheese, wine, and certain fruits can be quite expensive.As for entertainment, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in the Yasawa Islands, like snorkeling, diving, and hiking. These can be quite affordable, especially if you have your own equipment. However, if you're looking for more modern entertainment options, like movie theaters or shopping malls, you won't find them here.In summary, it's possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month in the Yasawa Islands, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. You'll need to live in a more affordable neighborhood, rely on boats for transportation, and adjust your food and entertainment options. If you're willing to do that, you can enjoy a beautiful and relaxed lifestyle in this island paradise," said one expat living in Yasawa Islands.

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

"I've been living in Yasawa 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 choose your accommodation wisely. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods, like the ones near the luxury resorts, can be quite pricey. I'd recommend looking for a place in one of the more affordable neighborhoods, like the villages on the eastern side of the islands. You can find some nice houses or apartments there for a reasonable price, and you'll still have access to modern amenities like electricity, running water, and internet.One of the sacrifices you'll have to make is in terms of transportation. There aren't many cars on the islands, so you'll mostly be relying on boats to get around. This can be a bit expensive, especially if you're traveling between islands frequently. To save money, try to plan your trips in advance and use the local ferries whenever possible. They're slower than the private boats, but they're also much cheaper.Eating out can also be quite expensive in the more touristy areas, so I'd recommend cooking at home as much as possible. The local markets have a great selection of fresh produce, and you can find some good deals if you shop around. If you do want to eat out occasionally, try the local restaurants in the villages rather than the ones at the resorts. The food is still delicious, but the prices are much more reasonable.Another thing to consider is entertainment. While there are some beautiful beaches and amazing snorkeling spots on the islands, there isn't a huge amount of nightlife or other entertainment options. If you're used to going out a lot, you might find this a bit of a sacrifice. However, there are still plenty of ways to have fun, like joining a local sports team or taking up a new hobby like fishing or diving.Overall, living in Yasawa Islands on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and be willing to make some sacrifices. If you can do that, you'll be able to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in a beautiful part of the world," commented an expat living in Yasawa Islands.

About the Author

Joshua Wood 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.


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