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

By Joshua Wood, LPC

SJB Global
SJB Global

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

Cost of Living in Suva - Cost of Living in Suva

Cost of Living Suva
Apartment Rentals Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from $500 to $1,000 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from $1,000 to $2,000 per month.
Apartment Purchases The cost of purchasing an apartment in Suva can range from $100,000 to $500,000 depending on the size and location.
Transportation Public transportation in Suva is relatively inexpensive. A one-way ticket on the bus costs around $1.50. Taxis are also available and the cost of a ride is around $5.00.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Suva is relatively low. A loaf of bread costs around $1.50, a liter of milk costs around $2.00, and a dozen eggs costs around $3.00.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Suva is relatively low. A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around $15.00 per person.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Suva is relatively low. The average cost of electricity is around $50.00 per month, and the average cost of water is around $20.00 per month.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Suva varies depending on the school. Preschool tuition can range from $500 to $1,000 per year. Elementary school tuition can range from $1,000 to $2,000 per year. Middle school tuition can range from $2,000 to $3,000 per year. High school tuition can range from $3,000 to $4,000 per year.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Suva

"The cost of living in Suva is generally considered to be quite reasonable. Groceries, transportation, and utilities are all relatively inexpensive, while rent and dining out can be a bit more expensive. Prices for goods and services can vary depending on the area, but overall, the cost of living in Suva is quite affordable," said one expat living in Suva.

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

"I've been living in Suva 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 an affordable place to live. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods like Tamavua and Domain are probably out of your budget, but you can find more affordable options in areas like Samabula, Nabua, or even parts of Raiwaqa. You can expect to pay around $500-$700 a month for a decent apartment or flat in these areas.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your utility bills. Electricity and water can be quite expensive here, so you'll want to be conservative with your usage. You might also want to consider using a prepaid mobile plan instead of a postpaid one, as it can help you save on your phone bill.Transportation is another area where you can save money. Public transportation is relatively cheap in Suva, with buses and taxis being the most common options. If you're working in the city center, you might even be able to walk or bike to work, which would save you even more money.When it comes to food, eating out can be quite expensive, especially in the more touristy areas. However, if you're willing to cook at home and shop at local markets, you can save a lot of money on groceries. Fresh produce, fish, and other local ingredients are usually quite affordable, and you can find a good variety of items at the Suva Municipal Market or other smaller markets around the city.Entertainment and leisure activities can also be a bit pricey, but there are plenty of free or low-cost options available. You can enjoy the beautiful beaches, parks, and hiking trails around Suva without spending a dime. There are also several cultural and community events throughout the year that are either free or have a minimal entrance fee.In summary, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Suva is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being conservative with utilities, using public transportation, cooking at home, and enjoying low-cost leisure activities, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Suva.

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

"I've been living in Suva 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 and sacrifices. First, you'll need to find a place to live that's within your budget. Some of the more affordable neighborhoods in Suva are Samabula, Nabua, and Raiwaqa. These areas have a mix of apartments and houses, and you can find a decent place for around $500 to $800 a month. I'd recommend avoiding the more expensive neighborhoods like Tamavua, Domain, and Muanikau, as rents there can easily go over $1,000 a month.As for utilities, you can expect to pay around $100 to $150 a month for electricity, water, and gas, depending on your usage. Internet and mobile phone plans can be a bit pricey, but you can find some affordable options if you shop around. I pay about $50 a month for my internet and mobile plan combined.Groceries can be a bit expensive, especially if you're used to buying imported goods. However, if you stick to local produce and products, you can save quite a bit. I spend around $300 to $400 a month on groceries, but I've learned to adapt my diet to what's available locally.Eating out can also be affordable if you stick to local restaurants and cafes. A meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost you around $10 to $15, while a meal at a more upscale place can easily go over $30. I usually eat out a couple of times a week and spend around $100 to $150 a month on dining out.Transportation is relatively cheap in Suva. Taxis and buses are the main modes of transport, and you can get around the city for just a few dollars. I spend around $50 to $75 a month on transportation.Entertainment and leisure activities can be a bit limited in Suva, but there are still plenty of things to do. There are a few cinemas, parks, and cultural events to attend, and you can also explore the beautiful beaches and nature reserves around the island. I spend around $100 to $200 a month on entertainment and leisure activities.Overall, I'd say that living in Suva 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 an affordable neighborhood, adapting your diet to local products, and being selective about your entertainment and leisure activities, you can live comfortably and enjoy your time in Fiji," said one expat living in Suva.

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

"I've been living in Suva 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 might be some sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll want to consider the neighborhood you choose to live in. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods, like Tamavua or Domain, might be out of your budget if you're trying to keep costs down. Instead, I'd recommend looking into more affordable areas like Samabula, Nabua, or even parts of Lami. These neighborhoods still offer a good quality of life, but at a more reasonable price.In terms of housing, you might have to settle for a smaller apartment or house than you're used to, but you should still be able to find something comfortable and modern. Utilities like electricity and water can be a bit expensive, so you'll want to be mindful of your usage to keep costs down.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive due to import taxes and high fuel prices. I'd recommend using public transportation, like buses and taxis, which are relatively affordable and reliable. If you do decide to get a car, consider a fuel-efficient model to save on gas.Groceries can also be a bit pricey, especially if you're looking for imported goods. To save money, try shopping at local markets for fresh produce and fish, and stick to local brands when possible. Eating out can be affordable if you stick to local restaurants and cafes, but you might have to cut back on dining at high-end establishments.Lastly, you'll want to be mindful of your entertainment and leisure expenses. While there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Suva, like hiking, swimming, or visiting local parks, you might have to limit your spending on things like movie tickets, gym memberships, or weekend getaways.Overall, living in Suva on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, but you'll need to be conscious of your spending and make some sacrifices to ensure you stay within your budget," commented an expat living in Suva.

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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