Cost of Living in Lautoka

Category	Cost
Apartment Rentals	1-bedroom apartment in city center: FJD 800 - FJD 1,200 per month 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: FJD 600 - FJD 900 per month 3-bedroom apartment in city center: FJD 1,500 - FJD 2,500 per month 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: FJD 1,200 - FJD 2,000 per month
Apartment Purchases	Price per square meter in city center: FJD 2,500 - FJD 4,000 Price per square meter outside city center: FJD 1,500 - FJD 2,500
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 3.50 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 breast (1kg): FJD 10.00 - FJD 14.00 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 8.00 Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): FJD 6.00 - FJD 10.00 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 400 per month Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): FJD 80 - FJD 150 per month
Private School Tuition	Preschool: FJD 2,000 - FJD 4,000 per year Elementary School: FJD 4,000 - FJD 8,000 per year Middle School: FJD 6,000 - FJD 10,000 per year High School: FJD 8,000 - FJD 12,000 per year

Please note that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on individual preferences and lifestyle choices. It is always a good idea to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Lautoka

"The cost of living in Lautoka is considered moderate. Housing and rental prices are relatively affordable compared to many Western countries. The cost of groceries and dining out is also reasonable, with local markets offering fresh produce at lower prices. Utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and internet are also moderately priced. However, imported goods and luxury items can be quite expensive due to import taxes. Public transportation is relatively cheap, but owning and maintaining a car can be costly due to high fuel prices. Healthcare is generally affordable, but it's recommended to have health insurance for more serious medical procedures. Overall, the cost of living in Lautoka is manageable, but it can vary greatly depending on lifestyle and personal spending habits," said one expat living in Lautoka.

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

"I've been living in Lautoka for a while now, and I can tell you that it is possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you will have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find an affordable place to live. I recommend looking for a rental in neighborhoods like Saru, Waiyavi, or Tavakubu, where you can find a decent apartment or house for around $500-$700 a month. Avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Vomo Street or Natabua, as the rent there can be much higher.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your utility bills. Electricity and water can be quite expensive in Fiji, so try to conserve energy and water as much as possible. For example, use energy-efficient appliances, turn off lights when not in use, and limit your use of air conditioning.Transportation can also be a significant expense, so consider using public transportation or carpooling instead of owning a car. Buses and shared taxis are quite affordable and can get you around Lautoka and to other parts of Fiji.When it comes to food, eating out can be expensive, so try to cook at home as much as possible. Local markets offer fresh produce and other groceries at reasonable prices. If you do want to eat out occasionally, there are some affordable local restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy a meal without breaking the bank.As for entertainment and leisure activities, you might have to cut back on some of the more expensive options like going to high-end resorts or taking part in pricey tourist activities. Instead, take advantage of the beautiful natural surroundings in Lautoka and enjoy free or low-cost activities like hiking, swimming, or visiting local parks and beaches.In conclusion, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Lautoka, Fiji is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your expenses and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, conserving utilities, using public transportation, cooking at home, and enjoying low-cost leisure activities, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Lautoka.

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

"I've been living in Lautoka 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 might have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll need to find an affordable neighborhood to live in. I'd recommend looking into areas like Vomo Street, Tavakubu, and Saru. These neighborhoods offer a good mix of affordability and access to amenities. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Vuda Point and Natabua, as the cost of living there can be significantly higher.When it comes to housing, you can find a decent apartment or house for around $500 to $1,000 a month, depending on the size and location. Keep in mind that utilities like electricity and water can be a bit expensive, so you'll want to be mindful of your usage. Internet and phone services are also relatively pricey, but you can find some good deals if you shop around.Transportation is another area where you can save money. Public transportation is quite affordable, and you can get around Lautoka easily using buses and taxis. If you prefer to have your own vehicle, you can find a used car for a reasonable price, but keep in mind that fuel costs can add up quickly.Groceries and eating out can also be affordable if you're mindful of where you shop and dine. Local markets and smaller grocery stores tend to have lower prices than larger supermarkets. When eating out, opt for local restaurants and cafes instead of more expensive tourist-oriented establishments.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of affordable options in Lautoka. You can enjoy the beautiful beaches, parks, and hiking trails without spending a fortune. However, you might have to cut back on more expensive activities like scuba diving, boat tours, and resort stays.Overall, living in Lautoka on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in certain areas. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being conscious of your utility usage, and opting for budget-friendly entertainment options, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in this beautiful Fijian city," said one expat living in Lautoka.

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

"I've been living in Lautoka 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 affordable neighborhoods in Lautoka include Tavakubu, Waiyavi, and Saru. These areas offer a good mix of local culture and modern amenities, and you can find decent housing options within your budget. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Vomo Street and Natabua, as the cost of living there can be significantly higher.One sacrifice you might have to make is in terms of transportation. While public transportation is available in Lautoka, it might not be as reliable or convenient as you're used to. You might need to rely on taxis or even consider purchasing a car to get around more easily. This can add to your monthly expenses, so you'll need to budget accordingly.Another aspect to consider is the cost of imported goods. While local produce and products are generally affordable, imported items can be quite expensive due to import taxes and shipping costs. You might need to adjust your shopping habits and opt for local alternatives to stay within your budget.In terms of entertainment and dining out, there are plenty of affordable options in Lautoka. However, you might need to be more selective about where you go and how often you indulge in these activities to ensure you don't overspend.Lastly, while healthcare in Fiji is generally affordable, you might want to consider getting private health insurance to ensure you have access to the best possible care. This can be an additional expense, but it's worth considering for peace of mind.Overall, living in Lautoka on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle to make it work," commented an expat living in Lautoka.