Cost of living in Suva
Suva, the capital city of Fiji, is a vibrant hub known for its cultural diversity and tropical climate. Understanding the cost of living in Suva is crucial for anyone considering relocating or planning an extended stay.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you budget effectively for life in Suva.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $4.84 on average, with a range between $2.64 and $8.81.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $44.03, with prices ranging from $19.81 to $88.06.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $6.6.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.76 to $3.08, imported beer $2.2 to $6.6, cappuccino $1.01 to $4.4, and Coke/Pepsi $1.1 to $1.76.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.1 and $1.32 per liter, averaging $1.23.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.31 and $1.76, with an average price of $0.48.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.54 to $5.28, averaging $3.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.2 to $3.52 per kg, while oranges range from $2.18 to $6.6 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.83 and $1.76 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.88 to $2.2 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.4 and $1.32, with a monthly pass priced between $22.01 and $57.43.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.15 and $1.33 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $0.88, with a cost of $0.44 per km and $4.76 to $8.81 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $396.26 to $1100.72, averaging $733.81.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $176.11 to $880.57, averaging $308.2.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $660.43 to $2861.86, averaging $1687.76.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $352.23 to $1541, averaging $873.23.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $660.43 to $1981.29, averaging $1320.86.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $312.6 to $1320.86, averaging $816.73.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $30.82 and $79.25, averaging $50.76.
- Internet - Internet services range from $15.41 to $44.03, with an average cost of $27.52.
Cost of Living Rankings
Suva ranks 1st on the Cost of Living rankings in Fiji. The cost of living indices for Fiji are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Fiji, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
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Rent Per Month
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Clothing And Shoes
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Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
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"Key Takeaways"
Suva offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many other cities, especially in terms of dining and housing.
Transportation is inexpensive, with affordable public transport and taxi fares.
Grocery prices are generally low, though some imported goods may be more expensive.
Utilities and internet services are reasonably priced, making Suva a cost-effective choice for residents.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Suva presents a cost-effective living environment with affordable housing, dining, and transportation options.
While some imported goods and services may carry higher prices, the overall cost of living remains manageable.
For those considering a move to Suva, the city offers a balanced lifestyle with a reasonable cost of living, making it an attractive destination for both expatriates and locals.