Single · Comfortable · $3,000/mo

LabasaOverall winner

Mudgee is approximately 3x more expensive than Labasa based on cost of living including rent. This makes Labasa a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.

Labasa has a FIRE Score of 85/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The city's safety index is 70, which is relatively safe.

Recommended profile: Labasa is ideal for GeoArbitragers and remote workers looking to maximize savings.

Side by side

Best in row

Australia

Mudgee

Normal Precautions
FIRE80

Fiji

Labasa

Normal Precautions
FIRE85
Cost
Cost of living index
-
-
One person, excluding rent
$1,550/mo
$1,550/mo
Family of four, excluding rent
$5,600/mo
$5,600/mo
Total monthly, rent included
$1,750/mo
Best in row. $1,600/mo
Monthly savings
$1,250/mo
Best in row. $1,400/mo
Housing
1BR, city centre
$1,200
Best in row. $400
1BR, outside centre
$950
Best in row. $280
3BR, city centre
$1,700
Best in row. $650
3BR, outside centre
$1,350
Best in row. $450
Scores
FIRE score
58/100
Best in row. 71/100
Nomad score
Best in row. 50/100
22/100
Retiree score
Best in row. 74/100
69/100
Overall score
80/100
Best in row. 85/100
Safety & infrastructure
Safety index
47.7
Best in row. 70
Internet speed
Best in row. 45 Mbps
30 Mbps
Walkability score
-
-

Estimates from published local prices. N/A means no figure is published for that city.

About these cities

About Labasa

Labasa is a small-town bet that pays off if you want tropical living without resort prices: a one-bedroom outside the center runs $280/mo, and a single adult can get by on roughly $1,100/mo at the budget tier. The catch is scale, with a population of 28 thousand, a small expat community, and 30 Mbps internet that will test anyone whose income depends on video calls. Retirees on the Residence Permit on Assured Income should find the $1,167/mo income floor easy to clear here, while digital nomads chasing big-city amenities and fast connections will feel the limits. Come for the low rent and good healthcare, stay if you can handle the wet season and a quiet social scene.

About Fiji

Fiji suits English-speaking retirees who want island life without a steep cost jump: a 1BR outside center runs $356.53/mo and overall COL index sits at just 32 versus NYC. Healthcare is the weak point, with an Index of only 47.2 and life expectancy data is not tracked, so budget for medical evacuation coverage. A retirement visa (EUR 1167/mo income) exists, but Fiji has no digital nomad visa. Neither leads to PR.

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Mudgee vs Labasa -- Frequently Asked Questions

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