Fiji vs New Zealand
Fiji costs roughly 73% less than New Zealand, though New Zealand scores higher on healthcare, making it one of the more financially compelling destinations for New Zealand expats. Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
Fiji is approximately 73% less expensive than New Zealand based on cost of living including rent. This makes Fiji a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.
Fiji has a FIRE Score of 85/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The country's safety index is 57.6, suggesting moderate safety levels.
Recommended profile: Fiji is ideal for GeoArbitragers and remote workers looking to maximize savings.
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.
$1,697/mo
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Living Costs (excl. rent)
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About New Zealand
Skip this one if you need a retirement or digital nomad visa to make the move: neither exists here. With no dedicated income requirement pathway and only a 5/10 ease of access score, entry is bureaucratic. It works for high-earners chasing safety (Travel Advisory Level 1) and clean healthcare who can qualify through skilled work or investment routes.
$911/mo
Not sure which New Zealand visa you qualify for?
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Living Costs (excl. rent)
Rent Per Month
Attractiveness Scores
Battle of Lifestyles
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| Metric | Fiji | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Advisory | Level 1: Normal Precautions | Level 1: Normal Precautions |
| Quality of Life Index | 118.6 | 192.5 +73.9 |
| Healthcare Index | 47.2 | 68.4 +21.2 |
| Safety Index | 57.6 +5.8 | 51.8 |
| Cost of Living Index | 32 +23.3 | 55.3 |
| Living Costs (Single, excl. rent) | $575.9 +398.6 | $974.5 |
| Living Costs (Family, excl. rent) | $2,135.9 +1,418.4 | $3,554.3 |
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $726.67 +387.8 | $1,114.47 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $356.53 +594.88 | $951.41 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $1,747.05 +3.03 | $1,750.08 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $837.1 +674.37 | $1,511.47 |
| Avg Internet Speed | 0 Mbps | 289.07 Mbps +289.1 |
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