Cost of Living in Mahe - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $1,779 monthly including rent, or $785 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $2,453 with rent, or $1,556 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $3,128 including rent, or $2,327 for daily expenses alone.

Mahe sits 11–33% above the global median across household types. Within Africa, costs are 73% above average – among the most expensive in the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$15.43 SCR 223
$13.71 SCR 199
$17.14 SCR 248
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$69.8 SCR 1,011
$69.8 SCR 1,011
$140 SCR 2,021
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$8.22 SCR 119
$7.11 SCR 103
$9.34 SCR 135
Cappuccino
$4.38 SCR 63.5
$1.70 SCR 24.69
$6.25 SCR 90.5
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.37 SCR 34.27
$1.81 SCR 26.25
$2.86 SCR 41.41
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.81 SCR 26.22
$1.16 SCR 16.79
$2.46 SCR 35.64
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$8.24 SCR 119
-
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$5.18 SCR 75.0
$3.42 SCR 49.59
$6.95 SCR 101
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.59 SCR 23.06
$1.42 SCR 20.53
$1.78 SCR 25.74
White Bread (500g)
$1.09 SCR 15.80
$1.06 SCR 15.36
$1.13 SCR 16.39
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.73 SCR 25.01
$1.57 SCR 22.73
$2.05 SCR 29.73
Eggs
$4.16 SCR 60.3
$3.40 SCR 49.28
$5.53 SCR 80.2
Local Cheese (1kg)
$15.63 SCR 226
$11.46 SCR 166
$19.80 SCR 287
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$7.88 SCR 114
$7.00 SCR 101
$8.75 SCR 127
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$12.51 SCR 181
-
Apples (1kg)
$2.06 SCR 29.79
$1.75 SCR 25.39
$2.31 SCR 33.46
Oranges (1kg)
$2.23 SCR 32.31
-
Tomato (1kg)
$5.15 SCR 74.6
$4.12 SCR 59.7
$6.18 SCR 89.6
Potato (1kg)
$0.96 SCR 13.84
$0.89 SCR 12.84
$1.02 SCR 14.84
Onion (1kg)
$0.96 SCR 13.85
$0.89 SCR 12.85
$1.03 SCR 14.85
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.06 SCR 15.35
-
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$12.15 SCR 176
$10.41 SCR 151
$13.88 SCR 201
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.11 SCR 30.58
-
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.06 SCR 29.83
-
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.85 SCR 12.25
$0.85 SCR 12.25
$0.85 SCR 12.25
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$23.89 SCR 346
$13.65 SCR 198
$34.13 SCR 494
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$10.24 SCR 148
-
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$3.21 SCR 46.43
-
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$10.20 SCR 148
$6.80 SCR 98.5
$13.59 SCR 197
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.56 SCR 22.60
$1.42 SCR 20.61
$1.70 SCR 24.59
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$84.0 SCR 1,217
$49.00 SCR 710
$119 SCR 1,724
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$21.09 SCR 306
-
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$161 SCR 2,326
$68.8 SCR 997
$275 SCR 3,988
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$52.5 SCR 761
$48.35 SCR 700
$56.7 SCR 821
Cinema Ticket
$6.28 SCR 91.0
-
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$27.27 SCR 395
-
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$10.82 SCR 157
-
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$43.47 SCR 630
-
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$55.2 SCR 800
-
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$815 SCR 11.8K
-
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$852 SCR 12.3K
$624 SCR 9,035
$1,081 SCR 15.7K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,740 SCR 25.2K
-
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,031 SCR 14.9K
-
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$897 SCR 13.0K
-

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: June 1, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $815 for a central one-bedroom, or $852 outside the center. At 91% of the average salary ($897), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $897, while typical expenses reach $1,779. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $243 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $70.0 for two – above the African average of $42.00.

Public transport is priced at around $23.89 per month – roughly in line with the African average of $29.00.

Cost Highlights

Mahe has the 4th most expensive taxi in Africa

Mahe has the 4th most expensive 1-bedroom apartment, outside city center in Africa

Mahe has the 5th most expensive local beer in Africa

Mahe Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

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Upload
Mbps
Latency
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Fixed Broadband

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Latency
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The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Mahe - Frequently Asked Questions
How does affordability in Mahe, Seychelles compare to other popular destinations for travelers and digital nomads?
Cost of Living in Mahe, Seychelles tends to be higher than many mainland destinations, largely due to import costs and a tourism-driven service sector. Basic groceries arrive by ship or plane, and services reflect a high value on quality and reliability. Housing varies by neighborhood, with smaller apartments and guesthouses common outside the main towns. Seasonal demand can affect availability and length of stays; planning ahead helps. Tip: Plan a flexible budget for housing, groceries, and transport as prices shift with tourism.
What does daily life look like in Mahe, Seychelles in terms of housing search, food options, transport, and coworking?
When weighing Mahe, Seychelles living cost, start by choosing a neighborhood that matches your pace – Victoria for services, Beau Vallon for beach proximity, or the calmer inner valleys. Housing often means compact apartments or guesthouses; look for long-term leases if possible. Food options lean on local markets, seafood, and affordable staples; cooking at home is common. Transport relies on a network of buses, shared taxis, and occasional rental scooters. Co-working spaces and cafes with reliable Wi-Fi support remote work. Tip: Visit a few neighborhoods in different seasons to gauge how noise, crowd, and prices vary.
What strategies help you keep a good quality of life on Mahe, Seychelles while budgeting and choosing a neighborhood that fits your lifestyle?
Adopt a practical budgeting framework: separate housing, groceries, transport, and leisure, then adjust as seasons and occupancy shift. Prioritize neighborhoods that blend quiet residential streets with access to markets and ferries, and give yourself a mix of outdoor and indoor activities. Cooking at home, shopping at local markets, and using public transport can stretch the budget without sacrificing lifestyle. Seasonal variations influence availability and pricing for rentals and activities, so consider flexible stays. Tip: test longer stays in two or more areas to find your fit.
Is Mahe expensive to live in?
Everyday life in Mahe is moderately priced at about $1,779 per month, rent included. Groceries and transport stay reasonable, though dining out and entertainment can feel a bit pricier than in budget destinations.
What percentage of income goes to rent in Mahe?
With 91% of the average paycheck going to rent, Mahe is on the expensive side for housing. Many locals cope by sharing apartments, moving to outer neighborhoods, or downsizing to keep things manageable.
What is a good salary in Mahe?
Earning $2,669 monthly in Mahe means you're living well – a one-bedroom, regular groceries, transport, and some entertainment without stress. That's the threshold where most residents feel genuinely comfortable rather than just getting by.
How much does a 1-bedroom apartment cost in Mahe?
Rents for a 1-bedroom flat in Mahe range from $852 to $815, depending on location and condition. Central apartments sit at the top of that range; outer neighborhoods and suburbs deliver noticeably better value per square meter.
How much is public transport in Mahe?
A monthly transit pass in Mahe goes for roughly $23.89, which is one of the lighter items on a monthly budget. Coverage across residential and business areas is solid, and most residents without a car rely on it daily.
What is a typical grocery budget in Mahe?
Expect to spend around $243 per month on groceries in Mahe. Neither cheap nor expensive by global standards – everyday items are fairly priced, though imported or specialty products cost more.
Can a person live on $2,000 monthly in Mahe?
Living on $2,000 in Mahe means careful planning, since monthly costs average $1,779. It works with a cheap apartment and disciplined spending, but expect trade-offs on where you live, how often you eat out, and entertainment.
Is Mahe good for expats?
Expats in Mahe enjoy fast internet, low crime rates, clean air, and monthly costs average around $1,779. The international crowd is active and welcoming, and practical stuff – bank accounts, apartment hunting, healthcare – is all manageable with some basic prep.
Can you save money living in Mahe?
Monthly expenses in Mahe run around $1,779, so putting money aside takes more than $2,669 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.

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