Cost of Living in Saint Helena - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $761 (excluding rent), and $1,348 including rent.
Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,765 (excluding rent), and $2,370 including rent.
Currency
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$16.43 SHP 12.29
$16.43 SHP 12.29
$16.43 SHP 12.29
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$53.8 SHP 40.25
$40.36 SHP 30.19
$67.3 SHP 50.3
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$12.27 SHP 9.18
$10.90 SHP 8.16
$13.63 SHP 10.20
Cappuccino
$3.04 SHP 2.28
$2.70 SHP 2.02
$3.38 SHP 2.53
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.18 SHP 0.88
$0.97 SHP 0.73
$1.35 SHP 1.01
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.12 SHP 0.84
$1.00 SHP 0.75
$1.33 SHP 1.00
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$4.62 SHP 3.45
-
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.71 SHP 2.03
$2.64 SHP 1.97
$2.78 SHP 2.08
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.91 SHP 1.43
$1.74 SHP 1.30
$2.08 SHP 1.56
White Bread (500g)
$1.74 SHP 1.30
$1.33 SHP 0.99
$2.04 SHP 1.53
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.40 SHP 1.05
-
Eggs
$4.39 SHP 3.28
$2.02 SHP 1.51
$5.58 SHP 4.18
Local Cheese (1kg)
$8.39 SHP 6.28
-
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$11.08 SHP 8.29
-
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$11.12 SHP 8.32
-
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.70 SHP 2.02
-
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$2.27 SHP 1.70
$1.80 SHP 1.34
$2.76 SHP 2.06
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$11.63 SHP 8.70
$9.58 SHP 7.17
$12.32 SHP 9.21
Wine (Bottle)
$15.81 SHP 11.82
-
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$41.28 SHP 30.87
$41.28 SHP 30.87
$41.28 SHP 30.87
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$2.65 SHP 1.98
-
Gasoline (1 liter)
$2.60 SHP 1.94
-
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$167 SHP 125
$111 SHP 82.7
$223 SHP 166
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$13.57 SHP 10.15
$6.78 SHP 5.07
$20.36 SHP 15.23
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$40.74 SHP 30.47
-
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$20.15 SHP 15.08
-
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$47.83 SHP 35.78
-
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$696 SHP 521
$674 SHP 504
$741 SHP 554
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$608 SHP 455
$540 SHP 404
$675 SHP 505
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$725 SHP 542
$691 SHP 517
$760 SHP 568
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$657 SHP 492
$534 SHP 400
$753 SHP 563
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$785 SHP 587
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6.2
5.4
7

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

Last update: March 3, 2026

By City in Saint Helena
Lowest
Highest
Rank
City
Population
Living Index
Solo costs (no rent) / month
Solo costs (with rent) / month
Family of 3 costs (no rent) / month
Family of 3 costs (with rent) / month
Mobile download speed (Mbps)
Internet download speed (Mbps)
1
-
$558 $514 $1,233 $1,661
58.59
12.89
2
600
$680 $1,243 $1,736 $2,233
91.03
12.89
Saint Helena Median Internet Speeds (Updated January 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
Cost of Living in Saint Helena - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Saint Helena compare in terms of overall affordability for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
Saint Helena is a remote destination where value shows up in simplicity and steady routines. The Cost of Living in Saint Helena shifts with supply cycles and personal choices, so you’ll find that basic comforts can feel reasonable if you keep expectations aligned with available options. Local markets often offer fresh produce and staples, while many imported goods carry a premium. If you favor a modest home, predictable monthly costs can be manageable, and low commuting needs help balance leisure time. The island’s pace encourages deliberate budgeting and choice over quantity, which some travelers and nomads value for focus and lifestyle balance. Tip: Plan with a flexible budget and build in seasonal variations.
What does daily life look like on Saint Helena, including housing search, food options, transport, and errands?
Daily life centers on manageable routines and careful planning. In housing, you’ll find a small but charming mix of cottages and hillside homes, with Jamestown and Half Tree Hollow offering proximity to services. Food options lean on local markets plus regular imports, so have a shopping plan around shipment days. For transport, expect limited public options; walking, cycling, and car hire are common depending on your work setup. Errands are possible but may require a short trip to the main town. Co-working spaces or cafes with reliable Wi‑Fi can serve as focused work spots. Saint Helena living cost tends to reflect import dependence, so budget for occasional convenience items. Tip: align errands with shipping schedules to save time and fuel.
What best practices help sustain a good quality of life on Saint Helena, including budgeting, seasonality, and neighborhood fit?
Quality of life hinges on choosing a neighborhood that fits how you work and unwind. Jamestown offers compact access to the essentials, while hillside areas give quieter mornings and better views, at trade-offs like longer walks to shops. Build a simple budgeting framework: separate essentials from discretionary spending, plan for import-related fluctuations, and set a monthly buffer for surprise costs. Embrace slow season rhythm and local events to maximize value for your time. For a balanced routine, mix outdoor activities with indoor work and lean into local networks to learn about deals and swaps. Tip: keep a flexible schedule to adapt to changing services and weather.

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