Cost of Living in Saint Helena - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $752 (excluding rent), and $1,337 including rent.
Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,684 (excluding rent), and $2,333 including rent.
Currency
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$16.28 SHP 11.96
$16.28 SHP 11.96
$16.28 SHP 11.96
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$54.2 SHP 39.83
$40.65 SHP 29.88
$67.7 SHP 49.79
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$12.13 SHP 8.92
$10.78 SHP 7.93
$13.48 SHP 9.91
Cappuccino
$3.02 SHP 2.22
$2.69 SHP 1.98
$3.36 SHP 2.47
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.22 SHP 0.9
$1.01 SHP 0.74
$1.4 SHP 1.03
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.16 SHP 0.86
$1.03 SHP 0.76
$1.38 SHP 1.01
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$4.89 SHP 3.59
-
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.68 SHP 1.97
$2.61 SHP 1.92
$2.75 SHP 2.02
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.82 SHP 1.34
$1.66 SHP 1.22
$1.99 SHP 1.46
White Bread (500g)
$1.83 SHP 1.35
$1.4 SHP 1.03
$2.15 SHP 1.58
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.37 SHP 1.01
-
Eggs
$4.31 SHP 3.17
$1.98 SHP 1.45
$5.48 SHP 4.03
Local Cheese (1kg)
$7.97 SHP 5.86
-
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$10.84 SHP 7.97
-
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$11.14 SHP 8.19
-
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.76 SHP 2.03
-
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$2.21 SHP 1.62
$1.74 SHP 1.28
$2.68 SHP 1.97
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$11.73 SHP 8.62
$9.66 SHP 7.1
$12.42 SHP 9.13
Wine (Bottle)
$15.63 SHP 11.49
$14.82 SHP 10.89
$18.86 SHP 13.86
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$41.32 SHP 30.37
$41.32 SHP 30.37
$41.32 SHP 30.37
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$2.66 SHP 1.96
-
Gasoline (1 liter)
$2.6 SHP 1.91
-
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$166 SHP 122
$110 SHP 80.8
$221 SHP 163
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$13.65 SHP 10.03
$6.82 SHP 5.01
$20.47 SHP 15.05
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$40.05 SHP 29.44
-
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$20.4 SHP 14.99
-
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$46.94 SHP 34.5
-
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$695 SHP 511
$672 SHP 494
$740 SHP 544
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$620 SHP 456
$551 SHP 405
$689 SHP 506
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$718 SHP 527
$683 SHP 502
$752 SHP 553
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$639 SHP 470
$519 SHP 382
$732 SHP 538
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$886 SHP 651
-
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.
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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