Last update: Nov 2026 5.6K

Cost of Living in Saint Helena

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $572 (excluding rent), and $572 including rent.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Saint Helena

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Saint Helena actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

Average monthly costs for a single person come to about $572 including rent across Saint Helena.

$572 /mo

Estimated average monthly cost for a couple: $1,202 including rent across Saint Helena.

$1,202 /mo

Average monthly costs for a family of three come to about $1,832 including rent across Saint Helena.

$1,832 /mo

Living costs in Saint Helena vary widely – from $89 in the most affordable city to $503 in the most expensive one, spanning a $414 range across 2 cities.

Currency
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$15.86 SHP 11.82
-
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$67.2 SHP 50.1
-
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$13.60 SHP 10.14
-
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.18 SHP 0.88
-
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.99 SHP 0.74
-
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
White Bread (500g)
$1.95 SHP 1.46
$1.86 SHP 1.39
$2.04 SHP 1.52
Eggs
$5.37 SHP 4.01
-
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$10.81 SHP 8.06
-
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.32 SHP 0.99
$0.93 SHP 0.69
$1.72 SHP 1.28
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$11.84 SHP 8.82
$11.50 SHP 8.58
$12.18 SHP 9.08
Wine (Bottle)
$15.38 SHP 11.47
-
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$39.94 SHP 29.78
-
Gasoline (1 liter)
$2.59 SHP 1.93
-
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$215 SHP 161
-
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$20.12 SHP 15.00
-
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$736 SHP 549
-
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$524 SHP 391
-
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$769 SHP 573
-

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

Last update: November 1, 2026

Cost Breakdown

National average salary: $777. With average costs at $572, most workers manage but need to budget carefully.

Expect to spend about $70 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant averages $68 for two.

Cost Highlights

Overall cost of living ($572) is 58% below the global median of $1,352.

Dinner for two at a restaurant ($68) is 45% above the global median of $47.

Public transport ($41) is 24% above the global median of $33.

Good to know
🕒 Local time
14:42 2:42 PM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
5,633
💱 Currency
Exchange rates and currency converter

USD, EUR to SHP – Saint Helena Pound Converter

Saint Helena Pound exchange rates as of November 3, 2026: 1 USD = 0.746 SHP (1 SHP = 1.34 USD). 1 EUR = 0.835 SHP (1 SHP = 1.2 EUR).

By City in Saint Helena
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
1034
$503 $503 $1,135 $1,665
58.59
12.89
2
600
$89.0 $89.0 $223 $223
91.03
12.89
Saint Helena Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 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.
How do living costs vary between cities in Saint Helena?
Saint Helena covers a wide cost spectrum. As of 2026, monthly expenses run from about $89 in budget-friendly smaller cities to $503 in the priciest areas. The gap is big enough to meaningfully affect lifestyle for anyone on a fixed income.
What are living expenses in Saint Helena in 2026?
As of 2026, living expenses in Saint Helena span $89 to $503 monthly. Which city you choose has a big effect on your budget.
Is $1,000 a month enough to live in Saint Helena?
$1,000 a month goes far in Saint Helena, especially outside the big cities. It’s a realistic single-person budget that covers housing, food, transport, and leisure comfortably.

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