Cost of Living: Australia vs Saint Helena

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between Australia and Saint Helena.

Data updated: October 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Australia is 159.3% more expensive than Saint Helena. The biggest difference is in Sports And Leisure, where costs are 372.1% higher. This means that for every $100 you spend in Saint Helena, you would spend about $259 in Australia for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Sports And Leisure 372.1%

Australia is 372.1% more expensive

Salaries And Financing 306.7%

Australia is 306.7% more expensive

Other Expenses 170.2%

Australia is 170.2% more expensive

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 159.3%

Australia is 159.3% more expensive than Saint Helena

Most Expensive Categories

  • Sports And Leisure +372.1%
  • Salaries And Financing +306.7%
  • Other Expenses +170.2%

Is Australia cheaper than Saint Helena?

No, Saint Helena is cheaper than Australia

Overall, living costs in Saint Helena are 159.3% lower than in Australia.

Where Saint Helena is cheaper:

  • Sports And Leisure 372.1% cheaper
  • Salaries And Financing 306.7% cheaper
  • Other Expenses 170.2% cheaper

Where Saint Helena is more expensive:

  • Mobile and Internet 67.6% more expensive
  • Transportation 3.6% more expensive

Practical Examples

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Australia: 1,381.57 $ Saint Helena: 700.83 $
97.1% more expensive in Australia

Monthly public transport pass

Australia: 97.35 $ Saint Helena: 40.69 $
139.2% more expensive in Australia

1 liter of milk

Australia: 1.53 $ Saint Helena: 1.87 $
18.2% cheaper in Australia

1 liter of gasoline

Australia: 1.18 $ Saint Helena: 2.55 $
53.7% cheaper in Australia

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Saint Helena is indeed cheaper than Australia. You would spend approximately 159.3% on living expenses by choosing Saint Helena over Australia. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

159.3%

Australia is 159.3% more expensive than Saint Helena

Restaurants

13.2%

Australia is 13.2% more expensive than Saint Helena in this category

Markets

77.5%

Australia is 77.5% more expensive than Saint Helena in this category

Other Expenses

170.2%

Australia is 170.2% more expensive than Saint Helena in this category

Transportation

3.6%

Australia is 3.6% cheaper than Saint Helena in this category

Mobile and Internet

67.6%

Australia is 67.6% cheaper than Saint Helena in this category

Sports And Leisure

372.1%

Australia is 372.1% more expensive than Saint Helena in this category

Clothing And Shoes

106.9%

Australia is 106.9% more expensive than Saint Helena in this category

Rent Per Month

144.5%

Australia is 144.5% more expensive than Saint Helena in this category

Salaries And Financing

306.7%

Australia is 306.7% more expensive than Saint Helena in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Australia Saint Helena Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 16.22 $ 16.28 $ 0.4%
Australia is 0.4% cheaper
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 77.88 $ 54.26 $ 43.5%
Australia is 43.5% more expensive
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 9.73 $ 12.21 $ 20.3%
Australia is 20.3% cheaper
Regular Cappuccino 3.48 $ 3.05 $ 14.1%
Australia is 14.1% more expensive
Soft Drink (330ml) 2.62 $ 1.18 $ 122.0%
Australia is 122.0% more expensive
Bottled Water (330ml) 2.16 $ 1.15 $ 87.8%
Australia is 87.8% more expensive
Bottled Water (1.5L) 1.51 $ 2.24 $ 32.6%
Australia is 32.6% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml) 5.69 $ 8.44 $ 32.6%
Australia is 32.6% cheaper
Imported Beer (330ml) 1.29 $ 1.90 $ 32.1%
Australia is 32.1% cheaper
Mid-Range Wine 7.97 $ 10.55 $ 24.5%
Australia is 24.5% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 1.43 $ 3.57 $ 59.9%
Australia is 59.9% cheaper
Milk (1L) 1.53 $ 1.87 $ 18.2%
Australia is 18.2% cheaper
Fresh Bread (500g) 2.45 $ 1.78 $ 37.6%
Australia is 37.6% more expensive
White Rice (1kg) 2.05 $ 1.36 $ 50.7%
Australia is 50.7% more expensive
Eggs (12 pack) 4.31 $ 4.27 $ 0.9%
Australia is 0.9% more expensive
Local Cheese (1kg) 8.89 $ 8.14 $ 9.2%
Australia is 9.2% more expensive
Chicken Breast (1kg) 8.44 $ 10.85 $ 22.2%
Australia is 22.2% cheaper
Beef (1kg) 13.88 $ ? N/A
Apples (1kg) 3.19 $ ? N/A
Bananas (1kg) 2.75 $ ? N/A
Oranges (1kg) 2.93 $ ? N/A
Tomatoes (1kg) 4.30 $ ? N/A
Potatoes (1kg) 2.47 $ ? N/A
Onions (1kg) 2.14 $ ? N/A
Lettuce (1 head) 2.22 $ 2.71 $ 18.1%
Australia is 18.1% cheaper
Monthly Transit Pass 97.35 $ 40.69 $ 139.2%
Australia is 139.2% more expensive
Cigarettes (20 pack) 31.15 $ 11.53 $ 170.2%
Australia is 170.2% more expensive
Single Bus/Train Ticket 2.92 $ ? N/A
Taxi Base Fare 3.89 $ 2.71 $ 43.5%
Australia is 43.5% more expensive
Taxi per Kilometer 1.88 $ ? N/A
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 37.90 $ ? N/A
Gasoline (1L) 1.18 $ 2.55 $ 53.7%
Australia is 53.7% cheaper
New Economy Car 28,829.12 $ ? N/A
New Mid-Range Car 22,658.59 $ ? N/A
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 175.90 $ ? N/A
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 26.66 $ ? N/A
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 52.98 $ 163.45 $ 67.6%
Australia is 67.6% cheaper
Gym Membership 47.43 $ 13.56 $ 249.8%
Australia is 249.8% more expensive
Tennis Court (Weekend) 16.59 $ 0.00 $ N/A
Movie Ticket 14.28 $ ? N/A
Private Preschool (Full Day) 1,570.69 $ ? N/A
International School (Yearly) 12,354.33 $ ? N/A
1 Pair of Jeans 71.57 $ 40.69 $ 75.9%
Australia is 75.9% more expensive
1 Summer Dress 50.87 $ 20.35 $ 150.0%
Australia is 150.0% more expensive
1 Pair of Running Shoes 102.13 $ 47.48 $ 115.1%
Australia is 115.1% more expensive
1 Pair of Business Shoes 109.73 $ ? N/A
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,381.57 $ 700.83 $ 97.1%
Australia is 97.1% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 1,095.96 $ 610.40 $ 79.5%
Australia is 79.5% more expensive
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 2,332.99 $ 712.14 $ 227.6%
Australia is 227.6% more expensive
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 1,729.44 $ 651.10 $ 165.6%
Australia is 165.6% more expensive
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 6,794.53 $ ? N/A
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 5,084.33 $ ? N/A
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 3,619.71 $ 885.46 $ 308.8%
Australia is 308.8% more expensive
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 6.35 6.20 2.4%
Australia is 2.4% more expensive

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to Saint Helena. Enter your monthly expenses in Australia to see the equivalent costs.

Housing

Food & Dining

Transportation

Other Expenses

Our Methodology

Our cost of living comparisons are based on a robust methodology that combines multiple data sources and regular updates to ensure accuracy:

Data Collection

  • Regular price surveys conducted in major cities
  • Official government statistics and economic indicators
  • User-contributed data from expatriates and local residents
  • Real estate market reports and rental price indices
  • Consumer price indices and inflation data

Calculation Methods

  • Prices are normalized to USD for consistent comparison
  • Exchange rates are updated monthly
  • Regional price variations are weighted by population
  • Seasonal fluctuations are accounted for in the averages
  • Quality of life factors are considered in the overall assessment

Quality Assurance

  • Data is verified by local experts
  • Regular cross-checking with multiple sources
  • User feedback is incorporated into updates
  • Statistical outliers are identified and reviewed
  • Methodology is reviewed quarterly

Note: While we strive for accuracy, cost of living data can vary significantly within countries and cities. These comparisons should be used as a general guide, and we recommend conducting additional research for specific locations.

Lifestyle Impact

Understanding the cost of living differences between Australia and Saint Helena goes beyond just numbers. Here's how these differences might affect your daily life:

Daily Living

  • Grocery shopping habits and meal planning
  • Public transportation usage vs. car ownership
  • Frequency of dining out and entertainment
  • Healthcare access and insurance coverage
  • Housing choices and neighborhood selection

Long-term Planning

  • Savings and investment strategies
  • Retirement planning considerations
  • Education costs for children
  • Property ownership opportunities
  • Business and career development

Quality of Life Considerations

While cost of living is important, it's just one aspect of quality of life. Consider also:

  • Healthcare system quality and accessibility
  • Education system standards
  • Public safety and security
  • Environmental quality
  • Cultural and recreational opportunities
  • Work-life balance norms

Making the Most of Your Budget

Tips for adapting to cost of living differences:

  • Research local shopping habits and markets
  • Learn about public transportation options
  • Understand local tax systems and benefits
  • Explore community resources and discounts
  • Network with locals for insider tips

Local Insights for Australia vs Saint Helena

While both countries have similar overall costs, there are nuanced differences in how money is spent on daily necessities.

Cultural Cost Differences

Australia

Saint Helena

  • Lower grocery costs suggest different shopping and consumption patterns.
  • Lower fuel costs indicate different transportation infrastructure.

Seasonal Cost Variations

Both countries experience moderate seasonal variations in living costs, with prices typically higher during peak tourist seasons and major holidays.

Explore more

Cost of living in Australia Cost of living in Saint Helena

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