Cost of Living: Saint Helena vs Australia

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

Data updated: October 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Saint Helena is 60.6% cheaper than Australia. The biggest difference is in Mobile and Internet, where costs are 208.5% higher. This means that for every $100 you spend in Australia, you would spend about $39 in Saint Helena for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Sports And Leisure 78.8%

Saint Helena is 78.8% cheaper

Salaries And Financing 75.4%

Saint Helena is 75.4% cheaper

Other Expenses 63.0%

Saint Helena is 63.0% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 60.6%

Saint Helena is 60.6% cheaper than Australia

Most Expensive Categories

  • Mobile and Internet +208.5%
  • Transportation +3.7%

Is Saint Helena cheaper than Australia?

Yes, Saint Helena is cheaper than Australia

Overall, living costs in Saint Helena are 60.6% lower than in Australia.

Where Saint Helena is cheaper:

  • Sports And Leisure 78.8% cheaper
  • Salaries And Financing 75.4% cheaper
  • Other Expenses 63.0% cheaper

Where Saint Helena is more expensive:

  • Mobile and Internet 208.5% more expensive
  • Transportation 3.7% more expensive

Practical Examples

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Saint Helena: 700.83 $ Australia: 1,381.57 $
49.3% cheaper in Saint Helena

Monthly public transport pass

Saint Helena: 40.69 $ Australia: 97.35 $
58.2% cheaper in Saint Helena

1 liter of milk

Saint Helena: 1.87 $ Australia: 1.53 $
22.2% more expensive in Saint Helena

1 liter of gasoline

Saint Helena: 2.55 $ Australia: 1.18 $
116.1% more expensive in Saint Helena

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Saint Helena is indeed cheaper than Australia. You would save approximately 60.6% 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

60.6%

Saint Helena is 60.6% cheaper than Australia

Restaurants

11.7%

Saint Helena is 11.7% cheaper than Australia in this category

Markets

43.7%

Saint Helena is 43.7% cheaper than Australia in this category

Other Expenses

63.0%

Saint Helena is 63.0% cheaper than Australia in this category

Transportation

3.7%

Saint Helena is 3.7% more expensive than Australia in this category

Mobile and Internet

208.5%

Saint Helena is 208.5% more expensive than Australia in this category

Sports And Leisure

78.8%

Saint Helena is 78.8% cheaper than Australia in this category

Clothing And Shoes

51.7%

Saint Helena is 51.7% cheaper than Australia in this category

Rent Per Month

59.1%

Saint Helena is 59.1% cheaper than Australia in this category

Salaries And Financing

75.4%

Saint Helena is 75.4% cheaper than Australia in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Saint Helena Australia Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 16.28 $ 16.22 $ 0.4%
Saint Helena is 0.4% more expensive
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 54.26 $ 77.88 $ 30.3%
Saint Helena is 30.3% cheaper
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 12.21 $ 9.73 $ 25.5%
Saint Helena is 25.5% more expensive
Regular Cappuccino 3.05 $ 3.48 $ 12.4%
Saint Helena is 12.4% cheaper
Soft Drink (330ml) 1.18 $ 2.62 $ 55.0%
Saint Helena is 55.0% cheaper
Bottled Water (330ml) 1.15 $ 2.16 $ 46.8%
Saint Helena is 46.8% cheaper
Bottled Water (1.5L) 2.24 $ 1.51 $ 48.3%
Saint Helena is 48.3% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml) 8.44 $ 5.69 $ 48.3%
Saint Helena is 48.3% more expensive
Imported Beer (330ml) 1.90 $ 1.29 $ 47.3%
Saint Helena is 47.3% more expensive
Mid-Range Wine 10.55 $ 7.97 $ 32.4%
Saint Helena is 32.4% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 3.57 $ 1.43 $ 149.7%
Saint Helena is 149.7% more expensive
Milk (1L) 1.87 $ 1.53 $ 22.2%
Saint Helena is 22.2% more expensive
Fresh Bread (500g) 1.78 $ 2.45 $ 27.3%
Saint Helena is 27.3% cheaper
White Rice (1kg) 1.36 $ 2.05 $ 33.7%
Saint Helena is 33.7% cheaper
Eggs (12 pack) 4.27 $ 4.31 $ 0.9%
Saint Helena is 0.9% cheaper
Local Cheese (1kg) 8.14 $ 8.89 $ 8.4%
Saint Helena is 8.4% cheaper
Chicken Breast (1kg) 10.85 $ 8.44 $ 28.6%
Saint Helena is 28.6% more expensive
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) 2.71 $ 2.22 $ 22.1%
Saint Helena is 22.1% more expensive
Monthly Transit Pass 40.69 $ 97.35 $ 58.2%
Saint Helena is 58.2% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 11.53 $ 31.15 $ 63.0%
Saint Helena is 63.0% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket ? 2.92 $ N/A
Taxi Base Fare 2.71 $ 3.89 $ 30.3%
Saint Helena is 30.3% cheaper
Taxi per Kilometer ? 1.88 $ N/A
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate ? 37.90 $ N/A
Gasoline (1L) 2.55 $ 1.18 $ 116.1%
Saint Helena is 116.1% more expensive
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) 163.45 $ 52.98 $ 208.5%
Saint Helena is 208.5% more expensive
Gym Membership 13.56 $ 47.43 $ 71.4%
Saint Helena is 71.4% cheaper
Tennis Court (Weekend) 0.00 $ 16.59 $ 100.0%
Saint Helena is 100.0% cheaper
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 40.69 $ 71.57 $ 43.1%
Saint Helena is 43.1% cheaper
1 Summer Dress 20.35 $ 50.87 $ 60.0%
Saint Helena is 60.0% cheaper
1 Pair of Running Shoes 47.48 $ 102.13 $ 53.5%
Saint Helena is 53.5% cheaper
1 Pair of Business Shoes ? 109.73 $ N/A
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 700.83 $ 1,381.57 $ 49.3%
Saint Helena is 49.3% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 610.40 $ 1,095.96 $ 44.3%
Saint Helena is 44.3% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 712.14 $ 2,332.99 $ 69.5%
Saint Helena is 69.5% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 651.10 $ 1,729.44 $ 62.4%
Saint Helena is 62.4% cheaper
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) 885.46 $ 3,619.71 $ 75.5%
Saint Helena is 75.5% cheaper
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 6.20 6.35 2.4%
Saint Helena is 2.4% cheaper

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to Australia. Enter your monthly expenses in Saint Helena 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 Saint Helena and Australia 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 Saint Helena vs Australia

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

Cultural Cost Differences

Saint Helena

  • Basic groceries tend to be more expensive, suggesting different shopping patterns.
  • Higher fuel costs indicate different transportation preferences.

Australia

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 Saint Helena Cost of living in Australia

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