Cost of Living: Saint Helena vs United Kingdom

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between Saint Helena and United Kingdom.

Data updated: October 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Saint Helena is 61.5% cheaper than United Kingdom. The biggest difference is in Mobile and Internet, where costs are 285.7% higher. This means that for every $100 you spend in United Kingdom, you would spend about $39 in Saint Helena for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Sports And Leisure 78.2%

Saint Helena is 78.2% cheaper

Salaries And Financing 72.4%

Saint Helena is 72.4% cheaper

Rent Per Month 60.4%

Saint Helena is 60.4% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 61.5%

Saint Helena is 61.5% cheaper than United Kingdom

Most Expensive Categories

  • Mobile and Internet +285.7%

Is Saint Helena cheaper than United Kingdom?

Yes, Saint Helena is cheaper than United Kingdom

Overall, living costs in Saint Helena are 61.5% lower than in United Kingdom.

Where Saint Helena is cheaper:

  • Sports And Leisure 78.2% cheaper
  • Salaries And Financing 72.4% cheaper
  • Rent Per Month 60.4% cheaper

Where Saint Helena is more expensive:

  • Mobile and Internet 285.7% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Saint Helena: 16.28 $ United Kingdom: 20.35 $
20.0% cheaper in Saint Helena

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Saint Helena: 700.83 $ United Kingdom: 1,411.39 $
50.3% cheaper in Saint Helena

Monthly public transport pass

Saint Helena: 40.69 $ United Kingdom: 94.95 $
57.1% cheaper in Saint Helena

1 liter of milk

Saint Helena: 1.87 $ United Kingdom: 1.69 $
10.7% more expensive in Saint Helena

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Saint Helena is indeed cheaper than United Kingdom. You would save approximately 61.5% on living expenses by choosing Saint Helena over United Kingdom. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

61.5%

Saint Helena is 61.5% cheaper than United Kingdom

Restaurants

29.1%

Saint Helena is 29.1% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Markets

42.4%

Saint Helena is 42.4% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Other Expenses

43.3%

Saint Helena is 43.3% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Transportation

28.7%

Saint Helena is 28.7% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Mobile and Internet

285.7%

Saint Helena is 285.7% more expensive than United Kingdom in this category

Sports And Leisure

78.2%

Saint Helena is 78.2% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Clothing And Shoes

54.0%

Saint Helena is 54.0% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Rent Per Month

60.4%

Saint Helena is 60.4% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Salaries And Financing

72.4%

Saint Helena is 72.4% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Saint Helena United Kingdom Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 16.28 $ 20.35 $ 20.0%
Saint Helena is 20.0% cheaper
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 54.26 $ 88.17 $ 38.5%
Saint Helena is 38.5% cheaper
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 12.21 $ 10.17 $ 20.1%
Saint Helena is 20.1% more expensive
Regular Cappuccino 3.05 $ 4.62 $ 34.0%
Saint Helena is 34.0% cheaper
Soft Drink (330ml) 1.18 $ 2.41 $ 51.0%
Saint Helena is 51.0% cheaper
Bottled Water (330ml) 1.15 $ 1.72 $ 33.1%
Saint Helena is 33.1% cheaper
Bottled Water (1.5L) 2.24 $ 1.53 $ 46.4%
Saint Helena is 46.4% more expensive
Imported Beer (330ml) 1.90 $ 1.17 $ 62.4%
Saint Helena is 62.4% more expensive
Milk (1L) 1.87 $ 1.69 $ 10.7%
Saint Helena is 10.7% more expensive
Fresh Bread (500g) 1.78 $ 1.67 $ 6.6%
Saint Helena is 6.6% more expensive
White Rice (1kg) 1.36 $ 2.21 $ 38.5%
Saint Helena is 38.5% cheaper
Eggs (12 pack) 4.27 $ 4.03 $ 6.0%
Saint Helena is 6.0% more expensive
Local Cheese (1kg) 8.14 $ 9.73 $ 16.3%
Saint Helena is 16.3% cheaper
Chicken Breast (1kg) 10.85 $ 8.96 $ 21.1%
Saint Helena is 21.1% more expensive
Beef (1kg) ? 16.31 $ N/A
Apples (1kg) ? 2.97 $ N/A
Bananas (1kg) ? 1.64 $ N/A
Oranges (1kg) ? 2.88 $ N/A
Tomatoes (1kg) ? 3.54 $ N/A
Potatoes (1kg) ? 1.65 $ N/A
Onions (1kg) ? 1.55 $ N/A
Lettuce (1 head) 2.71 $ 1.14 $ 137.7%
Saint Helena is 137.7% more expensive
Monthly Transit Pass 40.69 $ 94.95 $ 57.1%
Saint Helena is 57.1% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 11.53 $ 20.33 $ 43.3%
Saint Helena is 43.3% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket ? 3.26 $ N/A
Taxi Base Fare 2.71 $ 5.43 $ 50.1%
Saint Helena is 50.1% cheaper
Taxi per Kilometer ? 2.41 $ N/A
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate ? 27.13 $ N/A
Gasoline (1L) 2.55 $ 1.95 $ 30.8%
Saint Helena is 30.8% more expensive
New Economy Car ? 38,367.32 $ N/A
New Mid-Range Car ? 40,488.21 $ N/A
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) ? 322.47 $ N/A
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data ? 17.46 $ N/A
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 163.45 $ 42.38 $ 285.7%
Saint Helena is 285.7% more expensive
Gym Membership 13.56 $ 46.25 $ 70.7%
Saint Helena is 70.7% cheaper
Tennis Court (Weekend) 0.00 $ 15.82 $ 100.0%
Saint Helena is 100.0% cheaper
Movie Ticket ? 13.56 $ N/A
Private Preschool (Full Day) ? 1,710.49 $ N/A
International School (Yearly) ? 20,621.65 $ N/A
1 Pair of Jeans 40.69 $ 90.04 $ 54.8%
Saint Helena is 54.8% cheaper
1 Summer Dress 20.35 $ 44.62 $ 54.4%
Saint Helena is 54.4% cheaper
1 Pair of Running Shoes 47.48 $ 101.31 $ 53.1%
Saint Helena is 53.1% cheaper
1 Pair of Business Shoes ? 103.43 $ N/A
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 700.83 $ 1,411.39 $ 50.3%
Saint Helena is 50.3% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 610.40 $ 1,145.39 $ 46.7%
Saint Helena is 46.7% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 712.14 $ 2,337.19 $ 69.5%
Saint Helena is 69.5% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 651.10 $ 1,852.21 $ 64.8%
Saint Helena is 64.8% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² ? 6,334.38 $ N/A
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² ? 5,062.78 $ N/A
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 885.46 $ 3,229.12 $ 72.6%
Saint Helena is 72.6% cheaper
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 6.20 5.75 7.8%
Saint Helena is 7.8% more expensive

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to United Kingdom. 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 United Kingdom 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 United Kingdom

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.

United Kingdom

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 United Kingdom

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