Mahe, the largest island in Seychelles, is known for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering relocating or planning an extended stay.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Mahe, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $16.52 on average, with a range between $14.68 and $18.36.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $73.42, with prices ranging from $73.42 to $146.84.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $7.86, with a range between $7.34 and $8.37.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer averages $8.81, imported beer $5.24, cappuccino $4.56, and Coke/Pepsi $2.36.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced between $1.47 and $1.84 per liter, averaging $1.65.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.10 and $1.17, with an average price of $1.14.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $3.52 to $3.67, averaging $3.57.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples) - Apples cost $1.84 to $2.20 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Onions) - Potatoes are priced between $0.95 and $1.10 per kg, and onions cost $0.95 to $1.10 per kg.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.73 and $0.88.
  • Monthly Pass - A monthly pass for public transport ranges from $14.68 to $36.71, averaging $25.70.
  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.54 and $1.84 per liter, averaging $1.69.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $11.01, with a cost of $3.30 per km and $11.01 per hour of waiting.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $881.07.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $660.80 to $994.15, averaging $827.47.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1835.55.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $1101.33.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $51.40 and $124.82, averaging $88.11.
  • Internet - Internet services range from $73.42 to $293.69, with an average cost of $171.32.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 15 user contributions, as of the most recent update in July, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$16.52
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$73.42
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$7.86
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$8.81
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$5.24
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.36
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.81
Cappuccino (regular)
$4.56
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.65
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$1.14
Eggs (regular) (12)
$3.57
Local Cheese (1kg)
$20.93
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.20
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.20
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$12.85
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$9.18
Apples (1kg)
$2.02
Potato (1kg)
$1.03
Rice (white), (1kg)
$1.95
Tomato (1kg)
$4.41
Onion (1kg)
$1.03
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$13.22
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$0.88
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$25.70
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.69
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$11.01
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$3.30
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$11.01
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$881.07
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$827.47
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$1,835.55
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$1,101.33
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$88.11
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$171.32
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$22.03
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$51.86
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$6.61
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$27.58
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$11.03
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$44.13
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$55.16
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$881.07
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
20%
Childcare
Avg / Range
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$4,405.33
Mahe Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Mahe offers a relatively high cost of living, especially in terms of dining and internet services.

Housing costs are moderate, with city centre apartments being more expensive than those outside the centre.

Transportation is affordable, with low costs for public transport and gasoline.

Grocery prices are reasonable, but imported goods can be more expensive.

Conclusion

In conclusion, living in Mahe, Seychelles, presents a unique blend of affordability and luxury. While some expenses like dining and internet are on the higher side, transportation and basic utilities remain affordable.

Prospective residents should budget carefully, especially if planning to dine out frequently or require high-speed internet services. Overall, Mahe offers a beautiful living environment with costs that reflect its island lifestyle.