Cost of Living in Seychelles: Monthly Budget Breakdown

The cost of living in Seychelles in 2026 runs about SCR 23,500–26,300 (~$1,680–$1,880) a month for a single person living simply, and about SCR 31,900–39,600 (~$2,280–$2,830) for a comfortable single life. A couple should plan on roughly SCR 35,000–49,400 (~$2,500–$3,530), and a family of four SCR 57,400–81,900 (~$4,100–$5,850) before international school fees. Dollar figures use a rate of about SCR 14.0 per US dollar (October 6, 2026). Seychelles is one of the most expensive countries in Africa. Rent is the biggest cost: an average one-bedroom costs more than the average local take-home salary. Below you’ll find rents, utility tariffs, food and transport prices, taxes, permit fees, and sample budgets.

Quick Answer

• Single person: SCR 23,500–26,300 (~$1,680–$1,880) on a lean budget; SCR 31,900–39,600 (~$2,280–$2,830) for a comfortable one.
• Couple: SCR 35,000–49,400 (~$2,500–$3,530) a month.
• Family of four: SCR 57,400–81,900 (~$4,100–$5,850) before international school fees.
• Rent, one-bedroom: about SCR 11,760 (~$840) outside the center and SCR 13,100 (~$935) in a central area.
• Utilities: about SCR 1,820 (~$130) a month for an 85 m² apartment; broadband adds about SCR 1,720 (~$123).
• Bus fare: SCR 8 per ride since February 1, 2026.
• Minimum wage: SCR 40.95 an hour, about SCR 7,100–8,000 (~$505–$570) a month.

Exchange Rate, Inflation, and Wages in 2026

Three numbers frame what Seychelles costs you this year.
The exchange rate. The rupee traded at about SCR 14.0 per US dollar on October 6, 2026, according to 2026 USD/SCR rate history. It moved between about SCR 13.8 and SCR 14.0 in late September and early October. A month earlier, in early September, the Central Bank of Seychelles mid-rate was about SCR 14.5, so the rupee has firmed slightly. All dollar figures in this guide use SCR 14.0.
Inflation. Prices are rising slowly. Annual inflation was 0.93% in August 2026 and 1.22% in September, based on National Bureau of Statistics data reported by Trading Economics. Transport, oils and fats, and vegetables drove most of the August increase. For context, the World Bank puts inflation for 2025 at just 0.3%.
Wages. The national minimum wage is SCR 40.95 an hour, set by S.I. 16 of 2025 and in force since April 1, 2025, as reported by African Exponent. At 40 hours a week that is about SCR 7,100 (~$505) a month; at the 45-hour standard week it is about SCR 8,000 (~$570). The 2026 State of the Nation Address also introduced a 13th-month salary as a workers’ right and set a target of SCR 10,000 a month for pensions by 2029.

At SCR 14.0 per dollar, a central one-bedroom (about SCR 13,100) costs more than the crowd-sourced average take-home salary of about SCR 11,480 (~$820). Many local households share housing or live in family-owned homes.

Rent and Housing

Housing is the largest cost for anyone who doesn’t get accommodation from an employer. Seychelles has no official rent index, so the figures below are crowd-sourced averages (last updated July 16, 2026, from 130 price reports by 16 contributors). Treat them as a starting point and check live listings before you sign.

Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue

Almost 90% of residents live on Mahé, home to the capital, Victoria. It has the most rentals, jobs, schools, shops, and medical services. Praslin and La Digue are quieter, but rental supply is small and many listings target tourists, so a long lease can be hard to find. Living on the outer islands also means paying ferry fares for many errands and appointments on Mahé.
A few points to check before renting:

• Ask whether rent is quoted in rupees or tied to euros or dollars. Expat-oriented listings are sometimes priced in foreign currency.
• Get the deposit and advance-rent terms in writing. These vary by landlord.
• Ask for recent electricity bills. Air conditioning can double a bill.
• Confirm who pays for water pumps, gardening, pest control, and storm repairs.
• Test the commute at rush hour. Mahé’s coastal roads get congested around Victoria.

Buying property is a separate process. Foreigners generally need government approval to buy land in Seychelles, and stamp duty and legal fees add to the price. Get advice from a local lawyer before you commit.

Utilities, Internet, and Phone

Basic utilities (electricity, water, and garbage) for an 85 m² apartment average about SCR 1,816 (~$130) a month, based on crowd-sourced reports. Internet is the item that surprises newcomers: broadband costs almost as much as all other utilities combined.
Electricity is billed in rising blocks. Under the Electricity (Amendment) Regulations 2025, domestic rates since January 15, 2025 are:

At these rates, 300 kWh a month costs about SCR 620 (~$44) in energy charges, while 500 kWh costs about SCR 1,440 (~$103). Homes with a supply above 2.4 kVA also pay a small demand charge. In July 2026 the government approved a fuel cost adjustment that raises rates by 25–29 cents per kWh above 400 kWh, but leaves the first 400 kWh unchanged, according to State House. If you keep your air conditioning use moderate, you stay in the cheaper blocks.
Other monthly connections and services:

• Broadband internet (60 Mbps+): about SCR 1,721 (~$123)
• Mobile plan with calls and 10 GB+ data: about SCR 578 (~$41)
• Gym membership: about SCR 1,281 (~$92)

Remote workers should ask providers about upload speeds, data caps, and outages, and keep mobile data as a backup. The government has said it is negotiating with Starlink to make telecoms more affordable, but no price change had been confirmed as of October 2026.

Food: Groceries and Dining Out

Seychelles imports most of its food, so grocery prices are closer to European levels than to African ones. Local fish, rice, bread, eggs, and seasonal fruit keep a budget in check. Imported cheese, meat, and packaged goods push it up fast. A single person who cooks most meals spends about SCR 4,500–7,000 (~$320–$500) a month on groceries.
Typical prices (crowd-sourced averages, July 2026):

Tomatoes and vegetables are expensive because so much is imported or grown in small volumes. The government said in the 2026 State of the Nation Address that it would add 12 everyday products to the STC (state trading company) price-controlled list and prepare VAT exemptions on some essentials.
Eating out is costly in tourist areas. Local takeaway counters serving rice, curry, and fish are much cheaper than hotel or beachfront restaurants. Average prices:

• Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: about SCR 263 (~$18.80)
• Three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant: about SCR 1,308 (~$93)
• Fast-food combo meal: about SCR 176 (~$12.60)
• Cappuccino: about SCR 64 (~$4.55)
• Domestic beer (pint, at a bar): about SCR 109 (~$7.80)
• Soft drink (small bottle): about SCR 32 (~$2.30)

Transportation and Ferries

Public buses run by SPTC cover most of Mahé and Praslin and are the cheapest way to get around. The standard fare dropped from SCR 10 to SCR 8 on February 1, 2026, and the government plans further cuts to SCR 7 in 2027 and SCR 6 in 2028, per the State of the Nation Address. Visitors can buy unlimited cards on the SPTC visitor page.

Fuel rose by SCR 1 a liter in April 2026, to SCR 21.18 for petrol and SCR 21.19 for diesel, as reported by Nation. That works out to about $5.73 a gallon.
Cars are expensive because they are imported and taxed. A new compact car such as a Volkswagen Golf costs about SCR 377,000 (~$26,930), and a Toyota Corolla about SCR 450,000 (~$32,140). Many expats rely on buses plus occasional taxis, or buy a used car. Island hopping is a real cost too: ferry tickets between Mahé and Praslin start at about €54 one way on Ferryscanner, and residents with a Seychelles ID may get different fares.

Healthcare and Insurance

The Health Care Agency provides primary, secondary, and specialist care through Seychelles Hospital in Victoria and district health centers. Public care is free for Seychellois citizens. Foreigners should not assume the same. The official residence permit conditions state that permit holders are not entitled to free medical services or social security benefits.
Private care is limited and priced for visitors and expats. One mobile doctor service, Doctor247, lists these visitor prices:

• Video consultation: €125
• Doctor and nurse home visit, 7 a.m.–7 p.m.: €175
• Night visit, 7 p.m.–7 a.m.: €375
• Citizens and GOP holders pay lower local rupee rates shown at booking.

Prices come from the Doctor247 FAQ. Complex treatment often means a flight to Mauritius, South Africa, Dubai, or India, so international health insurance with medical evacuation cover is essential. Premiums depend on age and plan; budget at least SCR 1,500–2,500 (~$105–$180) a month per adult as a starting point and get quotes before you move.

Schools and Childcare

Education can be the biggest cost for expat families. Crowd-sourced figures put private full-day preschool at about SCR 2,000 (~$143) a month and international primary school at about SCR 121,370 (~$8,670) a year per child. That is about SCR 10,115 (~$722) a month per child, or roughly SCR 20,230 (~$1,445) for two children. These figures come from few reports, so contact schools directly for tuition, registration fees, uniforms, and transport.
Public schools teach in English, French, and Creole. Ask the Ministry of Education about enrollment rules for non-citizen children before you plan around them.

Taxes: VAT and Income Tax

VAT is 15% on most goods and services and is included in shelf prices, per the Seychelles Revenue Commission.
Income tax is withheld from monthly salary. The SRC income tax schedule treats citizens and non-citizens differently: citizens get a tax-free band, non-citizens do not.

Example: a foreign employee earning SCR 20,000 (~$1,430) a month pays SCR 1,500 on the first SCR 10,000 plus 20% of the next SCR 10,000, for SCR 3,500 in income tax. Take-home pay before pension contributions is about SCR 16,500 (~$1,180). A citizen on the same salary pays about SCR 2,216. Ask any employer for a written net-pay calculation.

Salaries vs. Cost of Living

Local pay is high for Africa but low against Seychelles prices. The crowd-sourced average take-home salary is about SCR 11,480 (~$820) a month. Salary survey site Paylab puts average gross pay at about SCR 18,110 (~$1,295), with 80% of workers earning between SCR 9,120 and SCR 29,050. Cleaners and porters average under SCR 9,000; senior managers and IT directors earn SCR 45,000–50,000.
That gap explains why many expat jobs in hotels, finance, and health come with housing, flights, or a housing allowance. Before you accept an offer, ask whether it includes:

• Accommodation or a housing allowance
• Private health insurance and medical evacuation
• Annual return flights
• School fees for children
• Permit fees and relocation costs

A housing allowance alone can be worth SCR 12,000–30,000 a month, which changes the value of an offer more than any salary difference.

Permits and Visa Costs

Visitors from most countries do not need a visa and receive a visitor’s permit on arrival. To live or work longer, you need a permit from Immigration and Civil Status.

The GOP fee is listed as SCR 500 a month on the Immigration GOP page, but the Ministry of Foreign Affairs FAQ says SCR 700 a month. Confirm the amount with Immigration before you pay. The fee is charged for the full permit period at the time of application, so a two-year GOP costs SCR 12,000–16,800 plus processing.

One-Time Setup Costs

Budget for these before your first month:

• Permit fees: SCR 13,000–17,800 for a two-year GOP, or SCR 151,000 plus a SCR 20,000 guarantee for a residence permit.
• Rental deposit and advance rent: often one to two months’ rent, or about SCR 13,000–26,000 for a central one-bedroom. Terms vary by landlord.
• Furnishing: imported furniture and appliances cost more than in Europe. Furnished rentals avoid most of this.
• Car: SCR 377,000 or more for a new compact car, or a used car plus insurance.
• Health insurance: the first year’s international premium if paid annually.
• Flights: Seychelles is far from most home countries, so set aside money for at least one return trip a year.

Sample Monthly Budgets

These budgets combine the averages above. The lean single budget uses a one-bedroom outside the center and the bus. The comfortable budget uses a central apartment, more dining out, private insurance, and taxis or a shared car. The family budget uses a three-bedroom and a car, without international school fees. All figures are in SCR.

Family with international school: add about SCR 20,230 (~$1,445) a month for two children, which brings the family total to roughly SCR 77,700–102,100 (~$5,550–$7,295).
Employer-housed workers: if your employer provides accommodation, subtract the rent line. A single person then needs about SCR 11,700–24,600 (~$835–$1,755) a month.

Money-Saving Tips

• Negotiate housing into your contract. Rent is the largest cost, and employer-provided housing saves more than any other tip.
• Stay under 400 kWh. Electricity rates nearly double above 300 kWh, and the July 2026 fuel adjustment only hits use above 400 kWh. Use fans and timers.
• Ride the bus. At SCR 8 a ride, a month of commuting costs less than two taxi trips.
• Buy local fish and produce at Victoria Market (Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market) instead of imported supermarket goods.
• Eat at takeaway counters, not hotel restaurants. A local plate costs a fraction of a tourist menu.
• Rent outside central Victoria. Areas a short bus ride away are cheaper than central or beachfront locations.
• Keep your budget in rupees. Most bills are in SCR, and the rate moved about 4% in a month this year.

How Seychelles Compares With Nearby Countries

Seychelles is the most expensive country in the western Indian Ocean for daily living. Crowd-sourced price indexes rank it first in Africa for consumer prices, close to the United States excluding rent. If you are weighing island options, the cost of living in Mauritius is roughly half as high for a single person, with a larger rental market. The cost of living in the Maldives is the closest match, since Malé rents are similarly steep. For lower costs on the mainland, compare the cost of living in Kenya, or look at the cost of living in Madagascar, one of the cheapest options in the region.

Figures for other countries come from our 2026 country guides and use each country’s own October 2026 exchange rate. Family figures exclude international school fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money do you need to live in Seychelles per month?

A single person needs about SCR 23,500–26,300 (~$1,680–$1,880) a month for a simple life outside central Victoria, and about SCR 31,900–39,600 (~$2,280–$2,830) for a comfortable one. A couple should budget SCR 35,000–49,400 (~$2,500–$3,530), and a family of four SCR 57,400–81,900 (~$4,100–$5,850) before international school fees.

How much is rent in Seychelles in 2026?

Crowd-sourced averages from July 2026 put a one-bedroom apartment at about SCR 13,100 (~$935) a month in a central area and about SCR 11,760 (~$840) outside the center. A three-bedroom costs about SCR 23,560–30,030 (~$1,685–$2,145). Sea views, furnishing, and short leases push prices higher.

Is Seychelles more expensive than Mauritius?

Yes, by a wide margin. A single person living simply needs about $675–$930 a month in Mauritius, compared with about $1,680–$1,880 in Seychelles. Rent, imported food, and internet all cost more in Seychelles.

What is the minimum wage in Seychelles?

The national minimum wage has been SCR 40.95 an hour since April 1, 2025. That works out to about SCR 7,100–8,000 (~$505–$570) a month, depending on whether you work 40 or 45 hours a week.

Do foreigners pay income tax in Seychelles?

Yes. Non-citizens pay 15% on the first SCR 10,000 of monthly income, 20% on income above that up to SCR 83,333, and 30% above SCR 83,333. Citizens pay nothing on the first SCR 8,555.50. VAT is 15% on most goods and services.

How much does a Seychelles residence permit cost?

The five-year residence permit costs SCR 150,000 (~$10,715) for the main applicant plus a SCR 1,000 processing fee. A spouse adds SCR 75,000 and each child SCR 25,000. You also need a bank guarantee of at least SCR 20,000, and the permit does not allow you to work.

Is public transport cheap in Seychelles?

Yes. The standard SPTC bus fare fell from SCR 10 to SCR 8 on February 1, 2026, and visitors can buy unlimited travel cards for SCR 100 (one day), SCR 198 (four days), or SCR 363 (eight days). Taxis are far more expensive, and the ferry from Mahé to Praslin starts at about €54 one way.

Conclusion

Seychelles is expensive in 2026, but the reasons are predictable. Rent, imported food, internet, and private healthcare drive most of the cost, while buses, fuel, and inflation are relatively stable. A single person needs about $1,680–$1,880 a month on a lean budget and $2,280–$2,830 to live comfortably, and a family of four needs $4,100–$5,850 before school fees. The biggest factor is housing: a job that includes accommodation changes the picture completely. Price your rental, health insurance, and permit fees first, keep your budget in rupees, and check the GOP fee directly with Immigration before you pay.

Sources

• Exchange-Rates.org – USD to SCR history, 2026
• Trading Economics – Seychelles inflation, August 2026 (NBS data)
• World Bank – Seychelles data
• African Exponent – minimum wages in Africa, 2026
• State House – State of the Nation Address 2026
• Seychelles Gazette – Electricity (Amendment) Regulations 2025
• State House – July 2026 fuel cost adjustment for electricity
• Nation – fuel price increase, April 2026
• SPTC – visitor travel cards
• Ferryscanner – Victoria (Mahé) to Praslin ferry
• Ministry of Health – Health Care Agency
• Doctor247 Seychelles – FAQ and prices
• Seychelles Revenue Commission – FAQ (VAT)
• Seychelles Revenue Commission – income tax rates
• Immigration and Civil Status – living and working in Seychelles
• Immigration and Civil Status – residence permit
• Immigration and Civil Status – Gainful Occupation Permit
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs – FAQ (GOP fee)
• Numbeo – Seychelles (crowd-sourced prices, July 2026)
• Paylab – Seychelles salary survey