In today’s world, access to the internet can be considered the fourth essential of life, after food, shelter, and clothing. 

The price of internet data has been declining worldwide, with the vast majority of countries offering 1GB of mobile data for less than $2. 

It’s a very different picture from the price in 2019. 

TL;DR

• Globally, the average cost of 1GB of data is $2.59.
• Internet data is most expensive in Zimbabwe at $43.75 per 1GB. 
• Israel offers the cheapest mobile data in the world at $0.02 per 1GB. 

The data used in this explainer were obtained from Cable.co.uk, last updated in 2023. 

Top 20 Countries With the Highest Cost of 1GB Data

The table below presents the top 20 countries with the highest cost of 1GB of mobile data.

One common feature of the top 5 countries on the table is a limited or fragile telecommunications infrastructure.

Where Internet Data is Most Expensive

In Zimbabwe, years of economic instability have weakened network capacity, while recurring electricity shortages significantly raise operational costs for mobile operators. 

According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), markets with unreliable power grids typically see higher per-GB pricing because operators must rely on diesel generators and other backup systems, which increase the cost of delivering mobile broadband.

South Sudan’s high data costs stem from weak telecom infrastructure, limited 4G coverage, and dependence on neighboring countries for international bandwidth. 

The World Bank reports that much of the country still lacks stable fiber networks, making operators rely on expensive imported capacity. 

Where Internet Data is Cheapest

The countries with the cheapest mobile data (Israel, Italy, and Fiji) share strong network coverage, widespread mobile adoption, and healthy competition among operators. 

According to GSMA coverage data, more than 95% of the Italian population now has access to 5G, with nearly universal 4G coverage. 

This broad infrastructure keeps network costs stable and encourages providers to offer large data bundles at low prices, reinforcing Italy’s position as one of the most affordable markets globally.

Even San Marino benefits directly from Italy’s telecom ecosystem, achieving full 5G coverage through its partnership with TIM.

The Bigger Picture

A broader look at internet access costs across all countries shows that Africa has more countries with high prices. 

Regions with less developed networks, fragmented markets, and higher operational costs face much steeper prices. 

This is evident in Sub-Saharan Africa and Oceania, where infrastructure challenges and smaller-scale markets push 1GB costs well above the global average of $2.59.

What is the Actual Value of 1GB of Data?

1GB of mobile data shows how much internet you can use on your phone or device. 

It lets you browse the web, check social media, stream music or video, and send messages before running out.

For example, 1GB can cover about 5–10 hours of browsing, 1–2 hours of music, or 30–60 minutes of video at standard quality. 

How long it lasts depends on your apps and usage. 

Knowing this makes it easier to see why 1GB costing $0.02 in one country feels very different from $43.75 in another.

ELI5: Cost of 1GB of Data Around the World

You can’t access the internet on your phone or tablet without mobile data, and 1GB is a standard unit of measurement for it, showing how much browsing, streaming, or messaging you can do. 

On average, 1GB costs about $2.59 worldwide, but in some countries it’s much cheaper, like Israel at $0.02, and in others, much more expensive, like Zimbabwe at $43.75. 

To put it in perspective, 1GB can let you browse the web or social media for 5–10 hours, stream 1–2 hours of music, or watch 30–60 minutes of video, depending on the type of content. 

Source: 

Cable.co.uk