South Africa offers a diverse cost of living depending on the city, lifestyle, and personal preferences. With major urban centers like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, as well as smaller cities and rural areas, the cost of living can vary significantly. 

Below is a general breakdown of living expenses in South Africa, covering housing, food, transportation, utilities, healthcare, education, and entertainment.

(Note: Exchange rate used: 1 ZAR = 0.053 USD)

Housing Costs in South Africa

Housing is one of the biggest expenses, especially in major cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg.

Cape Town has the highest rental prices, followed by Johannesburg and Durban. Smaller towns and suburban areas offer more affordable options.

Food & Grocery Costs in South Africa

The cost of groceries in South Africa is generally affordable, with locally produced goods being cheaper than imported items.

Cape Town and Johannesburg have a thriving restaurant culture, but dining out can be expensive in tourist areas.

Generalised Transportation Costs in South Africa

Public transport is available in major cities but can be limited in smaller towns. Most residents rely on cars, taxis, or ride-hailing services.

Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt are widely used, especially in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban.

Utilities & Internet Costs in South Africa

Basic utilities such as electricity and water can be expensive due to periodic price increases.

Utilities (Electricity, Water, Heating, Garbage) per month:

• For a 1-bedroom apartment: $42.40 – $79.65
• For a 3-bedroom apartment: $79.65 – $185.50

Internet (Uncapped Fiber, 100 Mbps):$42.40 – $79.65 per month

Load shedding (scheduled power cuts) is common in South Africa, impacting daily life and requiring backup power solutions in some cases.

General Healthcare Costs in South Africa

South Africa has both public and private healthcare systems. Private healthcare is of a high standard but can be costly.

• Doctor’s consultation (private clinic):$21.20 – $47.70
• Specialist consultation:$53.00 – $159.00
• Health insurance (private, per month):$79.65 – $265.00
• Cold medicine for 6 days:$5.30 – $13.25
• Antibiotics (12 doses):$7.95 – $21.20

Medical aid schemes are recommended for expats and residents relying on private healthcare.

Education Costs (Private & International Schools)

Education in South Africa varies in cost depending on whether one opts for public, private, or international schools.

• Public school fees (per year):$265 – $1,590
• Private school fees (per year):$2,650 – $7,950
• International school fees (per year):$7,950 – $15,900
• University tuition (public institutions, per year):$2,120 – $5,300

Private and international schools offer a higher standard of education but at a significantly higher cost.

South African Entertainment & Leisure Costs

South Africa offers diverse entertainment options, from nightlife and dining to outdoor adventures.

• Movie ticket (standard seat):$5.30 – $7.95
• Theater/concert ticket:$15.90 – $42.40
• Gym membership (mid-range fitness center):$26.50 – $63.60 per month
• Dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant (with wine):$31.80 – $63.60
• 1 bottle of good-quality wine:$5.30 – $15.90

South Africa is also known for its outdoor lifestyle, with free or low-cost access to beaches, hiking trails, and nature reserves.

The Cost of Living in Top Cities of South Africa

The Cost of Living in Cape Town

Cape Town, one of South Africa’s most vibrant cities, offers a moderate cost of living compared to major international cities but can be costly compared to other South African regions. Here's an overview of typical expenses:

🏠 Housing

• One-bedroom apartment in the city center: $650 – $1,100 per month
• One-bedroom apartment outside the city center: $450 – $750 per month
• Three-bedroom apartment in the city center: $1,200 – $2,500 per month
• Three-bedroom apartment outside the city center: $800 – $1,500 per month

💡 Utilities & Internet

• Basic utilities (electricity, water, heating, cooling, garbage) for an 85m² apartment:$80 – $130 per month
• Internet (uncapped, 60 Mbps or more):$35 – $70 per month

📚 Education

• International primary school tuition:$4,500 – $8,500 per year

🛒 Groceries

• Milk (1 liter): $1.30
• Bread (0.5 kg): $1.20
• Eggs (dozen): $2.60
• Chicken breast (1 kg): $6.80
• Tomatoes (1 kg): $1.90
• Apples (1 kg): $2.20
• Potatoes (1 kg): $1.30

🍽️ Dining Out

• Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $8 – $12
• Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: $40 – $70
• Fast food combo meal: $5 – $7
• Domestic beer (0.5 liter): $2.50 – $4.50
• Cappuccino: $2.00 – $3.50

🚇 Transportation

• One-way local transport ticket: $1.20
• Monthly public transport pass: $38 – $55
• Gasoline (1 liter): $1.20
• Taxi start fare: $1.50 – $2.50

🍷 Alcohol & Tobacco

• Mid-priced bottle of wine (750 mL): $7 – $15
• Domestic beer (0.5 liter bottle): $1.50 – $2.50
• Imported beer (0.33 liter bottle): $2.50 – $4.00
• Pack of cigarettes: $3.50 – $5.00

🎉 Entertainment & Leisure

• Gym membership (monthly, in a business district): $30 – $60
• Cinema ticket (international release): $5 – $7
• Theater ticket (best available seats): $20 – $50
• Dinner for two at a nice restaurant (including wine): $60 – $100
• One cocktail at a downtown club: $5 – $10
• Domestic beer at a pub (500ml): $2.50 – $5.00
• Live concert ticket (popular artist): $30 – $80
• Weekend getaway (two people, 3-star hotel, per night): $80 – $150

📊 Summary of the Cost of Living in Cape Town

The Cost of Living in Johannesburg

Johannesburg, the economic hub of South Africa, has a moderate cost of living compared to global metropolitan cities. It is generally more affordable than Cape Town, especially in terms of housing and entertainment. Below is an overview of typical expenses:

🏠 Housing

• One-bedroom apartment in the city center: $500 – $900 per month
• One-bedroom apartment outside the city center: $350 – $700 per month
• Three-bedroom apartment in the city center: $1,000 – $1,800 per month
• Three-bedroom apartment outside the city center: $800 – $1,500 per month

💡 Utilities & Internet

• Basic utilities (electricity, water, heating, cooling, garbage) for an 85m² apartment: $70 – $120 per month
• Internet (uncapped, 60 Mbps or more): $30 – $60 per month

📚 Education

• International primary school tuition:$5,000 – $10,000 per year

🛒 Groceries

• Milk (1 liter): $1.20
• Bread (0.5 kg): $1.00
• Eggs (dozen): $2.50
• Chicken breast (1 kg): $6.00
• Tomatoes (1 kg): $1.70
• Apples (1 kg): $2.00
• Potatoes (1 kg): $1.20

🍽️ Dining Out

• Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $7 – $12
• Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: $35 – $60
• Fast food combo meal: $5 – $8
• Domestic beer (0.5 liter): $2.00 – $4.00
• Cappuccino: $1.80 – $3.50

🚇 Transportation

• One-way local transport ticket: $1.00
• Monthly public transport pass: $30 – $50
• Gasoline (1 liter): $1.15
• Taxi start fare: $1.50 – $2.50

🍷 Alcohol & Tobacco

• Mid-priced bottle of wine (750 mL): $6 – $14
• Domestic beer (0.5 liter bottle): $1.50 – $2.50
• Imported beer (0.33 liter bottle): $2.50 – $4.00
• Pack of cigarettes: $3.50 – $5.50

🎉 Entertainment & Leisure

• Gym membership (monthly, in a business district): $25 – $50
• Cinema ticket (international release): $4 – $7
• Theater ticket (best available seats): $15 – $40
• Dinner for two at a nice restaurant (including wine): $50 – $90
• One cocktail at a downtown club: $4 – $8
• Domestic beer at a pub (500ml): $2.00 – $4.00
• Live concert ticket (popular artist): $25 – $70
• Weekend getaway (two people, 3-star hotel, per night): $70 – $140

📊 Summary of the Cost of Living in Johannesburg

The Cost of Living in Pretoria

Pretoria, South Africa’s administrative capital, offers a moderate cost of living compared to Johannesburg and Cape Town. The city is known for its government offices, universities, and a quieter lifestyle, making it a popular choice for families and students. Below is an overview of typical expenses:

🏠 Housing

• One-bedroom apartment in the city center: $400 – $750 per month
• One-bedroom apartment outside the city center: $300 – $600 per month
• Three-bedroom apartment in the city center: $900 – $1,500 per month
• Three-bedroom apartment outside the city center: $700 – $1,300 per month

💡 Utilities & Internet

• Basic utilities (electricity, water, heating, cooling, garbage) for an 85m² apartment: $70 – $120 per month
• Internet (uncapped, 60 Mbps or more): $30 – $50 per month

📚 Education

• International primary school tuition:$4,500 – $9,000 per year

🛒 Groceries

• Milk (1 liter): $1.10
• Bread (0.5 kg): $1.00
• Eggs (dozen): $2.30
• Chicken breast (1 kg): $5.50
• Tomatoes (1 kg): $1.50
• Apples (1 kg): $1.90
• Potatoes (1 kg): $1.10

🍽️ Dining Out

• Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $6 – $10
• Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: $30 – $50
• Fast food combo meal: $5 – $7
• Domestic beer (0.5 liter): $2.00 – $3.50
• Cappuccino: $1.70 – $3.20

🚇 Transportation

• One-way local transport ticket: $1.00
• Monthly public transport pass: $30 – $45
• Gasoline (1 liter): $1.10
• Taxi start fare: $1.50 – $2.00

🍷 Alcohol & Tobacco

• Mid-priced bottle of wine (750 mL): $5 – $12
• Domestic beer (0.5 liter bottle): $1.50 – $2.50
• Imported beer (0.33 liter bottle): $2.50 – $4.00
• Pack of cigarettes: $3.50 – $5.00

🎉 Entertainment & Leisure

• Gym membership (monthly, in a business district): $20 – $45
• Cinema ticket (international release): $4 – $6
• Theater ticket (best available seats): $15 – $35
• Dinner for two at a nice restaurant (including wine): $45 – $80
• One cocktail at a downtown club: $4 – $7
• Domestic beer at a pub (500ml): $2.00 – $3.50
• Live concert ticket (popular artist): $20 – $60
• Weekend getaway (two people, 3-star hotel, per night): $60 – $120

📊 Summary of the Cost of Living in Pretoria

The Cost of Living in Mbombela

Mbombela (formerly Nelspruit) is the capital of Mpumalanga Province and serves as a gateway to Kruger National Park and neighboring Mozambique and Eswatini. The cost of living is lower than in Johannesburg and Cape Town, making it an attractive place for families, retirees, and nature lovers. Below is an overview of typical expenses:

🏠 Housing

• One-bedroom apartment in the city center: $250 – $500 per month
• One-bedroom apartment outside the city center: $180 – $400 per month
• Three-bedroom apartment in the city center: $650 – $1,200 per month
• Three-bedroom apartment outside the city center: $500 – $1,000 per month

💡 Utilities & Internet

• Basic utilities (electricity, water, heating, cooling, garbage) for an 85m² apartment: $60 – $110 per month
• Internet (uncapped, 60 Mbps or more): $30 – $45 per month

📚 Education

• International primary school tuition:$3,500 – $8,000 per year

🛒 Groceries

• Milk (1 liter): $1.00
• Bread (0.5 kg): $0.90
• Eggs (dozen): $2.20
• Chicken breast (1 kg): $5.00
• Tomatoes (1 kg): $1.30
• Apples (1 kg): $1.80
• Potatoes (1 kg): $1.00

🍽️ Dining Out

• Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $5 – $9
• Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: $25 – $45
• Fast food combo meal: $4 – $6
• Domestic beer (0.5 liter): $1.50 – $3.00
• Cappuccino: $1.50 – $3.00

🚇 Transportation

• One-way local transport ticket: $1.00
• Monthly public transport pass: $25 – $40
• Gasoline (1 liter): $1.10
• Taxi start fare: $1.50 – $2.50

🍷 Alcohol & Tobacco

• Mid-priced bottle of wine (750 mL): $4 – $10
• Domestic beer (0.5 liter bottle): $1.50 – $2.50
• Imported beer (0.33 liter bottle): $2.50 – $4.00
• Pack of cigarettes: $3.00 – $4.50

🎉 Entertainment & Leisure

• Gym membership (monthly, in a business district): $15 – $40
• Cinema ticket (international release): $4 – $6
• Theater ticket (best available seats): $10 – $30
• Dinner for two at a nice restaurant (including wine): $40 – $70
• One cocktail at a downtown club: $4 – $7
• Domestic beer at a pub (500ml): $1.50 – $3.00
• Live concert ticket (popular artist): $15 – $50
• Weekend getaway (two people, 3-star hotel, per night): $50 – $100

📊 Summary of the Cost of Living in Mbombela

The Cost of Living in Pietermaritzburg

Pietermaritzburg, the capital of KwaZulu-Natal, offers a lower cost of living compared to Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. Known for its rich history, green landscapes, and proximity to the Drakensberg Mountains, it is an attractive city for students, families, and retirees. Below is an overview of typical expenses:

🏠 Housing

• One-bedroom apartment in the city center: $250 – $500 per month
• One-bedroom apartment outside the city center: $180 – $400 per month
• Three-bedroom apartment in the city center: $600 – $1,200 per month
• Three-bedroom apartment outside the city center: $500 – $900 per month

💡 Utilities & Internet

• Basic utilities (electricity, water, heating, cooling, garbage) for an 85m² apartment: $60 – $110 per month
• Internet (uncapped, 60 Mbps or more): $30 – $45 per month

📚 Education

• International primary school tuition:$3,500 – $8,000 per year

🛒 Groceries

• Milk (1 liter): $1.00
• Bread (0.5 kg): $0.90
• Eggs (dozen): $2.20
• Chicken breast (1 kg): $5.00
• Tomatoes (1 kg): $1.30
• Apples (1 kg): $1.80
• Potatoes (1 kg): $1.00

🍽️ Dining Out

• Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $5 – $9
• Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: $25 – $45
• Fast food combo meal: $4 – $6
• Domestic beer (0.5 liter): $1.50 – $3.00
• Cappuccino: $1.50 – $3.00

🚇 Transportation

• One-way local transport ticket: $1.00
• Monthly public transport pass: $25 – $40
• Gasoline (1 liter): $1.10
• Taxi start fare: $1.50 – $2.50

🍷 Alcohol & Tobacco

• Mid-priced bottle of wine (750 mL): $4 – $10
• Domestic beer (0.5 liter bottle): $1.50 – $2.50
• Imported beer (0.33 liter bottle): $2.50 – $4.00
• Pack of cigarettes: $3.00 – $4.50

🎉 Entertainment & Leisure

• Gym membership (monthly, in a business district): $15 – $40
• Cinema ticket (international release): $4 – $6
• Theater ticket (best available seats): $10 – $30
• Dinner for two at a nice restaurant (including wine): $40 – $70
• One cocktail at a downtown club: $4 – $7
• Domestic beer at a pub (500ml): $1.50 – $3.00
• Live concert ticket (popular artist): $15 – $50
• Weekend getaway (two people, 3-star hotel, per night): $50 – $100

📊 Summary of the Cost of Living in Pietermaritzburg

Is South Africa Expensive?

South Africa provides a high standard of living at a cost that varies widely depending on location and lifestyle choices. 

• Housing & utilities: Expensive in major cities but affordable in smaller towns.
• Food & groceries: Reasonable for local products; expensive for imports.
• Transport & fuel: Affordable but dependent on car ownership.
• Healthcare: High-quality private healthcare is costly; public healthcare is less reliable.
• Entertainment & dining out: Offers both affordable and luxury options.