Cost of Living in Cape Town, South Africa
South Africa · Africa
Cost of Living in Cape Town: Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Cape Town, South Africa is approximately $1,200 per month for one person. This page covers rent, groceries, transportation, utilities, salaries and quality of life. The cost of living index is 38, using New York City as the 100-point benchmark.
$1,200
Monthly Cost
avg/person
38
Cost Index
NYC = 100
34
Rent Index
NYC = 100
68
Quality of Life
Good
32
Safety Index
Poor
4.6M
Population
ZAR
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $7 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $28 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $5 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $2.5 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $3.5 |
| Cappuccino | $2.8 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $1.2 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.8 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1 |
| Bread (500g) | $1 |
| Rice (1kg) | $1.2 |
| Eggs (12) | $2.2 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $4 |
| Beef (1kg) | $8 |
| Apples (1kg) | $1.5 |
| Banana (1kg) | $1 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $1.2 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.9 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.8 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.7 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $1 |
| Monthly Pass | $42 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.8 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.2 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $28000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $22000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $95 |
| Mobile Plan | $12 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $40 |
| Fitness Club/month | $32 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $650/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $420/mo |
| 3BR Center | $1,500/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $950/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $2,200/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $1,400/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $1100 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 11.5% |
Cost of Living in Cape Town: Complete Guide
The cost of living in Cape Town, South Africa, depends mainly on housing, transportation, food, utilities and lifestyle. The estimated monthly cost for one person is $1,200. The city's cost of living index is 38, compared with a New York City benchmark of 100.
Monthly Expenses in Cape Town
A typical monthly budget in Cape Town includes rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and other everyday expenses. Housing is usually one of the largest parts of the monthly budget.
Rent and Housing Costs in Cape Town
A one-bedroom apartment outside the city center costs approximately $420 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $650. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $1,500 per month.
Average Salary in Cape Town
The average net salary in Cape Town is approximately $1,100 per month. Purchasing power is rated 52out of 100.
Is Cape Town Expensive to Live In?
With a cost of living index of 38,Cape Town is less expensive than the New York City benchmark. Housing, groceries and transportation are important factors when comparing the total monthly cost.
Quality of Life in Cape Town
Safety
Cape Town has a safety score of 32/100. Safety is one of the factors to consider when comparing living costs and choosing a city.
Healthcare
Healthcare in Cape Town is rated 65/100. Healthcare access and medical costs can affect the total monthly budget for residents and families.
Climate
The climate index for Cape Town is 82/100. Climate and seasonal conditions can influence housing, transport and lifestyle expenses.
Purchasing Power
Cape Town has a purchasing power score of 52/100. Comparing salary levels with living expenses provides a better picture of affordability than looking at rent alone.
Living in Cape Town
Cost of Living for Students
Students should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, utilities and study expenses. Shared housing and public transportation may reduce monthly expenses.
Cost of Living for Expats
Expats considering Cape Town should compare rent, healthcare, transportation, taxes, groceries and salary levels before relocating.
Cost of Living for Remote Workers
Remote workers can compare housing, transportation, internet, food and purchasing power to estimate whether Cape Town fits their monthly budget.
Is Cape Town Affordable?
Affordability depends on income and housing choices. The cost index of 38provides a useful benchmark when comparing Cape Town with other cities.
Key Cost of Living Facts for Cape Town
- Average Monthly Cost
- $1,200
- Cost Index
- 38
- Rent Index
- 34
- Average Net Salary
- $1,100
- Quality of Life
- 68/100
- Safety
- 32/100
- Healthcare
- 65/100
- Currency
- ZAR
Frequently Asked Questions About Cape Town
What is the cost of living in Cape Town?
The estimated cost of living in Cape Town, South Africa, is approximately $1,200 per month for one person. This estimate includes major living expenses such as housing, food, transportation and utilities.
How much is rent in Cape Town?
A one-bedroom apartment outside the center costs approximately $420 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment in the center costs about $650.
Is Cape Town expensive to live in?
Cape Town has a cost index of 38 compared with New York City's benchmark of 100. The overall affordability depends on housing, salary and lifestyle.
What is the average salary in Cape Town?
The average net salary in Cape Town is approximately $1,100 per month.
Is Cape Town good for expats?
Expats should evaluate housing, salaries, transportation, healthcare, safety and quality of life before deciding whether Cape Town is suitable for relocation.