Cost of Living in Cape Town, South Africa
South Africa · Africa
$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
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| 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% |
View Cost of Living in South Africa
Cost of Living in Cape Town — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Cape Town, South Africa is approximately $1,200 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Cape Town has a cost index of 38, making it around 62% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Cape Town costs around $420/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $650/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $1,500/month. The rent index is 34 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Cape Town scores 68/100 on the quality of life index and 32/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 65/100. The climate index is 82/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Cape Town is approximately $1,100/month. With a purchasing power index of 52/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is ZAR, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Cape Town
The average monthly salary in Cape Town is approximately $1,100. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $1,200, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 52/100.
Healthcare Costs in Cape Town
Healthcare quality in Cape Town is rated 65/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Cape Town
Cape Town has a quality of life score of 68/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Cape Town
Students living in Cape Town should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Cape Town
Expats moving to Cape Town often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Cape Town, South Africa is approximately $1,200 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 38 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Cape Town
Living in Cape Town offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 38 and a quality of life score of 68/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $1,100 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Cape Town provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in South Africa and around the world.
Key Facts About Cape Town
- Average Monthly Cost: $1,200
- Cost Index: 38
- Rent Index: 34
- Average Salary: $1,100
- Quality of Life: 68/100
- Safety Score: 32/100
- Country: South Africa
- Currency: ZAR
Is Cape Town Expensive?
Cape Town has a cost index of 38 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Cape Town compare to other cities?
Cape Town is located in Africa with a population of approximately 4.6M. At a cost index of 38 (NYC = 100), it is one of the most affordable cities in the world, ideal for budget-conscious expats, remote workers, and retirees. Use the free comparison tool to see how Cape Town stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Cape Town?
The average cost of living in Cape Town, South Africa is approximately $1,200 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 38 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Cape Town?
Rent in Cape Town varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 34 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Cape Town alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Cape Town expensive to live in?
Cape Town has a cost index of 38 compared to New York City (100). At 38, Cape Town is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $1,200.
What is the quality of life in Cape Town?
Cape Town has a quality of life index of 68/100 and a safety index of 32/100. The city is located in Africa and offers a good quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Cape Town compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Cape Town with any city worldwide. Cape Town's cost index is 38 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Cape Town?
Many residents live comfortably in Cape Town with a monthly budget of around $1,200 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Cape Town good for expats?
Cape Town is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Cape Town?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $1,200 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Cape Town.
Is Cape Town cheaper than New York?
Yes, Cape Town has a cost index of 38 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Cape Town?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Cape Town.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Cape Town
Cheapest Ways to Live in Cape Town
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Cape Town typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $420/month compared to $650/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Cape Town, South Africa.
Is Cape Town Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 52/100 and a quality of life score of 68/100, Cape Town is a reasonable option for relocation, balancing affordability with adequate quality of life. Combined with a cost index of 38 relative to New York City, Cape Town remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living South Africa has to offer against other destinations in Africa.
Cape Town Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Cape Town", "Cape Town monthly expenses 2026", and "is Cape Town affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $1,200, a safety score of 32/100, and healthcare rated 65/100, Cape Town offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to South Africa.
Popular City Cost Comparisons
Cape Town vs Berlin
Cost of living comparison
Cape Town vs Dubai
Cost of living comparison
Cape Town vs Hong Kong
Cost of living comparison
Cape Town vs New York
Cost of living comparison
Cost of Living in South Africa
Country living costs
Compare CitiesCity RankingsCountry RankingsMethodologyAbout UsCalculatorLast reviewed: 7/15/2026