Cost of living in Cape Town, South Africa

Summary of cost of living in Cape Town

  • Family of four estimated monthly costs: R 50,239
  • Single person estimated monthly costs: R 26,336
  • Cost of living in Cape Town is cheaper than in 79% of cities in the World (119 out of 150)
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List of prices in Cape Town
Current as of Feb 2025.

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Food Update prices
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district R 151
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) R 89
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast R 61
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk R 18
12 eggs, large R 54
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes R 31
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese R 81
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples R 28
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes R 33
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket R 28
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality R 104
2 liters of coca-cola R 26
Bread for 2 people for 1 day R 19
Housing Update prices
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area R 22,154
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area R 14,125
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat R 1,744
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area R 15,482
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area R 9,165
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio R 773
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) R 629
40” flat screen tv R 5,833
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) R 2,139
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) R 119
Hourly rate for cleaning help R 69
Clothes Update prices
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) R 824
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) R 671
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) R 1,670
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes R 1,334
Transportation Update prices
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new R 440,709
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas R 22
Monthly ticket public transport R 644
Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) R 134
Personal Care Update prices
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) R 63
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) R 151
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) R 660
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) R 61
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) R 34
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) R 58
4 rolls of toilet paper R 39
Tube of toothpaste R 27
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city R 185
Entertainment Update prices
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub R 378
2 tickets to the movies R 198
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) R 1,050
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert R 678
1 cocktail drink in downtown club R 82
Cappuccino in expat area of the city R 40
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) R 42
Ipad wi-fi 128gb R 9,948
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) R 3.14
1 month of gym membership in business district R 573
1 package of marlboro cigarettes R 55
These prices are based on abundant and consistent data. They are very reliable. They are based on 244 prices entered by 31 different people.
Latest price update: February 17, 2025

Moving to Cape Town with your children?

International Schools in Cape Town

Cape Town position in our World Ranking

the world
119th
out of 150
africa
2nd
out of 3

Cheapest and most expensive products in Cape Town compared to other cities:

africa
1st
africa
1st
africa
1st
africa
1st
africa
1st
africa
1st

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Prices recently added

  • 1 liter of whole fat milk in Lviv costs 45₴ (24 minutes ago)
  • Monthly rent - 480 sqft furnished studio in expensive area in San Pedro Sula costs L 8,073 (30 minutes ago)
  • 1 pack of marlboro cigarettes in New York City costs $18 (32 minutes ago)
  • Internet connection 300 mbps, 1 month in Madrid costs €25 (about 1 hour ago)
  • 12 eggs, large in Melbourne costs AU$15 (about 1 hour ago)
  • Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district in Brasília costs R$ 35 (about 2 hours ago)

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