Cost of living in Cape Town, South Africa

Summary of cost of living in Cape Town

  • Family of four estimated monthly costs: R 39,395
  • Single person estimated monthly costs: R 20,361
  • Cost of living in Cape Town is more expensive than in 73% of cities in Africa (4 out of 11)
  • Cost of living in Cape Town is cheaper than in 72% of cities in the World (172 out of 238)

List of prices in Cape Town, South Africa. Current as of Jul 2020.

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Food [Edit]
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district R 121
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) R 61
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast R 44
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk R 14
12 eggs, large R 36
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes R 20
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese R 60
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples R 23
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes R 17
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket R 18
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality R 104
2 liters of coca-cola R 21
Bread for 2 people for 1 day R 12
Housing [Edit]
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area R 16,671
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area R 10,635
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat R 1,146
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area R 12,869
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area R 7,738
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio R 820
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) R 580
40” flat screen tv R 4,356
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) R 1,582
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) R 85
Hourly rate for cleaning help R 36
Clothes [Edit]
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) R 820
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) R 696
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) R 1,438
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes R 1,332
Transportation [Edit]
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new R 320,813
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas R 15
Monthly ticket public transport R 692
Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) R 146
Personal Care [Edit]
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) R 66
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) R 141
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) R 484
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) R 49
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) R 38
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) R 62
4 rolls of toilet paper R 27
Tube of toothpaste R 21
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city R 147
Entertainment [Edit]
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub R 364
2 tickets to the movies R 176
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) R 641
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert R 580
1 cocktail drink in downtown club R 69
Cappuccino in expat area of the city R 31
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) R 38
Ipad wi-fi 128gb R 7,712
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) R 1.65
1 month of gym membership in business district R 633
1 package of marlboro cigarettes R 41
These prices are based on abundant and consistent data. They are very reliable. They are based on 958 prices entered by 119 different people.
Latest price update: July 03, 2020

Moving to Cape Town with your children?

International Schools in Cape Town

Cape Town position in our World Ranking

the world
172nd
out of 238
africa
4th
out of 11
south africa
2nd
out of 4

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

the world
2nd
africa
1st
africa
1st
africa
1st
africa
2nd
africa
2nd

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