Cost of living in Cape Town, South Africa

Summary of cost of living in Cape Town

  • Family of four estimated monthly costs: R 40,586
  • Single person estimated monthly costs: R 21,329
  • Cost of living in Cape Town is cheaper than in 68% of cities in the World (136 out of 200)

List of prices in Cape Town, South Africa. Current as of Feb 2021.

Change the currency:
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 63
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast R 48
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk R 15
12 eggs, large R 37
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes R 25
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese R 69
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples R 21
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 111
2 liters of coca-cola R 24
Bread for 2 people for 1 day R 11
Housing [Edit]
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area R 17,387
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area R 11,636
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat R 1,148
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area R 13,105
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area R 8,104
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio R 861
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) R 558
40” flat screen tv R 5,006
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) R 1,658
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) R 84
Hourly rate for cleaning help R 36
Clothes [Edit]
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) R 761
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) R 511
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) R 1,423
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes R 1,407
Transportation [Edit]
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new R 372,713
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas R 15
Monthly ticket public transport R 729
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 443
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) R 42
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) R 34
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) R 57
4 rolls of toilet paper R 27
Tube of toothpaste R 20
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city R 143
Entertainment [Edit]
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub R 426
2 tickets to the movies R 184
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) R 722
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert R 622
1 cocktail drink in downtown club R 66
Cappuccino in expat area of the city R 34
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 564
1 package of marlboro cigarettes R 45
These prices are based on abundant and consistent data. They are very reliable. They are based on 543 prices entered by 87 different people.
Latest price update: February 24, 2021

Moving to Cape Town with your children?

International Schools in Cape Town

Cape Town position in our World Ranking

the world
136th
out of 200
africa
2nd
out of 6

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

the world
5th
africa
1st
africa
1st
africa
1st
africa
1st
africa
1st

Do you live in Cape Town? We need your help!

What is the price of

Summer dress in a High Street Store (Zara, H&M or similar retailers)

in Cape Town?

R

International Cost of Living Index

loading...

Prices recently added

  • 500 ml beer in neighbourhood pub in Jamshedpur costs ₨200 (about 1 hour ago)
  • Internet connection 300 mbps, 1 month in Los Angeles, California costs $65 (about 1 hour ago)
  • Internet connection 300 mbps, 1 month in Buenos Aires costs ARS $3,536 (about 2 hours ago)
  • Internet connection 300 mbps, 1 month in Berlin costs €20 (about 2 hours ago)
  • 1 month of gym membership in business district in Peshawar costs ₨2,000 (about 3 hours ago)
  • 1 kg of apples in Chandigarh costs ₨150 (about 3 hours ago)