Cost of living in South Africa compared to United States
Currency:
Food | - 59% | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Food in South Africa is 59% cheaper than in United States | ||||
South Africa | United States | Diff | ||
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | R 147 ($8) | $20 | - 60% | |
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | R 83 ($4.42) | $11 | - 59% | |
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | R 50 ($2.69) | $5.70 | - 53% | |
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | R 20 ($1.06) | $1.06 | - 0% | |
12 eggs, large | R 43 ($2.32) | $4.54 | - 49% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | R 27 ($1.44) | $4.56 | - 68% | |
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | R 83 ($4.42) | $7 | - 39% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | R 28 ($1.52) | $4.44 | - 66% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | R 24 ($1.27) | $2.22 | - 43% | |
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | R 22 ($1.17) | $3.02 | - 61% | |
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | R 98 ($5.19) | $16 | - 67% | |
2 liters of coca-cola | R 24 ($1.27) | $2.93 | - 57% | |
Bread for 2 people for 1 day | R 17 ($0.88) | $2.79 | - 68% | |
Housing | - 68% | |||
Housing in South Africa is 68% cheaper than in United States | ||||
South Africa | United States | Diff | ||
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | R 17,979 ($958) | $3,010 | - 68% | |
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | R 12,359 ($658) | $2,308 | - 71% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | R 2,014 ($107) | $223 | - 52% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | R 10,176 ($542) | $2,055 | - 74% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | R 6,899 ($367) | $1,565 | - 77% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | R 1,089 ($58) | $149 | - 61% | |
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | R 661 ($35) | $64 | - 45% | |
40” flat screen tv | R 5,454 ($290) | $293 | - 1% | |
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | R 1,657 ($88) | $145 | - 39% | |
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | R 122 ($7) | $14 | - 54% | |
Hourly rate for cleaning help | R 73 ($3.90) | $30 | - 87% | |
Clothes | - 33% | |||
Clothes in South Africa is 33% cheaper than in United States | ||||
South Africa | United States | Diff | ||
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | R 848 ($45) | $57 | - 21% | |
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | R 600 ($32) | $52 | - 39% | |
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | R 1,596 ($85) | $97 | - 13% | |
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | R 1,363 ($73) | $131 | - 45% | |
Transportation | - 28% | |||
Transportation in South Africa is 28% cheaper than in United States | ||||
South Africa | United States | Diff | ||
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | R 415,328 ($22,121) | $28,449 | - 22% | |
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | R 24 ($1.27) | $0.98 | + 29% | |
Monthly ticket public transport | R 839 ($45) | $74 | - 40% | |
Personal Care | - 66% | |||
Personal Care in South Africa is 66% cheaper than in United States | ||||
South Africa | United States | Diff | ||
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | R 55 ($2.93) | $10 | - 69% | |
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | R 176 ($9) | $21 | - 56% | |
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | R 599 ($32) | $140 | - 77% | |
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | R 47 ($2.53) | $9 | - 73% | |
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | R 34 ($1.82) | $5.01 | - 64% | |
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | R 62 ($3.32) | $7 | - 49% | |
4 rolls of toilet paper | R 37 ($1.98) | $4.94 | - 60% | |
Tube of toothpaste | R 25 ($1.33) | $2.36 | - 44% | |
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | R 165 ($9) | $29 | - 70% | |
Entertainment | - 60% | |||
Entertainment in South Africa is 60% cheaper than in United States | ||||
South Africa | United States | Diff | ||
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | R 430 ($23) | $57 | - 60% | |
2 tickets to the movies | R 218 ($12) | $30 | - 61% | |
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | R 767 ($41) | $207 | - 80% | |
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | R 702 ($37) | $99 | - 62% | |
1 cocktail drink in downtown club | R 76 ($4.07) | $15 | - 72% | |
Cappuccino in expat area of the city | R 36 ($1.91) | $5.58 | - 66% | |
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | R 33 ($1.77) | $7 | - 76% | |
Ipad wi-fi 128gb | R 10,008 ($533) | $507 | + 5% | |
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | R 1.84 ($0.10) | $0.37 | - 73% | |
1 month of gym membership in business district | R 617 ($33) | $66 | - 50% | |
1 package of marlboro cigarettes | R 51 ($2.71) | $10 | - 73% | |
TOTAL | - 56% |
These prices were last updated on March 19, 2024.
Exchange rate:
0.05326
USD
/
ZAR
This comparison is based on abundant and consistent data. It is based on 20,120 prices entered by 2,533 different people.
Cost of living in South Africa is 56% cheaper than in United States
Other Country Comparisons
- Cost of living in Netherlands Antilles is 14% cheaper than in United States
- Cost of living in United Arab Emirates is 18% cheaper than in United States
- Cost of living in Angola is 28% cheaper than in United States
- Cost of living in Armenia is 44% cheaper than in United States
- Cost of living in Afghanistan is 57% cheaper than in United States
- Cost of living in Argentina is 63% cheaper than in United States
- Cost of living in Albania is 51% cheaper than in United States
- Cost of living in American Samoa is in United States