Cost of living in Cape Town, South Africa

Summary of cost of living in Cape Town

  • Family of four estimated monthly costs: R 48,959
  • Single person estimated monthly costs: R 25,684
  • Cape Town is the 2nd cheapest city in Africa (3 out of 4)
  • Cost of living in Cape Town is cheaper than in 88% of cities in the World (188 out of 214)
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List of prices in Cape Town
Current as of Sep 2023.

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Food Update prices
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district R 170
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) R 85
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast R 47
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk R 21
12 eggs, large R 53
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes R 25
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese R 73
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples R 28
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes R 24
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket R 23
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality R 91
2 liters of coca-cola R 25
Bread for 2 people for 1 day R 18
Housing Update prices
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area R 22,683
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area R 13,016
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat R 1,576
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area R 12,490
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area R 8,192
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio R 714
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) R 715
40” flat screen tv R 4,628
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) R 1,649
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) R 119
Hourly rate for cleaning help R 63
Clothes Update prices
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) R 898
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) R 639
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) R 1,586
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes R 1,356
Transportation Update prices
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new R 399,668
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas R 23
Monthly ticket public transport R 595
Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) R 152
Personal Care Update prices
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) R 122
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) R 261
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) R 559
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) R 51
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) R 32
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) R 66
4 rolls of toilet paper R 47
Tube of toothpaste R 32
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city R 222
Entertainment Update prices
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub R 379
2 tickets to the movies R 227
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) R 941
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert R 644
1 cocktail drink in downtown club R 106
Cappuccino in expat area of the city R 34
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) R 39
Ipad wi-fi 128gb R 9,964
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) R 1.58
1 month of gym membership in business district R 655
1 package of marlboro cigarettes R 55
These prices are based on abundant and consistent data. They are very reliable. They are based on 509 prices entered by 50 different people.
Latest price update: September 29, 2023

Moving to Cape Town with your children?

International Schools in Cape Town

Cape Town position in our World Ranking

the world
188th
out of 214
africa
3rd
out of 4

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

the world
3rd
africa
1st
africa
1st
africa
1st
africa
1st
africa
1st

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International Cost of Living Index

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Prices recently added

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