- Cost of Living
- South Africa
- China
- Comparison
Cost of living in South Africa compared to China
Currency:
| Food | - 14% | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food in South Africa is 14% cheaper than in China | ||||
| Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | R 108 (元55) | 元53 | + 3% | |
| Combo meal in fast food restaurant (Big Mac Meal or similar) | R 56 (元28) | 元33 | - 13% | |
| 500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | R 40 (元20) | 元16 | + 30% | |
| 1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | R 15 (元7) | 元16 | - 53% | |
| 12 eggs, large | R 32 (元16) | 元16 | + 5% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | R 18 (元9) | 元8 | + 15% | |
| 500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | R 63 (元32) | 元61 | - 48% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | R 21 (元11) | 元14 | - 22% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | R 20 (元10) | 元7 | + 48% | |
| 0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | R 17 (元9) | 元5.51 | + 56% | |
| 1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | R 90 (元46) | 元110 | - 59% | |
| 2 liters of Coca-Cola | R 17 (元8) | 元8 | + 8% | |
| Bread for 2 people for 1 day | R 12 (元5.87) | 元12 | - 51% | |
| Housing | + 11% | |||
| Housing in South Africa is 11% more expensive than in China | ||||
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 Sqft) furnished accommodation in EXPENSIVE area | R 15,750 (元7,975) | 元10,105 | - 21% | |
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 Sqft) furnished accommodation in NORMAL area | R 10,138 (元5,133) | 元4,975 | + 3% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | R 1,418 (元718) | 元459 | + 56% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 Sqft) furnished studio in EXPENSIVE area | R 11,327 (元5,735) | 元5,475 | + 5% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 Sqft) furnished studio in NORMAL area | R 6,795 (元3,441) | 元3,621 | - 5% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 Sqft) studio | R 979 (元496) | 元329 | + 51% | |
| Internet 8 Mbps (1 month) | R 656 (元332) | 元90 | + 269% | |
| 40” flat screen TV | R 5,855 (元2,965) | 元2,367 | + 25% | |
| Microwave 800/900 Watt (Bosch, Panasonic, LG, Sharp, or equivalent brands) | R 1,693 (元857) | 元657 | + 30% | |
| Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | R 88 (元45) | 元38 | + 17% | |
| Hourly rate for cleaning help | R 59 (元30) | 元36 | - 17% | |
| Clothes | + 15% | |||
| Clothes in South Africa is 15% more expensive than in China | ||||
| 1 pair of jeans (Levis 501 or similar) | R 810 (元410) | 元545 | - 25% | |
| 1 summer dress in a High Street Store (Zara, H&M or similar retailers) | R 684 (元346) | 元256 | + 35% | |
| 1 pair of sport shoes (Nike, Adidas, or equivalent brands) | R 1,328 (元672) | 元619 | + 9% | |
| 1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | R 1,342 (元679) | 元612 | + 11% | |
| Transportation | + 41% | |||
| Transportation in South Africa is 41% more expensive than in China | ||||
| Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI 150 CV (or equivalent), with no extras, new | R 283,567 (元143,575) | 元143,352 | + 0% | |
| 1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | R 14 (元7) | 元7 | + 5% | |
| Monthly ticket public transport | R 644 (元326) | 元153 | + 114% | |
| Personal Care | - 10% | |||
| Personal Care in South Africa is 10% cheaper than in China | ||||
| Cold medicine for 6 days (Tylenol, Frenadol, Coldrex, or equivalent brands) | R 66 (元34) | 元25 | + 34% | |
| 1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | R 230 (元116) | 元39 | + 195% | |
| Short visit to private Doctor (15 minutes) | R 422 (元214) | 元238 | - 10% | |
| 1 box of 32 tampons (Tampax, OB, ...) | R 48 (元24) | 元31 | - 22% | |
| Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | R 31 (元16) | 元43 | - 63% | |
| Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | R 53 (元27) | 元37 | - 28% | |
| 4 rolls of toilet paper | R 28 (元14) | 元9 | + 54% | |
| Tube of toothpaste | R 17 (元9) | 元12 | - 29% | |
| Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | R 145 (元73) | 元60 | + 22% | |
| Entertainment | - 17% | |||
| Entertainment in South Africa is 17% cheaper than in China | ||||
| Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | R 340 (元172) | 元173 | - 0% | |
| 2 tickets to the movies | R 164 (元83) | 元95 | - 13% | |
| 2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | R 894 (元453) | 元818 | - 45% | |
| Dinner for two at an Italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | R 581 (元294) | 元406 | - 28% | |
| 1 cocktail drink in downtown club | R 64 (元32) | 元63 | - 49% | |
| Cappuccino in expat area of the city | R 28 (元14) | 元34 | - 59% | |
| 1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | R 30 (元15) | 元34 | - 56% | |
| iPad Wi-Fi 128GB | R 8,636 (元4,373) | 元3,318 | + 32% | |
| 1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | R 1.83 (元0.93) | 元0.65 | + 42% | |
| 1 month of gym membership in business district | R 562 (元285) | 元425 | - 33% | |
| 1 package of Marlboro cigarettes | R 41 (元21) | 元20 | + 2% | |
| TOTAL | + 5% | |||
These prices were last updated on July 17, 2018.
Exchange rate:
0.506
CNY
/
ZAR
This comparison is based on abundant and consistent data. It is based on 11,279 prices entered by 1,253 different people.
Cost of living in South Africa is 5% more expensive than in China
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