Cost of living in South Africa compared to Malaysia
Currency:
Food | + 1% | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Food in South Africa is about the same as in Malaysia | ||||
South Africa | Malaysia | Diff | ||
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | R 147 (RM37) | RM17 | + 117% | |
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | R 83 (RM21) | RM19 | + 9% | |
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | R 50 (RM13) | RM9 | + 34% | |
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | R 20 (RM4.99) | RM8 | - 36% | |
12 eggs, large | R 43 (RM11) | RM9 | + 15% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | R 27 (RM7) | RM6 | + 5% | |
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | R 83 (RM21) | RM27 | - 23% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | R 28 (RM7) | RM11 | - 36% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | R 24 (RM5.96) | RM4.72 | + 26% | |
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | R 22 (RM5.48) | RM11 | - 51% | |
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | R 98 (RM24) | RM68 | - 64% | |
2 liters of coca-cola | R 24 (RM5.99) | RM5.59 | + 7% | |
Bread for 2 people for 1 day | R 17 (RM4.15) | RM3.60 | + 15% | |
Housing | + 27% | |||
Housing in South Africa is 27% more expensive than in Malaysia | ||||
South Africa | Malaysia | Diff | ||
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | R 17,979 (RM4,505) | RM3,486 | + 29% | |
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | R 12,359 (RM3,097) | RM1,957 | + 58% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | R 2,014 (RM505) | RM254 | + 99% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | R 10,176 (RM2,550) | RM2,157 | + 18% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | R 6,899 (RM1,729) | RM1,384 | + 25% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | R 1,089 (RM273) | RM236 | + 16% | |
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | R 661 (RM166) | RM105 | + 57% | |
40” flat screen tv | R 5,454 (RM1,367) | RM961 | + 42% | |
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | R 1,657 (RM415) | RM692 | - 40% | |
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | R 122 (RM31) | RM18 | + 70% | |
Hourly rate for cleaning help | R 73 (RM18) | RM35 | - 47% | |
Clothes | + 1% | |||
Clothes in South Africa is about the same as in Malaysia | ||||
South Africa | Malaysia | Diff | ||
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | R 848 (RM212) | RM231 | - 8% | |
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | R 600 (RM150) | RM154 | - 2% | |
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | R 1,596 (RM400) | RM328 | + 22% | |
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | R 1,363 (RM341) | RM308 | + 11% | |
Transportation | + 80% | |||
Transportation in South Africa is 80% more expensive than in Malaysia | ||||
South Africa | Malaysia | Diff | ||
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | R 415,328 (RM104,069) | RM151,470 | - 31% | |
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | R 24 (RM5.99) | RM2.04 | + 193% | |
Monthly ticket public transport | R 839 (RM210) | RM54 | + 286% | |
Personal Care | + 16% | |||
Personal Care in South Africa is 16% more expensive than in Malaysia | ||||
South Africa | Malaysia | Diff | ||
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | R 55 (RM14) | RM11 | + 28% | |
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | R 176 (RM44) | RM25 | + 76% | |
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | R 599 (RM150) | RM85 | + 77% | |
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | R 47 (RM12) | RM40 | - 70% | |
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | R 34 (RM9) | RM12 | - 28% | |
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | R 62 (RM16) | RM14 | + 15% | |
4 rolls of toilet paper | R 37 (RM9) | RM9 | + 8% | |
Tube of toothpaste | R 25 (RM6) | RM6 | + 4% | |
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | R 165 (RM41) | RM27 | + 51% | |
Entertainment | - 10% | |||
Entertainment in South Africa is 10% cheaper than in Malaysia | ||||
South Africa | Malaysia | Diff | ||
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | R 430 (RM108) | RM90 | + 20% | |
2 tickets to the movies | R 218 (RM55) | RM40 | + 38% | |
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | R 767 (RM192) | - | - | |
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | R 702 (RM176) | RM122 | + 45% | |
1 cocktail drink in downtown club | R 76 (RM19) | RM30 | - 37% | |
Cappuccino in expat area of the city | R 36 (RM9) | RM14 | - 35% | |
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | R 33 (RM8) | RM18 | - 54% | |
Ipad wi-fi 128gb | R 10,008 (RM2,508) | RM4,829 | - 48% | |
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | R 1.84 (RM0.46) | RM0.13 | + 247% | |
1 month of gym membership in business district | R 617 (RM155) | RM199 | - 22% | |
1 package of marlboro cigarettes | R 51 (RM13) | RM18 | - 28% | |
TOTAL | + 25% |
These prices were last updated on March 17, 2024.
Exchange rate:
0.25057
MYR
/
ZAR
This comparison is based on abundant and consistent data. It is based on 2,174 prices entered by 280 different people.
Cost of living in South Africa is 25% more expensive than in Malaysia
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