Cost of living in South Africa compared to Pakistan
Currency:
Food | + 33% | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Food in South Africa is 33% more expensive than in Pakistan | ||||
South Africa | Pakistan | Diff | ||
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | R 146 (₨2,110) | ₨972 | + 117% | |
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | R 84 (₨1,212) | ₨1,004 | + 21% | |
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | R 46 (₨664) | ₨365 | + 82% | |
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | R 19 (₨278) | ₨170 | + 64% | |
12 eggs, large | R 38 (₨555) | ₨285 | + 95% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | R 26 (₨380) | ₨255 | + 49% | |
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | R 75 (₨1,084) | ₨1,139 | - 5% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | R 27 (₨396) | ₨290 | + 36% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | R 22 (₨323) | ₨117 | + 176% | |
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | R 25 (₨359) | ₨549 | - 35% | |
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | R 98 (₨1,414) | ₨2,784 | - 49% | |
2 liters of coca-cola | R 23 (₨336) | ₨289 | + 16% | |
Bread for 2 people for 1 day | R 17 (₨246) | ₨191 | + 28% | |
Housing | + 99% | |||
Housing in South Africa is 99% more expensive than in Pakistan | ||||
South Africa | Pakistan | Diff | ||
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | R 17,397 (₨252,191) | ₨115,670 | + 118% | |
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | R 12,449 (₨180,461) | ₨70,950 | + 154% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | R 1,747 (₨25,320) | ₨25,995 | - 3% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | R 10,462 (₨151,668) | ₨59,502 | + 155% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | R 7,398 (₨107,249) | ₨50,821 | + 111% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | R 1,587 (₨23,009) | ₨20,152 | + 14% | |
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | R 701 (₨10,159) | ₨2,097 | + 385% | |
40” flat screen tv | R 6,822 (₨98,890) | ₨71,636 | + 38% | |
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | R 1,710 (₨24,782) | ₨23,262 | + 7% | |
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | R 115 (₨1,666) | ₨1,718 | - 3% | |
Hourly rate for cleaning help | R 57 (₨826) | ₨1,977 | - 58% | |
Clothes | + 79% | |||
Clothes in South Africa is 79% more expensive than in Pakistan | ||||
South Africa | Pakistan | Diff | ||
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | R 850 (₨12,317) | ₨3,426 | + 260% | |
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | R 625 (₨9,060) | ₨6,254 | + 45% | |
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | R 1,619 (₨23,466) | ₨13,199 | + 78% | |
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | R 1,447 (₨20,982) | ₨8,569 | + 145% | |
Transportation | + 67% | |||
Transportation in South Africa is 67% more expensive than in Pakistan | ||||
South Africa | Pakistan | Diff | ||
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | R 420,276 (₨6,092,537) | ₨4,456,060 | + 37% | |
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | R 23 (₨339) | ₨270 | + 26% | |
Monthly ticket public transport | R 755 (₨10,942) | ₨4,626 | + 137% | |
Personal Care | + 45% | |||
Personal Care in South Africa is 45% more expensive than in Pakistan | ||||
South Africa | Pakistan | Diff | ||
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | R 83 (₨1,200) | ₨1,015 | + 18% | |
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | R 240 (₨3,483) | ₨1,391 | + 150% | |
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | R 567 (₨8,226) | ₨3,667 | + 124% | |
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | R 48 (₨695) | ₨521 | + 33% | |
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | R 36 (₨519) | ₨922 | - 44% | |
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | R 67 (₨973) | ₨736 | + 32% | |
4 rolls of toilet paper | R 36 (₨519) | ₨249 | + 108% | |
Tube of toothpaste | R 26 (₨374) | ₨242 | + 55% | |
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | R 226 (₨3,281) | ₨860 | + 282% | |
Entertainment | + 54% | |||
Entertainment in South Africa is 54% more expensive than in Pakistan | ||||
South Africa | Pakistan | Diff | ||
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | R 480 (₨6,952) | ₨3,545 | + 96% | |
2 tickets to the movies | R 210 (₨3,051) | ₨2,089 | + 46% | |
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | R 755 (₨10,952) | ₨2,959 | + 270% | |
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | R 674 (₨9,770) | ₨7,109 | + 37% | |
1 cocktail drink in downtown club | R 78 (₨1,135) | ₨880 | + 29% | |
Cappuccino in expat area of the city | R 33 (₨479) | ₨669 | - 28% | |
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | R 36 (₨516) | ₨745 | - 31% | |
Ipad wi-fi 128gb | R 8,514 (₨123,429) | ₨119,622 | + 3% | |
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | R 1.69 (₨24) | ₨3.79 | + 545% | |
1 month of gym membership in business district | R 629 (₨9,124) | ₨3,764 | + 142% | |
1 package of marlboro cigarettes | R 50 (₨719) | ₨415 | + 73% | |
TOTAL | + 65% |

These prices were last updated on May 28, 2023.
Exchange rate:
14.497
PKR
/
ZAR
*
Cost of living in South Africa is 65% more expensive than in Pakistan
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