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 127 ($7) | $20 | - 67% | |
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | R 81 ($4.32) | $12 | - 64% | |
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | R 56 ($2.97) | $5.46 | - 46% | |
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | R 19 ($1.04) | $1.07 | - 3% | |
12 eggs, large | R 49 ($2.60) | $4.91 | - 47% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | R 29 ($1.56) | $4.47 | - 65% | |
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | R 90 ($4.82) | $7 | - 30% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | R 31 ($1.65) | $3.77 | - 56% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | R 26 ($1.38) | $1.97 | - 30% | |
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | R 27 ($1.43) | $3.98 | - 64% | |
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | R 145 ($8) | $18 | - 57% | |
2 liters of coca-cola | R 27 ($1.44) | $2.91 | - 51% | |
Bread for 2 people for 1 day | R 13 ($0.69) | $2.62 | - 74% | |
Housing | - 63% | |||
Housing in South Africa is 63% cheaper than in United States | ||||
South Africa | United States | Diff | ||
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | R 14,972 ($799) | $2,783 | - 71% | |
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | R 10,971 ($586) | $2,057 | - 72% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | R 2,134 ($114) | $227 | - 50% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | R 14,448 ($771) | $2,065 | - 63% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | R 10,086 ($538) | $1,495 | - 64% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | R 2,095 ($112) | $166 | - 33% | |
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | R 602 ($32) | $60 | - 46% | |
40” flat screen tv | R 6,447 ($344) | $256 | + 34% | |
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | R 1,670 ($89) | $149 | - 40% | |
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | R 135 ($7) | $15 | - 51% | |
Hourly rate for cleaning help | R 131 ($7) | $34 | - 79% | |
Clothes | - 31% | |||
Clothes in South Africa is 31% cheaper than in United States | ||||
South Africa | United States | Diff | ||
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | R 845 ($45) | $56 | - 20% | |
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | R 620 ($33) | $54 | - 39% | |
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | R 1,738 ($93) | $107 | - 13% | |
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | R 1,541 ($82) | $139 | - 41% | |
Transportation | - 33% | |||
Transportation in South Africa is 33% cheaper than in United States | ||||
South Africa | United States | Diff | ||
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | R 488,392 ($26,071) | $30,168 | - 14% | |
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | R 23 ($1.23) | $0.93 | + 32% | |
Monthly ticket public transport | R 791 ($42) | $79 | - 47% | |
Personal Care | - 69% | |||
Personal Care in South Africa is 69% cheaper than in United States | ||||
South Africa | United States | Diff | ||
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | R 48 ($2.58) | $9 | - 72% | |
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | R 173 ($9) | $22 | - 57% | |
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | R 594 ($32) | $174 | - 82% | |
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | R 57 ($3.07) | $9 | - 66% | |
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | R 40 ($2.12) | $5.32 | - 60% | |
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | R 68 ($3.61) | $7 | - 48% | |
4 rolls of toilet paper | R 33 ($1.77) | $4.99 | - 65% | |
Tube of toothpaste | R 31 ($1.66) | $2.38 | - 30% | |
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | R 113 ($6) | $30 | - 80% | |
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) | $61 | - 62% | |
2 tickets to the movies | R 226 ($12) | $30 | - 59% | |
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | R 1,154 ($62) | $207 | - 70% | |
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | R 654 ($35) | $102 | - 66% | |
1 cocktail drink in downtown club | R 95 ($5.05) | $15 | - 66% | |
Cappuccino in expat area of the city | R 38 ($2.05) | $6 | - 66% | |
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | R 41 ($2.21) | $7 | - 70% | |
Ipad wi-fi 128gb | R 11,899 ($635) | $468 | + 36% | |
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | R 3.04 ($0.16) | $0.53 | - 69% | |
1 month of gym membership in business district | R 541 ($29) | $63 | - 54% | |
1 package of marlboro cigarettes | R 55 ($2.95) | $11 | - 72% | |
TOTAL | - 54% |
These prices were last updated on February 06, 2025.
Exchange rate:
0.05338
USD
/
ZAR
This comparison is based on abundant and consistent data. It is based on 17,272 prices entered by 2,129 different people.
Cost of living in South Africa is 54% cheaper than in United States
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