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East London vs Cape Town

South Africa vs South Africa · 885 km apart

East London

South Africa

R9,691 ($532)

single / month

Cheaper overall
VS

Cape Town

South Africa

R10,485 ($576)

single / month

Category Breakdown (USD)

ExpenseEast LondonCape TownCheaper
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$5.41$5.81East London
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$21.62$23.26East London
Cappuccino$1.62$1.74East London
Monthly groceries (single person)$123$132East London
Monthly public transport pass$19.82$21.32East London
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$52.26$56.20East London
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$15.14$16.28East London
Fitness club membership$15.14$16.28East London
Cinema ticket$3.96$4.26East London
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$247$271East London
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$172$188East London
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$516$565East London
Total single-person budget$532$576East London
Average net salary$1,166$1,254

Verdict

East London is cheaper overall. A single-person monthly budget in East London runs about $532 versus $576 in Cape Town — a difference of roughly 8%.

Salary-adjusted, Cape Town leaves more disposable income after basic expenses. Both figures are model estimates — see each city page for local-currency detail.

Full cost of living in East London  ·  Full cost of living in Cape Town

Frequently Asked Questions

Is East London cheaper than Cape Town?
Yes. A single person spends an estimated $532 per month in East London versus $576 in Cape Town — about 8% less.
How far is East London from Cape Town?
The straight-line distance between East London and Cape Town is approximately 885 km (550 miles).
Which city has better salaries, East London or Cape Town?
The estimated average net salary is $1,166 in East London and $1,254 in Cape Town. After living costs, a single person keeps roughly $634 in East London versus $678 in Cape Town per month.