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Cost of Living in Bloemfontein

Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa · Population 256,185

▲ +0% vs South Africa average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)R9,691 ($532)
Couple, monthlyR17,361 ($954)
Family of four, monthlyR22,606 ($1,242)

Estimated Prices in Bloemfontein

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantR98.39 ($5.41)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeR394 ($21.62)per meal
CappuccinoR29.52 ($1.62)each
Monthly groceries (single person)R2,230 ($123)per month
Monthly public transport passR361 ($19.82)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentR951 ($52.26)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)R275 ($15.14)per month
Fitness club membershipR275 ($15.14)per month
Cinema ticketR72.15 ($3.96)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreR4,502 ($247)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreR3,132 ($172)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreR9,396 ($516)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Bloemfontein is R21,221 ($1,166) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of R9,691 ($532) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly R12,599 ($692) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (R3,132 ($172)) represents about 32% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Bloemfontein

Bloemfontein vs JohannesburgBloemfontein vs Cape TownBloemfontein vs SowetoBloemfontein vs GqeberhaBloemfontein vs KatlehongBloemfontein vs Pretoria

Nearby Cities

Brandfort

51 km away · Free State

Thaba Nchu

61 km away · Free State

Edenburg

76 km away · Free State

Bultfontein

91 km away · Free State

Wepener

106 km away · Free State

Boshof

114 km away · Free State

Koffiefontein

123 km away · Free State

Virginia

128 km away · Free State

Other Major Cities in South Africa

Johannesburg

Gauteng · pop. 4,803,262

R12,087 ($664) / mo

Cape Town

Western Cape · pop. 4,770,313

R10,485 ($576) / mo

Soweto

Gauteng · pop. 1,271,628

R10,485 ($576) / mo

Gqeberha

Eastern Cape · pop. 967,677

R9,691 ($532) / mo

Katlehong

Gauteng · pop. 797,031

R9,691 ($532) / mo

Pretoria

Gauteng · pop. 741,651

R9,691 ($532) / mo

Pietermaritzburg

KwaZulu-Natal · pop. 618,536

R9,691 ($532) / mo

Durban

KwaZulu-Natal · pop. 595,061

R9,691 ($532) / mo

Living in Bloemfontein

Bloemfontein is one of the key cities in South Africa. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is R9,691 ($532), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around R3,132 ($172) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to R22,606 ($1,242) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately R17,361 ($954) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Bloemfontein is R21,221 ($1,166). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least R12,599 ($692) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bloemfontein expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated R9,691 ($532) per month in Bloemfontein including rent outside the city centre. That is 0% more than the national average for South Africa.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Bloemfontein?
A net salary of around R12,599 ($692) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Bloemfontein with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Bloemfontein is R21,221 ($1,166).
How much is rent in Bloemfontein?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated R4,502 ($247) per month in the city centre and R3,132 ($172) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about R9,396 ($516).
Is Bloemfontein cheaper than South Africa on average?
No — Bloemfontein is estimated to be about 0% more expensive than the South Africa average, mainly due to housing demand.
What is the cost of groceries in Bloemfontein?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at R2,230 ($123) in Bloemfontein. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about R98 ($5) and a cappuccino runs around R30 ($2).
How do transport costs in Bloemfontein compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Bloemfontein is estimated at R361 ($20). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Bloemfontein are estimates based on South Africa national averages adjusted for city size (population 256,185). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.