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Cost of Living in Orkney

Orkney, North West, South Africa · Population 13,435

▼ -16% vs South Africa average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)R8,122 ($446)
Couple, monthlyR14,518 ($798)
Family of four, monthlyR18,874 ($1,037)

Estimated Prices in Orkney

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantR83.54 ($4.59)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeR334 ($18.36)per meal
CappuccinoR25.06 ($1.38)each
Monthly groceries (single person)R1,894 ($104)per month
Monthly public transport passR306 ($16.83)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentR808 ($44.37)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)R234 ($12.85)per month
Fitness club membershipR234 ($12.85)per month
Cinema ticketR61.26 ($3.37)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreR3,669 ($202)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreR2,553 ($140)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreR7,658 ($421)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Orkney is R18,018 ($990) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of R8,122 ($446) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly R10,558 ($580) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (R2,553 ($140)) represents about 31% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Orkney

Orkney vs JohannesburgOrkney vs Cape TownOrkney vs SowetoOrkney vs GqeberhaOrkney vs KatlehongOrkney vs Pretoria

Nearby Cities

Vaal Reefs

9 km away · North West

Klerksdorp

12 km away · North West

Stilfontein

18 km away · North West

Bothaville

45 km away · Free State

Potchefstroom

52 km away · North West

Vredefort

71 km away · Free State

Makwassie

78 km away · North West

Parys

78 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 Orkney

Orkney is one of the key cities in South Africa. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is R8,122 ($446), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around R2,553 ($140) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to R18,874 ($1,037) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately R14,518 ($798) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Orkney is R18,018 ($990). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least R10,558 ($580) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Orkney expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated R8,122 ($446) per month in Orkney including rent outside the city centre. That is 16% less than the national average for South Africa.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Orkney?
A net salary of around R10,558 ($580) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Orkney with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Orkney is R18,018 ($990).
How much is rent in Orkney?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated R3,669 ($202) per month in the city centre and R2,553 ($140) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about R7,658 ($421).
Is Orkney cheaper than South Africa on average?
Yes — Orkney is estimated to be about 16% cheaper than the South Africa average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Orkney?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at R1,894 ($104) in Orkney. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about R84 ($5) and a cappuccino runs around R25 ($1).
How do transport costs in Orkney compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Orkney is estimated at R306 ($17). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Orkney are estimates based on South Africa national averages adjusted for city size (population 13,435). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.