299 cities covered · Currency: ZAR (R) · Capital: Johannesburg
| Expense | Estimated cost | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | R98.39 ($5.41) | per meal |
| Three-course meal for two, mid-range | R394 ($21.62) | per meal |
| Cappuccino | R29.52 ($1.62) | each |
| Monthly groceries (single person) | R2,230 ($123) | per month |
| Monthly public transport pass | R361 ($19.82) | per month |
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment | R951 ($52.26) | per month |
| Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited) | R275 ($15.14) | per month |
| Fitness club membership | R275 ($15.14) | per month |
| Cinema ticket | R72.15 ($3.96) | each |
| One-bedroom apartment in city centre | R4,502 ($247) | per month |
| One-bedroom apartment outside centre | R3,132 ($172) | per month |
| Three-bedroom apartment in city centre | R9,396 ($516) | per month |
Gauteng · pop. 4,803,262
Western Cape · pop. 4,770,313
Gauteng · pop. 1,271,628
Eastern Cape · pop. 967,677
Gauteng · pop. 797,031
Gauteng · pop. 741,651
KwaZulu-Natal · pop. 618,536
KwaZulu-Natal · pop. 595,061
North West · pop. 549,575
KwaZulu-Natal · pop. 507,710
Eastern Cape · pop. 478,676
Gauteng · pop. 337,053
Gauteng · pop. 326,416
Eastern Cape · pop. 312,392
Gauteng · pop. 260,321
Free State · pop. 256,185
Gauteng · pop. 255,863
Gauteng · pop. 236,580
Northern Cape · pop. 225,160
Gauteng · pop. 222,415
North West · pop. 186,515
Eastern Cape · pop. 182,012
Gauteng · pop. 171,575
KwaZulu-Natal · pop. 170,307
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in South Africa
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in South Africa
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in South Africa
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in South Africa
Living costs in South Africa vary significantly depending on city size. Large metropolitan areas with populations over one million typically see housing costs 15–30% above the national average, while smaller towns can be 10–20% below it. The national baseline of R9,691 ($532) per month represents a mid-sized city estimate.
Capital cities and major economic hubs command the highest rents and overall expenses. For budget-conscious residents, mid-sized cities offer a balance of amenities and affordability. Rural and small-town living remains the most economical option, though transport and service access may be limited.