Cost of Living in South Africa in 2020

1777POSTS

6 years ago

Hi everyone,

Every year, we invite expats who are living in South Africa to share their experience and tell us more about the average price of products and services in their town, city or area, so that we can help future expats planning to settle in South Africa.
We would like to thank you in advance for your contribution.

Regarding accommodation, how much does it cost to rent or buy an apartment or a house in South Africa?

How much do you pay on average for public transport (bus, subway, train, tram, taxi)?
How much does it cost to fill up your cars fuel tank?

Concerning your food expenses : how much do you pay for basic food items such as rice, bread, and pasta? What is the average price of your monthly food shopping?

How much does it cost to have health insurance? How much for a health specialists consultation in South Africa?

How much does childcare cost on average per month? What about school fees?

How much do you pay for electricity, gas, water, internet, mobiles subscription etc., per month?

How much do you spend on leisure in South Africa (cinema,sport, etc)?

Feel free to add any other daily expenses that you have in mind.

Thank you for sharing,

Loïc

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Phibion Member

1POSTS

6 years ago

Rent R4200
Food R1500
Transport R 600
WiFi R600
Electricity R 400
Education..R 1600
Leisure travel R 2000

Area .., Kempton Park CBD

Thanks

VigoG Member

1POSTS

6 years ago

I stay in cape Town and since 5years, compare to JHB, cost of living is expensive, l guess because, it's a touristic city!

Rent depend on arreas, locations or township are cheaper, a room can cost from R500 to R2000, but, it s risky, too much bad guys there, food is cheaper, water is free and electricity as well.

Back to the city center and surrounding to UCt or Claremont and wynberg, rent is R4000 a room can be furnished as well with WiFi, water sometimes is chargeable for R100 or R200

bachelor is R6000 and a 1bed R6500 to R7000, if you are lucky you can find a 2bed from R7500 to R9000, electricity depends if your are with eskom or municipality which is cheaper, but cost is from R500 per person , if you are a student or worker, you are homestay, add more.

Food is expensive than JHb, bread can be R12 , meat is cheaper in Maitland, but if you buy from PNP, Woolworths or Food lovers, prepare from R35 for few pieces, Taxi is cheap R10 till rosebank and after R14 compare to JHB where taxis are higher.

Education is expensive in CPT, daycare from R1000, primary school R1600, my son's school is R2500 /month , and it's keep increasing till University, so if you want to pay less, you need to apply a year or 2 before for a governmental school, and it's not always easy due to higher demand.

Weather is always changing and unstable, but overall CPT is beautiful , a lot of tourists, a melting pot like a mini world in a country,and have so much opportunities , for jobs with a foreign language. , You get paid well in call center or travel company, for IT as well or hospitality and health.

martinajhb Member

1POSTS

6 years ago

For family of 4:
Rent 3 bedroom house 8000 -15000 depending on area
Food 6000
Internet from 600
School fees from 4000 for private schools
Transportation, there really is not decent public transport, you have to have a car, petrol is still cheaper than in Europe around 14 per liter
Medical, it is essential to have medical aid as public hospitals are shocking. Hospital plans starts from 3000 for family of 4. Full comprehensive cover double.
Gym fees from 600 per person
To eat out from 400
Week away set you back at least 12000