The cost of living in South Africa

South Africa is an exciting and culturally diverse place to live, from its three bustling capital cities to its beautiful natural parks. Though expats from some parts of the world may find the country comparatively affordable, many South Africans have struggled to cope with unprecedented rates of inflation.

Fortunately, some 2024 data shows that inflation may finally be slowing in South Africa, particularly with the price of groceries and other household costs.

Continue reading for the following information:

What is the state of South Africa’s economy?

South Africa’s economy is currently in a complicated and increasingly volatile state as a result of high inflation and wage disparity. While expats may find the cost of living in South Africa rather affordable compared to other OECD countries, it’s worth noting that income inequality is prevalent throughout the country. This affects some cities and communities more than others.

According to the World Bank, South Africa is the most unequal country in the world in terms of wealth. South Africa has large gaps in the poverty rate based on ethnicity, gender identity, and education level. The highest poverty rates are among black South Africans and people without formal education.

Inequality is heavily reflected in South Africa’s salaries. High-income earners, typically in executive or specialized roles, earn significantly more than the majority of the workforce. This is also apparent in the difference between public and private sector wages. For example, teachers and police officers make much less money than those in corporate jobs.

Poverty is very high in South Africa – with over 60% of the population living below the government-established upper-bound poverty line of R1,558 per person per month in 2023. Inflation rates were soaring between 2022 and 2023, especially in groceries and transport, while wages lagged behind. This resulted in very slow economic growth for South Africa overall.

The cost of living in South Africa in 2024

The price of groceries in South Africa

The general cost of groceries in South Africa varies dramatically across different income groups. BFAP suggests that a ‘moderate-cost healthy food basket’ including staple foods, proteins, fruit, and vegetables, costs R5,277.30 per month.

Here are some average prices of typical items:

Product	Price	Product	Price
Apples (1 kilo)	R15–36.00	Potatoes (1 kilo)	R10–40.00
Bread (1 loaf)	R11.25–22.05	Regular milk (1 liter)	R14–29.00
Cheese (1 kilo)	R89–200.00	Rice (1 kilo)	R20–45.00
Eggs (12)	R24–60.00	Tomatoes (1 kilo)	R15–35.00
Oranges (1 kilo)	R10–60.00	Water (1.5 liters)	R12–23.00

Beer, wine, and liquor

If you want to drink with a restaurant meal, you can expect to pay around R40 for a half liter of domestic beer and R45 for a 33cl bottle of imported beer. Wine can cost up to three times as much from a restaurant than from a supermarket. In addition, it costs more in Western Cape, home to South Africa’s wine industry.

Supermarket prices are lower across the board for alcohol. A bottle of wine costs, on average, R75, while beer fetches R12–R45.

Coffee

A cappuccino in most South African cities costs about R35. This is about a third of the price you’d pay in London or Paris, and also cheaper than neighboring Botswana and Zimbabwe. It’s about the same as the cost in Windhoek in Namibia.

Housing costs in South Africa

Rent and property prices

The cost to renting a house or apartment in South Africa varies greatly depending on where you live. Obviously, major cities will be more expensive than rural areas or suburbs. In general, rental costs are between R5,000 and R15,000 per month for a one-bedroom, and up to R30,000 for a three-bedroom.

Here’s a breakdown of rental and property prices by major South African city:

	Average monthly rent (1 bedroom)	Average monthly rent (3 bedrooms)	Average property price per square meter
Cape Town	R13,485	R27,390	R35,150
Durban	R6,275	R12,430	R15,265
Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth)	R10,600	R19,900	R14,830
Johannesburg	R7,450	R14,295	R18,510
Pretoria	R7,330	R12,500	R10,100

Property prices in South Africa are significantly lower than most European countries, North America, Australia, and much of Asia. Furthermore, foreigners are free to purchase property in South Africa with limited restrictions. The only condition is that property must be endorsed as non-resident even if you are living in the country full-time, as non-residents have to pay capital gains tax when selling the property.

Utility costs: water, gas, and electricity

Country-wide, average utility costs for a month are around R1,880.

As of December 2023, residential electricity prices in South Africa were R3.292 per kW. Most electricity in the country comes from Eskom, which has several tariffs.

Water tariffs vary by city, but in general water costs per household are billed at around R45 per kiloliter monthly. The average household uses 1 kiloliter per person per day.

Healthcare costs in South Africa

South African healthcare is divided into two sectors: public and private. Public healthcare in South Africa is subsidized up to 40% of total costs; charges are based on your income and number of children. Visits to the doctor can cost around R55. However, waiting lists can be long, especially when it comes to seeing a specialist. Hospital stays can cost up to €50 a night if you are in the top income bracket.

The quality of private healthcare in South Africa tends to be higher due to less strain on the system, so it’s usually advisable for expats to take out private health insurance. Nomads and remote workers can also take out a global health insurance plan with SafetyWing that grants access to any doctor in the South African healthcare system.

Internet and telecom costs in South Africa

Basic broadband packages in South Africa start at around R550 per month but can be as much as R1,000. Television licenses in South Africa are R265 for the first year and must be paid in full. After the first year, you can pay monthly at a rate of R28.

Monthly mobile phone plans vary in cost according to how much data and phone call minutes you need, but generally they start at R300 and go up to R1,000.

Clothing and footwear

You can expect to find clothing prices slightly cheaper in South Africa than in Europe, Asia, and North America. A pair of mid-range jeans will set you back about R780, while a summer dress in a chain store costs about R500.

Transport costs in South Africa

Public transportation in South Africa

Tickets and passes for public transport in South Africa vary depending on where you live. However, there are plenty of budget options if you live in a larger city, and South Africa has the largest rail network on the continent.

Metro rail prices are determined by region and vary according to how far you travel. A single metro ticket for a short journey costs around R30 in South Africa, while a monthly pass is about R850.

Long-distance and commuter trains cost considerably more. For example, if using the Gautrain, the Gauteng commuter rail network, you can calculate your fare online.

South African cities have two types of public road transport: minibus taxis and buses. Minibus taxis are often the cheapest way to travel, but not as popular with expats.

Bus costs are variable – some are run by the local municipality, while others are organized by private companies. Fares can cost around R10.50–37.50 depending on when you travel and how far.

Driving costs and gas prices

If you decide to travel by taxi, you can expect to pay, on average, R20 to start the taxi and R20 for each kilometer after that. Usually, you’ll need to head to a taxi stand or book in advance.

Thinking of buying your own car to drive in South Africa? A Volkswagen Golf will set you back about R350,000, while a Toyota Corolla Sedan costs around R420,000. Gasoline prices are around R23.50 per liter.

Education and childcare

Childcare

Parents who work full-time have plenty of childcare options in South Africa. Preschool in South Africa is not mandatory, but there are plenty available. Most of these preschools are privately run but are subsidized by the government. Prices vary – check your region’s education department to find out more information including fees.

Hiring a private childcare provider is another option. Prices for a nanny depend on your children’s age, the nanny’s experience, and where you live. An example of a price could be around R325 for a day or night nanny for a single shift, or R3,750 as a monthly rate.

It is also possible to hire an au pair to look after your children. Depending on the agency you use, the price might differ. You can expect to pay R60–140 per hour according to your au pair’s experience. In addition, if your au pair can drive and has their own car, you can expect to pay more. If your au pair lives with you, their salary might be lower, but you’ll need to factor in household costs for them.

Children’s education

For many expats, the cost of educating your child at a private school in South Africa might be considerably less expensive than in your own country.

It should be noted that many schools in South Africa allow you to choose how often your child attends school; half day, full day or for three-quarters of the day. This structure also affects costs. Typically you can expect to pay R50,000–100,000 per year depending on your child’s grade and the school’s level of prestige.

University costs

South Africa only has 26 public universities and the cost of an education in the country is considerably higher than many European countries. However, students should also factor in general living costs, which are considerably lower in South Africa than in Europe or North America.

As an example, for 2024, the University of Cape Town requires tuition fees of R30,000–105,000. Students might also need to pay fees for the application, accommodation, and supplies like books.

Leisure activities and going out

Entertainment: movie, concert, and sports tickets

If you’re a movie buff, you can catch an international film in a South African movie theater for about R80–100 per ticket. This is often cheaper for children or at matinee times.

Concerts and music gigs vary depending on the size of the venue and how popular the artist is. On a night out, you can see a DJ at a club in Johannesburg or Cape Town for around R100–200. However, a bigger name music artist at a large venue or stadium may cost R1,000–1,500 per ticket.

Some of South Africa’s most popular sports are soccer (football), cricket, and rugby. For sports fans, tickets to a match will cost you R100–300, depending on the team’s popularity and where they’re playing.

Restaurants in South Africa

The cost of dining out is relatively inexpensive compared to many other countries around the world. Of course, the cost of a meal depends where you choose to eat, as high-end restaurants in big cities still charge high prices. A three-course meal in South Africa will run you about R700, but can be over R1,000.

If you’re on a budget or feeding a family, you can easily find a meal for R150 a person at an inexpensive restaurant. Meanwhile, an average fast food combo meal costs around R70.

Fitness

Gym costs in South Africa are generally cheaper than abroad, but this varies according to your gym’s facilities and type of membership. Usually, you can expect to pay about R560 per month. Meanwhile, if you want to save on gym costs, you can buy a pair of running shoes for about R1,500.

Assistance with living costs in South Africa

There is financial help and other support available for those struggling to afford living costs in South Africa. However, these payments are not always generous. They include:

• Old age pensions – For citizens, permanent residents, and refugees living in South Africa. Up to R1,890 or R1,910 a month depending on your age.
• Child support grant – Citizens and permanent residents on under R52,800 per year (R105,600 combined for couples) can receive R460 per month per child.
• Social relief or distress – Emergency food parcels, vouchers, or cash following disasters or crises. These include benefits for those affected by COVID-19.
• Care dependency grant – R,1890 per month for citizens and permanent residents earning below R223,200 (R446,400 combined for a couple) who are caring for a child with a severe disability.
• Disability grant – Citizens, permanent residents, and refugees with a disability that causes them to be unable to work for longer than six months can claim R1,890 per month.

There are further grants and support available for war veterans and those needing care – check the South African government’s social benefits website for more information.

Useful resources

• Statistics South Africa – For more information on economic indicators such as consumer inflation and taxation news
• South African Government – For access to services including benefits
• South African Revenue Service – For details of taxes