Cost of Living
South AfricaCost of Living
EXPAT LIFE | What's the cost of living in South Africa? The cost of living in South Africa differs depending on which area of the country you reside in. While a single person could potentially spend as much as R15,000 per month in Johannesburg, the cost of living is considerably lower in cities like Bloemfontein - by as much as 15%. If you're looking to make the move or are currently living in South Africa, it's important to consider the costs when thinking of your future living arrangements.
Cost of living in South Africa South Africa is generally known for having a relatively high cost of living, but this really depends on where you're in the country. The cost of living in Johannesburg, for example, averages around ZAR 15,000 – $1,000 USD – per month for a single person. The cost of rent, food, and transportation are usually the largest expenses in any country, but the South African government has implemented new policy measures in an attempt to curb the rate of inflation and lower the cost of living. In addition to being aware of the general cost of living in the city you're moving to, it's important to also understand the cost of living in the specific area you plan to live. Many costs can also be reduced with the aid of government subsidies, which can also play a large part in your decision making regarding where you choose to relocate.
Expert Insight: Expats residing in South Africa for over a decade note that understanding local market trends and government policy plays a major role in managing the cost of living effectively.
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This is a pretty important consideration for anyone thinking of moving to South Africa. An approximate monthly budget for a single person living in Johannesburg would be in the order of ZAR 15,000 (£900, $1,000, €950, INR 75,000) for accommodation, food and bills. On the other hand, a family of four living in Cape Town would need something in the order of ZAR 40,000 (£2,550, $2,700, €2,550, INR 200,000) to cover school fees, petrol and any other expenses that might come up.I suspect that retirees living in Durban would need to budget upwards of R20 000 ($1 350, €1 275, ₹100 000) to cover basic necessities as well as the costs of healthcare and leisure activities. Many people have no idea that the cost of private security for homes and streets can be as much as R1 000 ($67, €64, ₹50 000) per month.
Cost of living in Bloemfontein is 15% lower than that in Johannesburg. Basic living costs are increasing by 5% across the major cities as a result of the inflation rates. The government has also implemented a housing subsidy programme for low income families which could amount to a savings of up to ZAR 1,500 (USD 100, EUR 95, INR 7,500) a month.
In South Africa, the cost of housing is often a large factor of living costs. A one-bedroom apartment in the Johannesburg CBD rents for approximately ZAR 8,000 (USD 540) a month. For Cape Town, the cost for an equivalent apartment is around ZAR 10,000 (USD 670).
In Pretoria’s suburbs, one-bedroom apartments will set you back around ZAR 7,000 (USD 470, EUR 450, INR 35,000). In Bloemfontein, the Orange Free State’s capital, the average one-bedroom apartment is available for about ZAR 5,500 (USD 370, EUR 350, INR 27,500). Few people realise that rates as determined by municipalities contribute to the cost of owning a property.Affordable Housing The Government also aims to increase the supply of affordable housing with a goal of reducing the housing deficit by 20% by 2030.
One of the most significant cost components for many South Africans is food and household items. Average monthly grocery expenditure for a single person in Johannesburg was ZAR 3,000 (USD 200, EUR 190, INR 15,000). Average meal prices in a mid-price restaurant in Cape Town were about ZAR 150 (USD 10, EUR 9.50, INR 750) for a main course per person. In Durban, fruit prices are relatively low. According to some retailers, the price of apples can be as low as ZAR 25 (USD 1.70, EUR 1.60, INR 125) per kilogram.
A litre of milk in Pretoria costs on average R15. In Bloemfontein you can buy a loaf of bread for R18.
Prices of staple foods, including maize and wheat, surged by 10% in 2026 compared with the previous year. The government has rolled out food subsidy programme to alleviate the suffering of the poor and vulnerable.
The cost of health care in South Africa also differs between the public and private sectors.As an example, a visit to a private general practitioner in Johannesburg would cost from around ZAR 500 (USD 34, EUR 32, INR 2,500) a time.
Cost of Health Insurance in Durban Affordable Health Insurance Durban: Average costs are now around R2 000 per month. Charges for consultant doctors in Pretoria can be as high as R1 500 per consultation. Many don't realise that the majority of South Africans use a mix of public and private health care.Additional funding to rural health structures is intended to improve access to care and to ease the burden on rural residents for travel costs.
The cost of living in South Africa can be impacted by infrastructure challenges, and utilities are no exception.
Pretoria gas prices for cooking and heating average around ZAR 400 (USD 27, EUR 25) monthly. Bloemfontein utility costs for electricity, water, and gas tend to be lower than in the major metros — see how prices compare across South Africa in the city comparison table above.
The South African government has announced changes that provide incentives to residential and commercial customers to install solar panels and reduce their consumption of grid power. Eskom customers may qualify for subsidized rates — check eligibility at eskom.co.za.
The cost of entertainment in South Africa varies. A cinema ticket in Johannesburg is around ZAR 100 (USD 7, EUR 6.50, INR 500).
The cost of going out to socialise in Durban like having a few drinks and having to pay for entry fees etc, would be about R500 per evening.Surprisingly to many, South Africa has a high number of cultural events and festivals that are free of charge to attend.With more locals staying in and opting for online streaming, many are having to dish out on average R150 per month for their online viewing needs.
Cost effective living in South Africa depends greatly on local insight.Doing some trips round to wholesalers with also dramatically cut down your grocery costs in any of the three main cities in South Africa.
Rent negotiation is a great way of saving money, particularly in less competitive rentals like in Bloemfontein. it's also possible that the landlord may be open to negotiation when you're renting a property for an extended period. Many state-owned housing corporations also have subsidies for rental housing and utility costs, which may also help in reducing costs for eligible individuals and families.
South Africa's diverse cities offer varied living costs, influenced by local economies, housing markets, and lifestyle options. Here's a detailed comparison of living expenses across major cities:
| City | Single Person (ZAR / USD / EUR) | Family of Four (ZAR / USD / EUR) | 1-Bedroom Rent (ZAR / USD / EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Johannesburg | ZAR 15,000 / $1,000 / €950 | ZAR 40,000 / $2,700 / €2,550 | ZAR 8,000 / $540 / €510 |
| Cape Town | ZAR 17,000 / $1,130 / €1,080 | ZAR 42,000 / $2,830 / €2,680 | ZAR 10,000 / $670 / €640 |
| Pretoria | ZAR 13,000 / $870 / €830 | ZAR 38,000 / $2,560 / €2,420 | ZAR 7,000 / $470 / €450 |
| Durban | ZAR 14,000 / $940 / €890 | ZAR 36,000 / $2,430 / €2,300 | ZAR 6,500 / $435 / €415 |
| Bloemfontein | ZAR 12,750 / $850 / €810 | ZAR 34,000 / $2,290 / €2,160 | ZAR 5,500 / $370 / €350 |
**Johannesburg** is the economic hub, with higher living costs but also more opportunities. The city's vibrant lifestyle demands a budget of approximately ZAR 15,000 (USD 1,000) for a single person. Housing is a major expense, with rents averaging ZAR 8,000 (USD 540). **Cape Town** offers a scenic lifestyle with slightly higher costs.The city's unique blend of culture and nature appeals to many. **Pretoria** is more affordable, especially in its suburbs.This city is known for its academic institutions and government offices. **Durban** is known for its affordability and pleasant climate, with single-person monthly costs around ZAR 14,000 (USD 940).**Bloemfontein** is the most budget-friendly, with costs approximately 15% lower than Johannesburg.The city offers a relaxed lifestyle, ideal for those seeking affordability.
INFLATION: Basic food items up 5% IN 2026 South Africans may expect another round of inflation this year when basic food items are expected to increase in price by 5% over the previous year. Experts said that the inflation rate, which was attributed to higher food prices and upward adjustments in domestic prices to reflect higher costs of imported items, was a reflection of higher trends in the global economy, exacerbated by weather-related events. Basic food items were expected to be more expensive in all major cities in South Africa, the World Bank said. The inflation rates were expected to vary in degree from one urban area to another, with higher rates predicted for Johannesburg and Cape Town, largely on account of their greater size and economic weight.
Households are being urged to keep a close eye on their spending power in the months ahead in a bid to counteract the damaging effects of inflation.Rises in fuel and food prices are likely to dominate the headlines in the coming weeks and it has been announced that the Government will be taking measures to curb inflation as well as bringing through some measures which are meant to ease the burden on consumers.
Transportation in South Africa offers a mix of affordability and convenience, but costs can vary. In Johannesburg, the Gautrain provides a fast and efficient service connecting key areas, with monthly passes costing around ZAR 1,500 (USD 100, EUR 95, INR 7,500).Durban's minibus taxis are a popular choice, offering low fares but varying in reliability and safety. In Pretoria, the extensive bus network covers most areas, with monthly transportation costs averaging ZAR 1,000 (USD 67, EUR 64, INR 5,000). For those who prefer driving, fuel prices have seen a recent increase, adding to the overall transportation expenses.
Education costs in South Africa differ based on the type of institution and location. Public schools offer a more affordable option, with annual fees ranging from ZAR 5,000 to ZAR 20,000 (USD 335 to USD 1,340, EUR 320 to EUR 1,280, INR 25,000 to INR 100,000). Private schools, however, can be significantly more expensive, with annual fees often exceeding ZAR 100,000 (USD 6,700, EUR 6,400, INR 500,000). Higher education in cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg can also be costly, with university tuition fees ranging from ZAR 30,000 to ZAR 60,000 (USD 2,000 to USD 4,000, EUR 1,900 to EUR 3,800, INR 150,000 to INR 300,000) per year. Scholarships and financial aid are available to help offset these expenses for eligible students.
Healthcare in South Africa is a critical consideration when evaluating living expenses. Public healthcare is available, but many opt for private insurance due to shorter wait times and better facilities. Monthly premiums for private health insurance range from ZAR 1,000 to ZAR 4,000 (USD 67 to USD 270, EUR 64 to EUR 255, INR 5,000 to INR 20,000), depending on coverage. Routine medical consultations in private clinics can cost between ZAR 300 and ZAR 600 (USD 20 to USD 40, EUR 19 to EUR 38, INR 1,500 to INR 3,000). Prescription medication costs vary, with generic options offering savings. It's advisable to compare insurance plans and choose one that suits your healthcare needs and budget.
The cost of living will vary depending on the city. As an example, in Johannesburg you might expect to spend around ZAR 15,000 (approximately USD 1,000) a month as a solo person.
Rent varies greatly. A one-bedroom apartment in Johannesburg costs around ZAR 8,000 (USD 540) per month.
The cost of food is relatively low, with the average monthly grocery bill for one person in South Africa about ZAR 3,000 (USD 200).
Another option is the public transport system using buses and trains with monthly passes available for ZAR 1,200 (about USD 80).
Public schools are affordable, while private schooling can be anything from ZAR 50,000 up to ZAR 150,000 per annum.
Residents are advised to make extensive use of public transport, buy food in local markets, and make the most of any subsidies provided on accommodation and other utilities.
Monthly expenses have evolved significantly. We now spend around ZAR 1,200 (USD 80) on electricity and that's with water and internet thrown in.
Comparing cost of living across cities, Johannesburg came in below Cape Town, while Durban and Bloemfontein ranked lowest.
Housing affordability is an ongoing issue. There have been measures to help deal with rental affordability and food affordability.
Are you planning on moving to South Africa and are wondering what the cost of living is like in the Republic of South Africa? In general, it varies quite significantly from city to city and is an important aspect to consider when choosing which region to emigrate to, as well as when thinking about affording South Africa as a more long term holiday choice, where government regulations, and other laws, will impact on your personal expenditure.
Affordability of housing is a common consideration among low income residents and expats as government subsidies and rebates can significantly reduce housing costs as can consideration of affordable housing options using public services. From student dorms to retiree estates and inner city digs for working professionals, there's so much choice in terms of accommodation in South Africa to suit every individual requirement and budget.
SA has so much to offer and with some organisation you can live a great life here and still keep your outgoings under control.gov.za
South African Revenue Service — sars.gov.za
Department of Health — health.gov.za
Department of Transport — transport.gov.za
Department of Energy — energy.gov.za
As of March 2026. Information subject to change. Verify with your local financial aid office for the most up-to-date information.
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Arin Vale