South Africa is implementing reforms aimed at attracting more skilled professionals and expats. However, before moving, it is important to find out what the average prices are in the country, as this is one of the most important aspects of moving to another country. Find out what the cost of living should be for foreigners moving to South Africa for work, study or retirement.

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South Africa is the southernmost country in Africa and is a paradise for expats, as the country has a rich culture, incredibly beautiful landscapes, a wonderful climate, food, and a fairly affordable cost of living. The country also has favorable living conditions, a developed economy, a good social sphere, and significant career prospects. These factors attract thousands of expats to South Africa every year, including citizens of Kenya, Uzbekistan, and Ghana.

However, before planning a move, it is important to analyze the local cost of living. Read more about prices in South Africa and what expenses expats should expect when planning to move to the country in this article.

The official currency in South Africa is the South African Rand, but for the convenience of comparison, prices in the article are indicated in US dollars.

Where do expats live in South Africa?

South Africa has many different regions, each offering a unique experience of living in the country. From bustling landlocked metropolises like Johannesburg and Pretoria, to more laid-back coastal cities like Cape Town and Durban, as well as smaller towns and villages, there are many places to consider if you want to take advantage of South Africa’s relatively low average cost of living.

Is it expensive to live in South Africa?

Prices in South Africa are lower than in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, the Netherlands and New Zealand, but higher than in Nigeria and Kenya.

According to the Mercer Cost of Living Survey, Johannesburg and Cape Town are ranked 193rd and 194th most expensive cities in the world, while Durban is the 216th most expensive city to live in.

The average cost of living in South Africa is around $578 per month excluding rent for a single person. However, this can vary depending on the standard of living of the individual. In addition, the average cost of rent in South Africa is around $440 per month.

You can adjust your monthly expenses by choosing smaller cities to live in or by preferring local products.

Features of the South African Economy

While expats may find the cost of living in South Africa quite affordable compared to other countries in the world, it is worth noting that income inequality is widespread throughout the country.

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 poverty rates depending on ethnicity, gender identity and education level. Poverty rates are highest among black South Africans and people with no education.

People with high incomes, usually in managerial or specialized positions, earn significantly more than the majority of the workforce. This is also evident in the difference between public and private sector salaries. For example, teachers and police officers earn much less than those working in corporations.

Rental prices and utilities in South Africa

The cost of renting a house or apartment in South Africa varies greatly depending on where you live. Obviously, large cities will be more expensive than rural areas or suburbs. In general, rent costs range from $250 to $750 per month for a one-bedroom apartment and up to $1,600 for a three-bedroom apartment.

Property prices in South Africa are significantly lower than in most European countries, North America, Australia and most of Asia. In addition, foreigners are free to buy property in South Africa with almost no restrictions.

- Utility costs

The average monthly utility cost in South Africa is around US$100, which includes electricity, heating, cooling and water.

Electricity prices for households in South Africa were US$0.16 per kWh.

Water rates vary by city, but in general the cost of water for a household is around US$2.4 per kilolitre per month. The average household uses 1 kilolitre per person per day.

However, high-speed internet services can be relatively expensive, averaging around US$30 per month.

Monthly mobile phone plans vary in cost depending on how much data and phone minutes you need, but typically start at US$16 and go up to US$55.

In order to safely move, travel or work in a new country, you will need health insurance. You can issue an extended policy on our website using the link.

Cost of Eating Out

Eating out will not be too expensive even for budget travelers.

The cost of lunch in inexpensive restaurants in South Africa is about 8 USD. While mid-range restaurants charge about 37 USD for two people.

However, if you cook your meals at home, you can save a lot.

Food Prices in South Africa

A healthy food basket, which includes staple foods, fruits and vegetables, costs 280 USD per month.

The average prices for basic products in South Africa are as follows: milk (1 liter) – $1, loaf of fresh white bread (500 g) – $0.9, rice (1 kg) – $1.4, eggs (12 pieces) – $2, apples (1 kg) – $1.3, banana (1 kg) – $1.2, orange (1 kg) – $1.25, tomato (1 kg) – $1.4, potato (1 kg) – $1.1, onion (1 kg) – $1.28, lettuce (1 head) – $0.96, water (1.5 liter bottle) – $0.86, meat, eggs, drinks and more – $27.

In addition, prices for products vary depending on where you shop and the quality of the products. To get the best value for money, it is important to compare prices in different stores.

Entertainment in South Africa

A movie ticket costs between US$4 and US$5. However, it is often cheaper for children or for morning shows.

Some of the most popular sports in South Africa are football (soccer), cricket and rugby. For sports fans, tickets to a match will cost between US$5 and US$15, depending on the popularity of the team and the venue where they play.

A gym membership is US$30 per month.

Transport prices in South Africa

A single ticket for a short trip on the metro costs around US$1.60 in South Africa, while a monthly pass costs around US$45.

South African cities have two types of public transport: minibuses and buses. Minibuses are often the cheapest way to get around, but are not as popular with foreigners.

Fare rates can range from around $0.50 to $2 depending on when you travel and how far.

If you choose to travel by taxi, you can expect to pay an average of $1 to board the taxi and $2 for each kilometer thereafter.

Healthcare costs in South Africa

Healthcare in South Africa is divided into two sectors: public and private. Public healthcare in South Africa is subsidized up to 40% of total costs; fees depend on your income and the number of children you have. A visit to the doctor can cost around $3. However, waiting times can be long, especially for specialists. Hospital stays can cost up to €50 per night if you are on the higher income bracket.

South Africa is quickly becoming a popular destination for expats looking for opportunities to live abroad. The country offers a unique experience to foreigners thanks to its stunning natural beauty, rich history and culture.

As a reminder, South Africa is the second-largest economy in Africa and is an attractive employment center in the region. We have already told you about the characteristics of the labor market in the republic and what are the requirements for obtaining a work visa.