Sub-Saharan Africa Updated
Average Cost of Living in South Africa
The average cost of living in South Africa ranges from $743 per month in Durban to $1,056 per month in Cape-Town, with a median monthly basket of $938 for a single person. We track 4 cities in South Africa.
Prices in USD, refreshed regularly. Click any city for the full price breakdown.
On this page 3 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| South Africa at a glance | Headline numbers across 4 cities. |
| Cities in South Africa | Sort by cheapest, most expensive, A–Z, or cost index. |
| Frequently asked about South Africa | Common questions about prices, salaries, and relocating. |
Cities tracked
4
Median monthly · single
$938
Average cost index
20.7
NYC = 100
Most / least expensive
Cape-Town /
Durban
Browse cities
4 cities shown
About cost of living in South Africa
- How expensive is South Africa?
- South Africa has 4 cities tracked in our dataset. Costs vary considerably across the country: Durban is among the most affordable, while Cape-Town ranks among the most expensive.
- How much money do I need to live in South Africa?
- Budget anywhere from $743 per month in Durban (the cheapest tracked city) to $1,056 per month in Cape-Town (the most expensive). Pick the city that matches your work and lifestyle, then add 15–25% on top of the basket for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending.
- What is the cheapest city in South Africa?
- Durban typically offers the lowest cost of living in South Africa, especially on rent and groceries. Salaries are usually lower too — compare both before relocating.
- Which city in South Africa has the best quality of life for expats?
- The best fit depends on your work and lifestyle. Capital cities offer the most amenities, English-speaking services, and international communities, while regional cities trade those for affordability and a slower pace.
- Is the cost-of-living data for South Africa up to date?
- Prices are normalized to USD and refreshed periodically. Currency fluctuations can shift dollar-denominated costs even when local prices are stable, so use the figures as a relative comparison rather than a precise quote.