The Republic of South Africa is the second largest country on the African continent. It’s a country full of stunning landscapes and, of course, the Big Five. Its coastline stretches for over 3,000 kms; its mountains rise to over 11,000 feet and the variety of flora and fauna is staggering, with the Western Cape alone being home to over 9,000 species of vascular plants. 9.2% of South Africa’s land is protected, ensuring that it flora and fauna will be around for generations to come.
If you are considering moving to South Africa, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved when moving and living in this part of the world.
Quick South Africa Facts:
- Population: 61,040,416 (October 2022 – estimate)
- Official Language: South Africa has 11 official languages namely English, Afrikaans, Pedi, Ndebele, Swati, Sotho, Tsonga, Venda, Tswana, Zulu and Xhosa.
- GDP Per Capita:US$6,994.21 (2021)
- Capital cities: South Africa is the only country in the world with three capital cities – Pretoria is the administrative capital. Bloemfontein is the judicial capital and Cape town is the legislative capital.
- Currency: South African Rand (ZAR/R). As of 2022, ZAR1 is = £0.047, $0.055 (USD), €0.055, $0.075 (CAD), and = $0.086 (AUD).
1. Moving and Shipping Costs to South Africa
Here are some sample container shipping rates to South Africa.
Also see: 13 Best International Moving Companies in South Africa
2. South Africa Housing Costs
Housing costs vary in South Africa depending on your location. Cape Town, Johannesburg and Pretoria are the most expensive cities to live in. When you compare South African house prices with first world countries, they are very affordable.
Monthly Rental Prices in South Africa
- 1 bedroom apartment in City Centre: ZAR4,800 – ZAR15,000
- 1 bedroom apartment outside the City Centre: ZAR4,500 – ZAR10,000
- 3-bedroom apartment in City Centre: ZAR8,500 – ZAR28,000
- 3-bedroom apartment outside the City Centre: ZAR8,500 – ZAR20,000
- Price per square metre to buy in City Centre ZAR8,000 – ZAR40,000.00
- Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside the city: ZAR7,800 – ZAR25,000
Source: NUMBEO
South Africa Housing Cost Comparison
Below are how rents in South Africa compare with other countries around the globe.
United Kingdom is 119.26% more expensive
United States is 247.19% more expensive
Australia is 148.76% more expensive
Canada is 139.62% more expensive
Singapore is 443.66% more expensive
France is 78.54% more expensive
UAE is 154.94% more expensive
Spain is 52.38% more expensive
Source: NUMBEO
How to Save on Housing Costs
- Share an apartment or house. Living with a room or flatmate is one of the best ideas to save money on housing in South Africa. Have a look at the following sites to find your perfect room or flatmate – Roomies, iroommates, Roommates, Room Finder, and Roommates in Cape Town.
- Different areas – different prices. Property prices vary considerably in South Africa, depending on the region you choose to live in. Cape Town, Johannesburg and Pretoria are the most expensive cities to live in. The coastal cities in Kwa-Zulu Natal and the Eastern Cape are much cheaper than Cape Town. Sadly, every city in South Africa still has large formal and informal settlements or squatter camps, so it’s important that you do your homework when choosing an area in which to live. With South Africa’s high unemployment rate, crime rates are extremely high.
3. South Africa Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs
South Africa is renowned for its fine dining. It has some of the best chefs in the world creating edible masterpieces, especially in the Western Cape. South African wines are known throughout the world and can be enjoyed at exceptionally reasonable prices. If you live in the Western Cape, you can spend a day out touring the vineyards in the beautiful countryside north of Cape Town. The selection of food in the shops is excellent and the quality is high.
- Inexpensive Restaurant: ZAR80 – ZAR300
- Domestic beer: ZAR20 – ZAR50
- Coke/Pepsi: ZAR12 – ZAR25
- 1L of milk: ZAR12 – ZAR28
- Loaf of Bread: ZAR10 – ZAR20
- 12 Eggs: ZAR18 – ZAR50
- 1kg Chicken Fillets: ZAR45 – ZAR110
- 1kg Beef: ZAR76 – ZAR169
- 1kg Apples: ZAR13 – ZAR35
- 1kg White Rice: ZAR15 – ZAR36
Source: NUMBEO
Below is how food and restaurant prices compare with other major countries in the world.
- UK restaurants are 43% more expensive and groceries are 63.77% more expensive than in South Africa.
- United States restaurants are 23% more expensive and groceries are 151.80% more expensive than in South Africa.
- Australian restaurants are 83% more expensive and groceries are 139.56% more expensive than in South Africa.
- Canadian restaurants are 86.63% more expensive and groceries are 118.69% more expensive than in South Africa.
- Singapore restaurants are 46% more expensive and groceries are 156.79% more expensive than in South Africa.
- French restaurants are 95% more expensive and groceries are 115.36% more expensive than in South Africa.
- UAE restaurants are 71% more expensive and groceries are 67.61%more expensive than in South Africa.
- Spanish restaurants are 88% more expensive and groceries are 35.67% more expensive than in South Africa.
Source: NUMBEO
Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries
- Know your supermarkets: South Africa’s most expensive supermarket is Woolworths. Their quality and variety of food surpasses most first world countries. Middle of road supermarkets include Pick n Pay and Spar, while the cheaper end of the market is served by Checkers. There are many independent grocery shops, and health food shops and artisan markets can be found in most cities.
- Find Cheap Eats: If you are moving to South Africa from one of the wealthier countries around the globe, you’ll find eating out at Michelin star standard restaurants is very affordable no matter where you are in South Africa. Also, have a look at these sites for inspiration – Trip Advisor, Cheap Eats in Johannesburg, Wanderlog, Cheap eats in Cape Town, and Eatout.
4. South Africa Alcohol Costs
South Africa has a thriving alcohol industry from fine wines, craft beers and gin to excellent liqueurs. Compared with other countries, alcohol is reasonably priced. Most of the wines on the supermarket shelves are South African and you’ll pay a premium for imported wine. Note that you can’t buy alcohol in shops on a Sunday in most areas of South Africa
- Bottle of imported beer at a restaurant/pub: ZAR29 – ZAR60
- Pint (0.5L) domestic beer at a restaurant/pub: ZAR20 – ZAR50
- Pint (0.5L) domestic beer at a supermarket: ZAR13 – ZAR40
- Bottle of imported beer at a supermarket: ZAR16 – ZAR50
- Mid-range bottle of wine at a supermarket: ZAR50 – ZAR125
Source: NUMBEO
How to drink for less in South Africa
- Keep an eye on local websites for advertised specials. If you’re in a university city, then ask a student, they generally know where to go for affordable drinks.
- Some bars and restaurants in South African cities have early evening Happy Hour. The following sites will help you find bars where you can drink for less – Zomato, Food Blog, After Work Drinks, Roxy Late Night, Cape Town Magazine, Secret Cape Town, and Come to Cape Town.
5. South Africa Transportation Fares
South Africa’s public transport system is not the best, but the government is trying to upgrade it. Long distance buses can take you all over South Africa but there are very few passenger trains which run long distance. This is mainly due to theft and vandalism. Trains do run in most major cities but again vandalism, theft and poor maintenance makes them unreliable. Those South Africans that can afford it buy cars and use them to get to and from work. Many people use minibus taxis to get to work and to travel long distance.
- One-way ticket (Local transport) – ZAR17 – ZAR65
- Monthly Pass, (Regular Price) – ZAR360 – ZAR1,500
- Taxi start (normal tariff) – ZAR12 – ZAR50
- Taxi 1km (normal tariff) – ZAR10 – ZAR25
Source: NUMBEO
How to save money on public transport
- Save at least 30% by not travelling during peak periods, especially during school holidays.
- Bazbus is an option for long distance travel and is frequently used by backpackers.
6. Cost of Internet in South Africa
Though the internet speed in South Africa is below the global average it has the highest speed compared to other African countries. As per the speed test Ookla, South Africa ranks first among African countries with an internet speed of 68.9 Mbps. Popular internet providers in the country are Telkom, Vodacom, Cell C, and MTN.
7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure
South Africa experiences different climates in different regions. The Western Cape has wet winters and hot, dry summers whereas the rest of South African has their rainy season in the summer months and the winters are dry. On the highveld, the KZN Midlands and parts of the Eastern Cape, night time winter temperatures can drop to -20C but it’ll warm up during the day and you can guarantee the sun will shine. February is the hottest month where temperatures can soar into the 40s. The average annual rainfall in South Africa is around 464 mm.
Below are some prices which you may find useful:
- Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar): ZAR400 – ZAR1,100
- Summer Dress: ZAR250 – ZAR800
- Running Shoes (Trainers): ZAR 800 – ZAR2,200
- Business Shoes: ZAR699 – ZAR2,000
- Gym membership: ZAR250 – ZAR1,000
- Movie (cinema) ticket: ZAR80 – ZAR160
- Short Doctor’s visit (15 mins): ZAR479
- Deodorant: ZAR35
- Shampoo: ZAR65
- Toilet Paper (4 rolls): ZAR30
Source: Numbeo and Expatistan
8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in South Africa
South Africa has a good road network. Most of the motorways are toll roads so remember to calculate those fees into your journey. Non-residents can buy a car in South Africa as long they have a temporary residence permit or a travel visa. All you will need is a certified copy of your passport or driving licence and a certified copy of your temporary residence permit or travel document. Car insurance is not compulsory in South Africa which can be rather daunting because if someone writes your car off you can’t claim on their insurance. This is why most people opt for fully comprehensive insurance.
Below are sample costs of owning and operating a car in South Africa:
- Volkswagen Golf:ZAR260,000 – ZAR437,900
- 1 litre (¼ gallon) of gas (petrol): ZAR19.93 – ZAR26
- Other fees (if any):Car registration in is ZAR240. and the average monthly running cost is estimated at ZAR6,711.
Source: NUMBEO, AutoTrader, BusinessTech
Ways to save money driving in South Africa
- Car sharing or pooling is one of the best options to save money. Have a look at these websites for car sharing or pooling – Jrney, Arrive Alive, and BlaBlaCar.
- Taxis are often a cheaper option, especially if you are parking your car all day. Try Uberand Lyft.
Need your car/vehicle moved to South Africa? Then read our guide to Car Transport & Vehicle Shipping
9. Taxes in South Africa
Non-residents in South Africa are exempt from paying tax for up to 183 days. The tax rate starts at 18% and goes up to 45% for those people earning over R1,731,600 per annum. For more information refer to Taxsummaries. Property tax starts at 3% and, depending on the value of the property, can be as high as 11%. Refer to SARS for details. VAT currently stands at 15%.
10. Flight Costs from South Africa
If you do make the move to South Africa, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to other major world cities based on the lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner as of 2022:
- London: ZAR5,045
- Paris: ZAR5,230
- New York: ZAR9,768
- Toronto: ZAR10,042
- Berlin: ZAR5,923
- Madrid: ZAR5,628
- Dubai: ZAR6,819
- Sydney: ZAR19,052
- Hong Kong: ZAR12,199
Other South Africa Relocation Tips
The above costs and pricing should give you a good idea of the cost of living in South Africa. But perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go more smoothly.
11. Relocating to South Africa Alone
Moving abroad is stressful but moving alone can be exceptionally difficult. South Africans are generally very welcoming and hospitable and can’t wait to show you how beautiful their country is. Below are few a tips about settling in South Africa.
- Meetups:Connect with various groups through Meetup to participate in a wide range of activities in the country.
- Attend local events: Most cities have activities, festivals and entertainment happening throughout the year. Have a look at the following sites for inspiration – Travel Triangle, Sa-Venues, Expatica, Iexplore, and Travelling Lifestyle.
12. Moving to South Africa with a Family
Moving abroad with a family comes with many exciting but challenging responsibilities. However, South Africa has a lot to attract families. Connect your family with various groups in the country to acquaint them quickly.
- New parents (or parents-to-be):Check out Moms Groups in South Africa, M&T Groups, Mums Support Network, Cape Town Moms, and Help Clubs for Moms for advice, courses and ways to meet other parents.
- Live in a family-friendly area:Unfortunately, South Africa does have security issues, so you need to choose where you live carefully. There are many gated communities throughout South Africa where your kids can play outside without you having to worry. The best advice is to contact reputable estate agents such as Pam Golding or Seeff and explain exactly what you are looking for.
- Find things to do with the kids:South Africa has many things for kids to do. Enjoy the water sports, go hiking, visit game parks, visit museums and generally enjoy the South African outdoor lifestyle. theHave a look at the following website for inspiration – Travel Triangle, Trip Advisor, Travelynnfamily, Fullsuitcase, and Flash Packing Family.
13. Moving to South Africa for Work
Moving to a new country for work is one of the most common reasons people choose to move. While it is possible to move without a job, it makes sense to ensure there are jobs in your field before you make the move. You may be lucky enough to work for a multinational that has office in South Africa and then all you have to do is ask for a transfer.
Many professions are in short supply throughout the world. In South Africa, tradesmen, IT technicians, medical personnel, teachers and hospitality workers are in high demand. Tourism is a massive part of South Africa’s GDP and there are job opportunities at every level.
Below are things to consider when moving for work:
- Salary:The average monthly salary in South Africa is ZAR31,100. Refer to Glassdoor and Salary Explorer for information on salaries in South Africa.
- How to find work: If you want to have a job lined up before you move to South Africa, but aren’t sure where to begin, the following sites are good places to start – Indeed, Expatica, Prospects, Gov-ZA, com and Visa Hunter. You may also want to Google recruiters in your industry, as they can often help land you some initial interviews as well.
14. Moving to South Africa from Australia
There are relatively low number of Australians living and working in South Africa but if you are thinking of joining them, consider the following.
- Size comparison:Australia is 6 times bigger than South Africa. The population of Australia is 25,739,000 and the population of South Africa is 60,042,000.
- Join expat groups:Connect with other Australians in South Africa through Meetup, Internations, and Facebook, and enjoy anything from surfing to mountain climbing and shark cage diving to playing chess.
15. Moving to South Africa from Canada
There are a small number of Canadians living in South Africa. If you’re interested in meeting them in South Africa, consider the following.
- Size:Canada is 8 times bigger than South Africa. The population of Canada is 38,246,000 and the population of South Africa is 60,042,000.
- Expat groups:Connect with other Canadians in South Africa through Meetup and Internations and enjoy wine tasting or abseiling or any other pastimes that you enjoy. If there isn’t a group dedicated to your interest, then start one through Meetup or Internations.
16. Moving to South Africa from the United Kingdom
There are over 1.6 million Brits living in South Africa, many of whom arrived in SA in the 1950s, 60s and 70s. If you are moving from the UK to South Africa, consider the following:
- Size: South Africa is 5 times bigger than the UK. The population of the UK is 67,327,000 and the population of South Africa is 60,042,000.
- Expat groups:Connect with other Brits in South Africa through Meetup and Internations. Enjoy a game of cricket or rugby, play bridge or go wine tasting with like-minded souls.
You can also read our guide on Moving to South Africa From the UK.
Hopefully, the tips and costs above are helpful. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to South Africa you can start by comparing moving quotes here.
English 
French 
German 
Italian 
Spanish 
Chinese 
Portuguese 
Japanese 
Polish 
Bulgarian 
Czech 
Danish 
Dutch 
Estonian 
Finnish 
Greek 
Hungarian 
Latvian 
Lithuanian 
Romanian 
Russian 
Slovak 
Slovenian 
Swedish 
Turkish 
Korean 
Indonesian 
Norwegian 
Ukrainian