🇿🇦Cost of Living in Cape Town
South Africa · Population: 4,620,000 · Cost Index: 32/100
Cost of Living in Cape Town
South Africa · Africa
Nestled beneath the iconic Table Mountain, Cape Town is one of the most visually stunning cities on Earth. Its affordable lifestyle, world-class wine regions, and vibrant creative scene make it a top destination for remote workers and retirees.
4,620,000
Population
32
Cost Index
35
Safety Index
50
Quality of Life
Average Monthly Cost: $1,350 (single person, excluding rent)
Cost Breakdown
Housing
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$600.001-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$400.003-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$1,200.003-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$750.00Food & Groceries
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$6.00Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$30.00McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$5.00Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.00Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$0.90Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.20Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$2.30Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$4.50Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.50Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.10Transportation
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$45.00One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$0.80Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$1.00Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$0.70Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.20Utilities
Basic Utilities (85m² Apartment)(per month)
$90.00Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$20.00Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$35.00Healthcare
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$35.00Dentist Visit(per visit)
$30.00Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$10.00Entertainment
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$30.00Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$5.50Cappuccino(per cup)
$2.20Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$2.50Clothing
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$48.00Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$28.00Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$70.00Compare Cape Town with another city
See how Cape Town stacks up against any other city in our database.
Quick Facts
- Currency
- ZAR
- Language
- English
- Cost Index
- 32/100
- Safety Index
- 35/100
- Quality of Life
- 50/100
Data last updated: 2026-01-15. Prices are approximate and shown in USD.