🇿🇦Cost of Living in South Africa

Compare the cost of living across 4 cities in South Africa.

The cost of living in South Africa is tracked across 4 cities, with an average cost of living index of 31 out of 100, where New York City scores 100. Johannesburg is the most expensive city and Durban the most affordable. Explore each city below for a full cost breakdown.

Estimated monthly budget in South Africa

Typical total monthly cost by household type.

Single person

$1,200

per month

Couple

$1,800

per month

Family of 4

$2,520

per month

Student

$900

per month

Estimates based on the average cost of living in South Africa, scaled by household size. Actual costs vary with lifestyle, neighbourhood and housing.

Cape Town

Nestled beneath Table Mountain with stunning coastlines, Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It offers a low cost of living, though safety and inequality remain significant concerns.

Cost Index

Monthly Cost

$1,350

Pop: 4,618,000Safety: 32/100

Durban

South Africa's third-largest city and busiest port, Durban sits along the warm Indian Ocean coastline of KwaZulu-Natal. Known for its subtropical climate, golden beaches, and rich Indian cultural heritage, it offers a more affordable lifestyle than Cape Town or Johannesburg.

Cost Index

Monthly Cost

$1,050

Pop: 3,500,000Safety: 33/100

Johannesburg

South Africa's largest city and economic engine, Johannesburg is a dynamic metropolis built on gold mining wealth. Its diverse neighborhoods, thriving arts scene, and position as Africa's financial capital make it a compelling destination despite security challenges.

Cost Index

Monthly Cost

$1,250

Pop: 5,800,000Safety: 30/100

Pretoria

South Africa's administrative capital, Pretoria is known as the Jacaranda City for its stunning purple tree-lined streets in spring. A major center for government, research, and education, it offers a slightly more affordable and quieter lifestyle than neighboring Johannesburg.

Cost Index

Monthly Cost

$1,150

Pop: 2,600,000Safety: 34/100

Frequently asked questions about the cost of living in South Africa

What is the cost of living in South Africa?

South Africa has 4 cities in our database, with an average cost of living index of 31 out of 100 (New York City = 100).

What is the most expensive city in South Africa?

Johannesburg is the most expensive city we track in South Africa, with a cost of living index of 34 out of 100.

What is the cheapest city in South Africa?

Durban is the most affordable city we track in South Africa, with a cost of living index of 30 out of 100.

Data & sources

As an independent cross-check, the World Bank puts the overall price level in South Africa at 42 relative to the United States (=100) in 2024. View source

Cost figures on this site are independent estimates, cross-referenced with public data sources including World Bank, Numbeo, Eurostat, OECD.