Cost of Living in Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town has a cost of living index of 35/100 (New York = 100). It is 65% cheaper than New York. Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

35/100
Cost Index
$1,680/mo
Median Income
26/100
Safety Index
Mediterranean
Climate

Cost Breakdown by Category

HousingScore: 45/100
1-Bed Apartment (City Center)$455/month
1-Bed Apartment (Outside Center)$305/month
3-Bed Apartment (City Center)$870/month
Food & GroceriesScore: 40/100
Milk (1 liter)$1.15/liter
Bread (500g loaf)$1.25/loaf
Rice (1 kg)$1.45/kg
Dining OutScore: 38/100
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant$9.5/meal
Meal for 2 (Mid-Range)$38/meal
McMeal at McDonald's$5.75/meal
TransportationScore: 38/100
Monthly Transit Pass$35/month
One-Way Ticket$1.25/trip
Taxi (1 km)$0.75/km
UtilitiesScore: 42/100
Basic (Elec, Heat, Water, Garbage) 85m2$95/month
Internet (60+ Mbps)$32/month
Mobile Plan (10GB+)$18/month
HealthcareScore: 48/100
Doctor Visit (15 min)$50/visit
Dentist Visit$65/visit
Prescription Medicine (avg)$8/course
EntertainmentScore: 42/100
Cinema Ticket (1 seat)$7.5/ticket
Theater Ticket$25/ticket
Museum Entry$9.5/ticket
FitnessScore: 40/100
Gym Membership (monthly)$28/month
Tennis Court Rent (1 hr)$12/hour
Swimming Pool (adult entry)$5/entry
Personal CareScore: 38/100
Haircut (Men)$12/cut
Haircut (Women)$25/cut
Shampoo (400ml)$3.25/bottle
ClothingScore: 40/100
Jeans (Levi's or similar)$45/pair
Summer Dress (Zara/H&M)$28/piece
Running Shoes (Nike/Adidas)$65/pair

Digital Nomad Profile

72 Mbps
Internet Speed
$250
Coworking/Month
good
Café WiFi
high
English Level
growing
Nomad Community
72/100
Walkability

Best neighborhoods: De Waterkant, Woodstock, Gardens

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cape Town cheap to live in?

Cape Town has a cost of living index of 35/100, where New York = 100. It is 65% cheaper than New York. A single person can live comfortably for approximately $700–$980 per month.

How much does rent cost in Cape Town?

A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center of Cape Town costs approximately $455/month. Outside the center, expect to pay around $305/month.

Is Cape Town good for digital nomads?

Cape Town has a growing digital nomad community. Average internet speed is 72 Mbps, café wifi reliability is good, and coworking spaces run about $250/month. English proficiency is high.

What is the average salary in Cape Town?

The median net monthly salary in Cape Town is approximately $1,680 USD. The income tax rate is around 25%.

How does Cape Town compare to New York for cost of living?

Cape Town (cost index 35) is 65% cheaper than New York (cost index 100). You could save roughly $1,625/month by moving from New York to Cape Town.

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