South Africa
Live cost-of-living data across 1 city in South Africa — average cost index 17/100 (New York = 100), ranging from 17 to 17. Sourced by AI, refreshed regularly.
Cost of living by city in South Africa
Ranked cheapest first. Cost index anchored to New York = 100.
Frequently asked questions
Is South Africa cheap to live in?
Across 1 cities in South Africa, the average cost-of-living index is 17 (New York = 100) — from 17 in Johannesburg to 17 in Johannesburg. It's meaningfully cheaper than the US and Western Europe.
What is the cheapest city in South Africa?
Johannesburg is the most affordable city we track in South Africa, with a cost-of-living index of 17 (New York = 100) and a 1-bedroom city-center rent around $560/month.
Does South Africa have a digital nomad visa?
Yes. South Africa offers the Remote Work Visa, allowing stays of up to 1 year with no application fee. Always confirm current requirements with the official immigration portal.
How much does it cost to live in South Africa per month?
A single person can live comfortably in the cheaper cities of South Africa for roughly $340–$476/month. Costs scale up toward Johannesburg. See the full city-by-city breakdown above.
Compare Johannesburg with anywhere
Dig into any South Africa city, or see where your salary stretches furthest worldwide.