What are the costs of living in Cape Town?

Mit dem nötigen Know-how lässt es sich in Kapstadt noch günstig leben

Cape Town, the picturesque metropolis at the foot of Table Mountain, attracts numerous expats with its breathtaking landscapes and cultural diversity. But how expensive is life in this South African city?

Housing and rental prices

Rental costs in Cape Town vary greatly depending on the location, size, and amenities of the property. Rents tend to be higher in the city center and in popular neighborhoods like Sea Point or Camps Bay. According to recent data, the average rent for an apartment in the city center is around 12,000 ZAR (approximately €600) per month, while outside the city center, the average rent is around 8,000 ZAR (approximately €400) per month. A room in a shared apartment costs between 4,000 and 6,000 ZAR (approximately €200 to €300) per month.

food and gastronomy

Food prices in Cape Town are generally lower than in many European cities. Local products are inexpensive, but imported foods are expensive. Organic foods and supplements are also comparatively expensive.

Here are some average prices for basic food items:

• Milk (1 liter): 20.60 ZAR

• White bread (500 g): 19.05 ZAR

• Rice (1 kg): 31.49 ZAR

• Eggs (12 pieces): 43.29 ZAR

• Chicken fillets (1 kg): 89.85 ZAR

• Apples (1 kg): 27.84 ZAR

• Tomatoes (1 kg): 27.89 ZAR

When eating out, prices vary depending on the type of restaurant:

• Simple restaurant: 180 ZAR per meal

• Three-course meal per person in a mid-range restaurant: 300-400 ZAR

• Fine dining menu per person: ZAR 2000

From our own experience, we can say that with clever housekeeping, you can get by on food costs that are about 50% lower than in Germany.

transport

Cape Town offers various transportation options, including buses, taxis, and rental cars. Uber is widely available and works very well. Since the bus system isn't comparable to that of major European cities, even young people enjoy using Uber frequently. Uber is considerably cheaper than taxis in Germany. The costs are as follows:

• Public transport (one way): 20 ZAR

• Monthly public transport pass: 750 ZAR

• Basic taxi fare: ZAR 25, plus ZAR 18 per kilometer

• Petrol (1 liter): 23.04 ZAR

Leisure and entertainment

Cape Town offers a wealth of leisure activities, from outdoor adventures to cultural events. Here are some average costs:

• Gym membership (monthly): from 700 ZAR

• Cinema ticket: 120 ZAR

• Concert ticket : from 100 ZAR for local bands, from 400 ZAR for international artists

• Tennis court rental: 50-100 ZAR/person

• Tennis coaching session : 600 ZAR

Services

The costs for services vary depending on the type and provider, but are generally cheaper than in Germany.

• Hairdresser: simple haircut from 150 EUR, in the higher price segment from 500 ZAR

• Cleaning: Laundry from 30-60 ZAR per kilogram

• Domestic help: from 400 ZAR/day

• Babysitter: from 50-100 ZAR/hour

• Gardener: from 400 ZAR/day

Total budget

Monthly living costs in Cape Town depend heavily on individual habits and lifestyle choices. For a single person, average monthly expenses might be as follows:

• Rent (1-bedroom apartment outside the center): 8,000 ZAR

• Food: 3,000 to 5,000 ZAR

• Transport: 1,000 to 2,000 ZAR

• Leisure and other: 2,000 to 3,000 ZAR

  
  

In total, this would be approximately 14,000 to 18,000 ZAR (approximately 700 to 900 euros) per month. Of course, these costs can vary depending on your personal lifestyle and location.

In summary, Cape Town offers comparatively good value for money , especially compared to many Western cities. While some costs, such as rent in central locations, may be higher, others, such as food and leisure activities, are often more affordable.

Relocape will be happy to give you further information and tips so that you can live like a local right from the start.