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Cost of Living in South Africa

William Russell
William Russell
William Russell
William Russell

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Jul 22, 2023

Summary: The cost of living in South Africa is generally considered to be quite affordable. A nice 1 bedroom apartment in South Africa can cost anywhere from $400 to $800 per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment can cost anywhere from $600 to $1,200 per month. The cost of dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in South Africa is usually around $15 to $20 per person.

Is the cost of living in South Africa high?

We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in South Africa, they wrote:

"The cost of living in South Africa varies depending on the city and lifestyle. Generally, the cost of living is lower than in many other countries, with basic necessities such as food, transportation, and housing being relatively affordable. However, the cost of living in major cities such as Johannesburg and Cape Town is higher than in other parts of the country. Additionally, the cost of living in South Africa is affected by the exchange rate of the South African Rand, which can fluctuate significantly," explained one expat living in South Africa.

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The TEFL Institute of IrelandThe TEFL Institute of Ireland

The TEFL Institute of Ireland operates under European standards of education, which are renowned and respected worldwide. Once you complete the course, you will receive a globally recognised certificate, which is a passport to teaching English worldwide and online. Teach English Online In Less Than 3 Weeks - Ditch the 9-5 job and start living life on your terms by teaching English online. Whether you want to travel the world or crave the flexibility of working from home, teaching online gives you the freedom you need.
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Will I save money living in South Africa?

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About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

The TEFL Institute of Ireland
The TEFL Institute of Ireland

Ranked The No. 1 TEFL Provider in Ireland. The TEFL Institute of Ireland operates under European standards of education, which are renowned and respected worldwide. Once you complete the course, you will receive a globally recognised certificate, which is a passport to teaching English worldwide and online.
Learn More

The TEFL Institute of IrelandThe TEFL Institute of Ireland

Ranked The No. 1 TEFL Provider in Ireland. The TEFL Institute of Ireland operates under European standards of education, which are renowned and respected worldwide. Once you complete the course, you will receive a globally recognised certificate, which is a passport to teaching English worldwide and online.
Learn More

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William Russell
William Russell

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