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Cost of Living in Paarl, South Africa | Expat Exchange
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Cost of Living in Paarl, South Africa

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Apr 17, 2025

Summary: What is the cost of living in Paarl, South Africa? Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Paarl talk about the general living costs, the cost of housing and health insurance.

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Is the cost of living in Paarl high?

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

"The cost of living in Paarl, is considered moderate compared to other major cities in the country. Housing and rental prices are relatively affordable, especially when compared to cities like Cape Town or Johannesburg. The cost of groceries and dining out is also reasonable, with a variety of options available to suit different budgets. Utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water are also moderately priced. Transportation costs can vary depending on the mode of transport used, but are generally affordable. Healthcare in Paarl is of a good standard and is reasonably priced, especially when compared to international standards. However, private healthcare can be expensive. Education costs can vary greatly depending on whether a public or private institution is chosen. Overall, while Paarl is not the cheapest place to live in South Africa, it offers a good quality of life at a moderate cost," remarked one in Paarl.

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Will I save money living in Paarl?

"Yes, you are likely to save money living in Paarl compared to the United States. The cost of living in South Africa is generally lower than in the United States. This includes expenses such as housing, groceries, utilities, and dining out. Healthcare and education costs are also typically lower. However, it's important to note that salaries in South Africa are also generally lower than in the United States. Therefore, if you're earning a U.S. salary while living in Paarl, you could potentially save a significant amount of money. But if you're earning a local salary, your purchasing power may not be as high. Additionally, the quality and availability of certain goods and services may not be as high as in the U.S," said one expat in Paarl.

What is the average cost of housing in Paarl?

If you are thinking about moving to Paarl, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"The average cost of housing in Paarl can vary greatly depending on the location and size of the property. As of recent data, the average price for a residential property in Paarl is approximately in the mid-range level compared to other areas in South Africa. For a standard three-bedroom house, buyers can expect to pay a price in the mid to high six-figure range in South African Rand. Luxury homes and properties in more desirable locations can cost significantly more, often reaching into the millions," said one expat in Paarl.

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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.

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