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  1. Eligibility To Work
  2. Before You Leave Home
  3. Setting Up A Bank Account
  4. South Africa Revenue Requirements
  5. Contract or Permanent
  6. Commerce vs Banking
  7. Cost Of Living
  8. Useful Information

Cost Of Living

Destination: South Africa

House

Living in South Africa can be cheaper compared to most parts of the United Kingdom; however, inner city living in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town is likely to be more expensive than other areas.

Whilst you are looking for longer-term accommodation you may find staying in a hostel or independent backpackers for travelers the cheapest option; visit www.gumtree.co.za.

South Africa offers a mixture of the usual ways for finding accommodation. Either purchase a copy of Saturday’s local newspaper (such as The Star or Cape Argus) or use local real estate agencies.

When looking for a room or property to rent, consider the following:

  • If the room/property is fully, part or not furnished.

  • Which bills are included in the cost of the rent.

  • What the landlord’s expectations are at the end of the tenancy.

  • Where the bond will be held for safe-keeping.

Table of other costs

Expense Cost (ZAR)
Monthly Rent (two bed flat) R5000-6000
Monthly Rent for room R300+-/m
Coffee R8-12/cup
Food per week R2500-00/m
Cinema R45
Litre of Petrol R10
Bottle of Beer R 4-50/can
Glass of Wine R 12-18/glass
Night out for two R400
Litre of Milk R 7-00/litre
Loaf of Bread R 8-00
Sky DSTV (monthly) R437.62