Cost of Living in South Africa
Most expats will find the cost of living in South Africa to be relatively cheap. Foreigners can expect particularly good value for money when it comes to rented accommodation, eating out and domestic staff. Imported goods, especially cars, tend to be more costly, while alcohol is relatively inexpensive and groceries are on a par with the UK or US. The cost of living is decidedly more expensive in Johannesburg than in Cape Town.
Expat residents in South Africa are taxed on their worldwide income, irrespective of where this income derives from; there are however international agreements in place to avoid double taxation. Income tax is calculated on a progressive scale from 18% for under R132 000 per annum to R152 960 plus 40% of the amount above R525 000 for all income over R525 001 per annum.
The property boom has seen houses prices double over the past few years meaning that property is no longer particularly good value for those wanting to buy. However, this does mean that rented accommodation is quite affordable for expats.
The cost of living in South Africa is around one third that of London. For an idea of costs, dinner for two at a good restaurant with wine will cost anything upwards of R500. Twenty cigarettes cost about R25, a Coke costs about R10 at a bar and a bottle of beer will be around R15. DSTV (satellite) costs about R500 per month. See Word Travels for currency exchange rates.
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Accommodation (monthly rent in good area)
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Furnished 2 bedroom house
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R9000
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Furnished 2 bedroom apartment
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R6000
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Room in shared apartment
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R2000
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Food and Drink
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1 litre milk
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R16.00
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300g cheese
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R22.40
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Bread (white)
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R8.00
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12 eggs
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R22.00
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1kg sugar
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R7.90
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500g ground coffee
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R38.00
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Tea bags (25)
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R8.00
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2 litre Coca-Cola
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R14.00
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1.5 litre mineral water
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R6.00
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1kg minced beef
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R45.00
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1kg chicken (whole)
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R30.00
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Beer per can
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R6.50
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Bottle of wine
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R30.00
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Cigarettes (20)
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R25.00
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Household
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2kg laundry detergent
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R65.00
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400ml dishwashing liquid
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R7.50
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Bath soap
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R5.00
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Toothpaste
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R7.00
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200ml shampoo
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R20.00
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Deodorant
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R18.00
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Utilities
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Telephone line & ADSL (monthly rental)
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R350.00
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Mobile/cell phone
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R1500.00
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Electricity costs - apartment (100sq.m)
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R200.00
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Eating out and entertainment
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Three-course restaurant meal
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R300.00
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Fast-food meal
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R30.00
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Coffee in café
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R12.00
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Beer in bar
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R15.00
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Taxi per km
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R10.00
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Health
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Consultation – private doctor/GP
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R250.00
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