Cape Town, South Africa

In 2026, a single person living in Cape Town needs approximately ZAR 30,151/month, covering rent, groceries, transport and utilities. A family of 3–4 typically spends around ZAR 58,426/month. Cape Town is considered a relatively expensive city by global standards.

A 1-bedroom apartment in Cape Town costs approximately ZAR 18,652/month in 2026. A 3-bedroom apartment runs around ZAR 35,110/month. Rent has changed +4% vs 2025.

Monthly grocery costs for one person in Cape Town are approximately ZAR 6,035 in 2026. This covers basic supermarket shopping including food and household essentials.

A monthly public transport pass in Cape Town costs ZAR 1,207 in 2026, covering unlimited bus, metro and tram travel within the city.

Monthly utility costs in Cape Town average ZAR 2,853 in 2026, covering electricity, heating/cooling, water and internet for a standard apartment.

Cape Town is located in South Africa (Africa). With a 1-bed rent of ZAR 18,652/month and total single-person expenses around ZAR 30,151/month, it is relatively expensive by global standards.

A typical restaurant meal for one person in Cape Town costs approximately ZAR 176 in 2026. Budget around ZAR 1,404/month if dining out a few times a week.

LifeIndexed tracks cost of living data for Cape Town from 2022 to 2026. 1-bed rent has increased by 24.7% over this period (from ZAR 14,960 in 2022 to ZAR 18,652 in 2026). Use the year tabs above to compare costs across years.

To live comfortably in Cape Town in 2026, a single person needs approximately ZAR 30,151/month. This covers rent (ZAR 18,652), groceries (ZAR 6,035), transport (ZAR 1,207), utilities (ZAR 2,853) and dining out occasionally. A family of 3–4 should budget around ZAR 58,426/month.