Cape Town, South Africa
Cost of living · 2025 · Africa · Rent +5.5% vs 2024
Rent trend in Cape Town (2022–2026)
Cost breakdown in Cape Town (2025)
Estimated monthly budget in Cape Town
Based on 2025 data. Includes rent, groceries, transport, utilities and occasional dining out.
Cost comparison — cities in South Africa (2025)
| City | 1-Bed Rent | Groceries | Transport | Utilities | vs Cape Town |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Town | ZAR 17,935 | ZAR 5,803 | ZAR 1,161 | ZAR 2,743 | — |
| Durban | ZAR 10,550 | ZAR 4,748 | ZAR 897 | ZAR 2,110 | -41.2% |
| Johannesburg | ZAR 14,243 | ZAR 5,275 | ZAR 1,002 | ZAR 2,427 | -20.6% |
Other Africa cities (2025)
Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of living in Cape Town in 2025?
In 2025, a single person living in Cape Town needs approximately ZAR 28,991/month, covering rent, groceries, transport and utilities. A family of 3–4 typically spends around ZAR 56,179/month. Cape Town is considered a relatively expensive city by global standards.
How much is rent in Cape Town in 2025?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Cape Town costs approximately ZAR 17,935/month in 2025. A 3-bedroom apartment runs around ZAR 33,760/month. Rent has changed +5.5% vs 2024.
How much do groceries cost in Cape Town?
Monthly grocery costs for one person in Cape Town are approximately ZAR 5,803 in 2025. This covers basic supermarket shopping including food and household essentials.
What does public transport cost in Cape Town?
A monthly public transport pass in Cape Town costs ZAR 1,161 in 2025, covering unlimited bus, metro and tram travel within the city.
How much are utilities in Cape Town?
Monthly utility costs in Cape Town average ZAR 2,743 in 2025, covering electricity, heating/cooling, water and internet for a standard apartment.
Is Cape Town expensive to live in?
Cape Town is located in South Africa (Africa). With a 1-bed rent of ZAR 17,935/month and total single-person expenses around ZAR 28,991/month, it is relatively expensive by global standards.
How much does eating out cost in Cape Town?
A typical restaurant meal for one person in Cape Town costs approximately ZAR 169 in 2025. Budget around ZAR 1,350/month if dining out a few times a week.
How have living costs in Cape Town changed over time?
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.
What is the monthly budget needed to live comfortably in Cape Town?
To live comfortably in Cape Town in 2025, a single person needs approximately ZAR 28,991/month. This covers rent (ZAR 17,935), groceries (ZAR 5,803), transport (ZAR 1,161), utilities (ZAR 2,743) and dining out occasionally. A family of 3–4 should budget around ZAR 56,179/month.