🍜
$3.90
64.9 ZAR Business Lunch (incl. drink)
☕
$1.61
26.8 ZAR Cappuccino
🚌
$37.9
631 ZAR Monthly Transport Pass
🏠
$286.8
4,772 ZAR Studio 45m² (normal area)
How much does it cost to live in South Africa alone?
To live in Pietermaritzburg on a moderate budget, you'll need around $546/month. That covers renting a studio in a normal area ($287), weekday lunches out ($78), weekend casual meals ($31), a daily coffee, tea, or other cheap drinks ($48), a monthly transit pass ($38), and a few taxi rides ($64). No gym, no dining out every night — just everyday life.
How much does it cost to live in South Africa for two?
If there are two of you, plan on around $954 ≈ €852/month — a proper apartment ($434), meals and daily drinks for both, two transit passes, and more taxi rides.
What does it cost to raise a family in South Africa?
With a child, the total comes to around $1,073 ≈ €959/month. Kids eat less, rarely pay for transit, but you'll need more taxi rides and little extras add up fast. School fees not included.
Item
USD $
ZAR R
🍽️
Business Lunch (incl. drink)
$3.90
64.9 ZAR
🍔
Fast Food Combo Meal
$3.90
64.9 ZAR
🍗
Chicken Breast (500g)
$2.79
46.4 ZAR
🥛
Milk (1L)
$0.81
13.5 ZAR
🥚
Eggs (12)
$1.98
32.9 ZAR
🍅
Tomatoes (1kg)
$1.18
19.6 ZAR
🧀
Local Cheese (500g)
$3.59
59.7 ZAR
🍎
Apples (1kg)
$1.24
20.6 ZAR
🥔
Potatoes (1kg)
$1.12
18.6 ZAR
🍺
Beer 0.5L (supermarket)
$0.99
16.5 ZAR
🍷
Wine Bottle (red, table)
$5.70
94.8 ZAR
🥤
Coca-Cola (2L)
$1.36
22.6 ZAR
🍞
Bread (2 people, 1 day)
$0.62
10.3 ZAR
Item
USD $
ZAR R
🏢
Rent 85m² (expensive area)
$662.4
11,019 ZAR
🏠
Rent 85m² (normal area)
$434.3
7,225 ZAR
💡
Utilities 85m² (2 persons)
$98.5
1,638 ZAR
🏢
Studio 45m² (expensive)
$616
10,247 ZAR
🏠
Studio 45m² (normal area)
$286.8
4,772 ZAR
💡
Utilities 45m² (1 person)
$35.3
587.7 ZAR
📶
Internet (monthly)
$23.6
391.8 ZAR
📺
TV 40" Flat Screen
$371.1
6,174 ZAR
🔲
Microwave (800/900W)
$100.5
1,672 ZAR
🧴
Laundry Detergent (3L)
$3.72
61.9 ZAR
🧹
Cleaning Help (per hour)
$3.04
50.6 ZAR
Item
USD $
ZAR R
👖
Jeans (Levis 501)
$46.1
766.1 ZAR
👗
Summer Dress (Zara, H&M)
$32.9
546.5 ZAR
👟
Sport Shoes (Nike, Adidas)
$81.1
1,349 ZAR
👞
Leather Business Shoes
$63
1,049 ZAR
Item
USD $
ZAR R
🚗
VW Golf (new)
$19,056
316,999 ZAR
⛽
Gasoline (1L)
$1.12
18.6 ZAR
🎫
Monthly Transport Pass
$37.9
631 ZAR
🚕
Taxi Trip (8km)
$16.1
267 ZAR
Item
USD $
ZAR R
💊
Cold Medicine (6 days)
$3.04
50.6 ZAR
💉
Antibiotics (12 doses)
$13.6
226.9 ZAR
🏥
Doctor Visit (15 min)
$25.2
419.7 ZAR
Item
USD $
ZAR R
🧻
Tampons (32 pcs)
$3.22
53.6 ZAR
🧴
Deodorant (50ml)
$1.43
23.8 ZAR
🧴
Shampoo (400ml)
$3.84
63.9 ZAR
🧻
Toilet Paper (4 rolls)
$1.98
32.9 ZAR
🪥
Toothpaste
$1.05
17.5 ZAR
💇
Men's Haircut
$5.33
88.7 ZAR
Item
USD $
ZAR R
🍺
Dinner for 2 (pub)
$20.1
335 ZAR
🎬
Cinema (2 tickets)
$8.86
147.4 ZAR
🎭
Theater (2 tickets, best)
$42.3
704.2 ZAR
🍝
Italian Dinner for 2 (full)
$29.2
485.6 ZAR
🍸
Cocktail (downtown)
$2.23
37.1 ZAR
☕
Cappuccino
$1.61
26.8 ZAR
🍺
Beer in Pub (500ml)
$1.05
17.5 ZAR
📱
iPad Wi-Fi 128GB
$625.4
10,403 ZAR
📱
Mobile (1 min, prepaid)
$0.12
2.00 ZAR
🏋️
Gym Membership (monthly)
$31.2
519.7 ZAR
🚬
Marlboro Cigarettes
$2.60
43.3 ZAR