South Africa🇿🇦
At a Glance
How South Africa compares across key indices
Cost of Living
36 vs NYC
100 = NYC
Safety Index
26/100
Healthcare
64/100
Quality of Life
152/200
Climate
96/100
Cost of Living
How far your money goes in South Africa
Cost of Living
36
100 = NYC baseline
Rent Index
12
100 = NYC rent
Groceries
32
100 = NYC groceries
Restaurant Prices
34
100 = NYC dining
City Costs Comparison
Durban
Cheapest$1,034/mo
Johannesburg
$1,230/mo
Port Elizabeth
$1,269/mo
Pretoria
$1,273/mo
Cape Town
$1,713/mo
Safety & Crime
Higher RiskHow safe residents feel in South Africa — based on surveys of people living there
Safety Index
26/100
Crime Index
74/100
Lower is better
Crime Trend
82/100
Crime perceived as increasing
Walking Safety
27 point drop from day to night
Problem Severity
0 = no problem, 100 = severe problem
What Residents Worry About
Based on 4,220 survey responses. 0 = not worried, 100 = very worried.
Cities in South Africa
South Africa has 6 cities with Numbeo data. Monthly costs for a single person range from $1,034 in Durban to $1,713 in Cape Town. Cape Town leads on safety, scoring 26/100. Port Elizabeth ranks highest for quality of life at 166/200.
Durban
$1,034/mo
Cape Town
26/100
Port Elizabeth
166/200
Cape Town
69/100
| City | Monthly Cost | Safety | Quality of Life | Healthcare | Pollution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Durban | $1,034 | 20/100 | 154/200 | 58/100 | 53 |
| Johannesburg | $1,230 | 19/100 | 142/200 | 60/100 | 62 |
| Port Elizabeth | $1,269 | 22/100 | 166/200 | 62/100 | 45 |
| Pretoria | $1,273 | 18/100 | 143/200 | 67/100 | 57 |
| Cape Town | $1,713 | 26/100 | 159/200 | 69/100 | 38 |
| Pietermaritzburg | — | 18/100 | — | — | — |
Data from Numbeo. Monthly cost estimates are for a single person including rent. Pollution: lower score = cleaner air. Click column headers to sort.
Compare Cities Side by Side
Detailed comparison of cost of living, safety, and quality of life
Healthcare
Healthcare system overview for South Africa
Healthcare Index
64/100
Quality Breakdown
How satisfied residents are with healthcare costs relative to quality
Based on 940 survey responses
Insurance Coverage
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Environment
ModerateAir quality, water, and environmental conditions in South Africa
Pollution Index
57/100
Lower is better
Environmental Quality
Concerns
0 = no concern, 100 = severe concern
Based on 1,009 survey responses. Perception scores are 0–100 where higher is better unless noted.
Transport & Commute
How people get around in South Africa
Average One-Way Commute
38minutes
Average
Traffic Index
186
Moderate congestion
Inefficiency
237
Time wasted in traffic
CO2 Emissions
9.4kg/trip
How People Commute
Based on 880 survey responses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about living in South Africa, answered with data
What is the cost of living in South Africa?
South Africa has a cost of living index of 36 relative to New York City (100). It is significantly cheaper than the US. Monthly costs for a single person start around $1,034 in Durban and reach $1,713 in Cape Town.
What is the cheapest city in South Africa for expats?
Durban is the most affordable city in South Africa with Numbeo data, with estimated monthly costs of $1,034 for a single person including rent. Johannesburg is the next most affordable at $1,230/mo.
Is South Africa safe for expats?
South Africa has a safety index of 26/100, making it worth researching carefully before committing for expats and travellers. Among cities with data, Cape Town scores highest on safety at 26/100.
What is the best city in South Africa for expats and digital nomads?
Port Elizabeth ranks highest for quality of life in South Africa, scoring 166/200 on Numbeo's quality of life index. Monthly costs there run around $1,269/mo for a single person. For budget-conscious expats, Durban offers the lowest monthly costs at $1,034/mo.
How good is healthcare in South Africa?
South Africa scores 64/100 on Numbeo's healthcare index, making it good by global standards. This index reflects the overall quality of the healthcare system, medical staff, and facilities.
Is South Africa cheaper than the United States?
Yes. South Africa's cost of living is roughly 64% lower than New York City and generally cheaper than most major US cities. Rent specifically is around 88% cheaper. This makes it a popular destination for remote workers looking to stretch their dollar.
Before You Go
Your pre-departure checklist for South Africa
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