Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between South Africa and Australia.
In simple terms, living in South Africa is 63.0% cheaper than Australia. The biggest difference is in Other Expenses, where costs are 90.7% lower. This means that for every $100 you spend in Australia, you would spend about $37 in South Africa for the same standard of living.
South Africa is 90.7% cheaper
South Africa is 85.1% cheaper
South Africa is 66.4% cheaper
South Africa is 63.0% cheaper than Australia
Yes, South Africa is cheaper than Australia
Overall, living costs in South Africa are 63.0% lower than in Australia.
No significant cost disadvantages found.
Based on comprehensive cost of living data, South Africa is indeed cheaper than Australia. You would save approximately 63.0% on living expenses by choosing South Africa over Australia. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.
South Africa is 63.0% cheaper than Australia
South Africa is 43.2% cheaper than Australia in this category
South Africa is 35.7% cheaper than Australia in this category
South Africa is 90.7% cheaper than Australia in this category
South Africa is 13.9% cheaper than Australia in this category
South Africa is 36.1% cheaper than Australia in this category
South Africa is 8.4% cheaper than Australia in this category
South Africa is 39.2% cheaper than Australia in this category
South Africa is 66.4% cheaper than Australia in this category
South Africa is 24.8% cheaper than Australia in this category
South Africa is 63.0% cheaper than Australia in this category
South Africa is 85.1% cheaper than Australia in this category
South Africa is 63.3% cheaper than Australia in this category
| Item | South Africa | Australia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Restaurant Meal | 8.95 $ | 16.22 $ |
44.8%
South Africa is
44.8%
cheaper
|
| Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant | 39.18 $ | 77.88 $ |
49.7%
South Africa is
49.7%
cheaper
|
| McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal | 5.04 $ | 9.73 $ |
48.2%
South Africa is
48.2%
cheaper
|
| Regular Cappuccino | 2.01 $ | 3.48 $ |
42.2%
South Africa is
42.2%
cheaper
|
| Soft Drink (330ml) | 0.99 $ | 2.62 $ |
62.2%
South Africa is
62.2%
cheaper
|
| Bottled Water (330ml) | 0.77 $ | 2.16 $ |
64.4%
South Africa is
64.4%
cheaper
|
| Bottled Water (1.5L) | 0.95 $ | 1.51 $ |
37.1%
South Africa is
37.1%
cheaper
|
| Local Beer (500ml) | 1.02 $ | 5.69 $ |
82.1%
South Africa is
82.1%
cheaper
|
| Imported Beer (330ml) | 8.42 $ | 1.29 $ |
552.7%
South Africa is
552.7%
more expensive
|
| Mid-Range Wine | 5.56 $ | 7.97 $ |
30.2%
South Africa is
30.2%
cheaper
|
| Local Beer (500ml bottle) | 0.95 $ | 1.43 $ |
33.6%
South Africa is
33.6%
cheaper
|
| Milk (1L) | 1.09 $ | 1.53 $ |
28.8%
South Africa is
28.8%
cheaper
|
| Fresh Bread (500g) | 0.99 $ | 2.45 $ |
59.6%
South Africa is
59.6%
cheaper
|
| White Rice (1kg) | 1.58 $ | 2.05 $ |
22.9%
South Africa is
22.9%
cheaper
|
| Eggs (12 pack) | 2.29 $ | 4.31 $ |
46.9%
South Africa is
46.9%
cheaper
|
| Local Cheese (1kg) | 7.66 $ | 8.89 $ |
13.8%
South Africa is
13.8%
cheaper
|
| Chicken Breast (1kg) | 4.57 $ | 8.44 $ |
45.9%
South Africa is
45.9%
cheaper
|
| Beef (1kg) | 29.70 $ | 13.88 $ |
114.0%
South Africa is
114.0%
more expensive
|
| Apples (1kg) | 1.54 $ | 3.19 $ |
51.7%
South Africa is
51.7%
cheaper
|
| Bananas (1kg) | 1.43 $ | 2.75 $ |
48.0%
South Africa is
48.0%
cheaper
|
| Oranges (1kg) | 1.49 $ | 2.93 $ |
49.1%
South Africa is
49.1%
cheaper
|
| Tomatoes (1kg) | 1.52 $ | 4.30 $ |
64.7%
South Africa is
64.7%
cheaper
|
| Potatoes (1kg) | 1.22 $ | 2.47 $ |
50.6%
South Africa is
50.6%
cheaper
|
| Onions (1kg) | 1.30 $ | 2.14 $ |
39.3%
South Africa is
39.3%
cheaper
|
| Lettuce (1 head) | 1.05 $ | 2.22 $ |
52.7%
South Africa is
52.7%
cheaper
|
| Monthly Transit Pass | 44.77 $ | 97.35 $ |
54.0%
South Africa is
54.0%
cheaper
|
| Cigarettes (20 pack) | 2.91 $ | 31.15 $ |
90.7%
South Africa is
90.7%
cheaper
|
| Single Bus/Train Ticket | 1.68 $ | 2.92 $ |
42.5%
South Africa is
42.5%
cheaper
|
| Taxi Base Fare | 1.12 $ | 3.89 $ |
71.2%
South Africa is
71.2%
cheaper
|
| Taxi per Kilometer | 1.12 $ | 1.88 $ |
40.4%
South Africa is
40.4%
cheaper
|
| Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate | 4.76 $ | 37.90 $ |
87.4%
South Africa is
87.4%
cheaper
|
| Gasoline (1L) | 1.28 $ | 1.18 $ |
8.5%
South Africa is
8.5%
more expensive
|
| New Economy Car | 20,707.06 $ | 28,829.12 $ |
28.2%
South Africa is
28.2%
cheaper
|
| New Mid-Range Car | 23,677.58 $ | 22,658.59 $ |
4.5%
South Africa is
4.5%
more expensive
|
| Monthly Utilities (80m² size) | 112.44 $ | 175.90 $ |
36.1%
South Africa is
36.1%
cheaper
|
| 10 GB Mobile Plan with Data | 32.06 $ | 26.66 $ |
20.3%
South Africa is
20.3%
more expensive
|
| High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) | 40.90 $ | 52.98 $ |
22.8%
South Africa is
22.8%
cheaper
|
| Gym Membership | 31.21 $ | 47.43 $ |
34.2%
South Africa is
34.2%
cheaper
|
| Tennis Court (Weekend) | 9.65 $ | 16.59 $ |
41.8%
South Africa is
41.8%
cheaper
|
| Movie Ticket | 6.72 $ | 14.28 $ |
52.9%
South Africa is
52.9%
cheaper
|
| Private Preschool (Full Day) | 190.59 $ | 1,570.69 $ |
87.9%
South Africa is
87.9%
cheaper
|
| International School (Yearly) | 4,491.63 $ | 12,354.33 $ |
63.6%
South Africa is
63.6%
cheaper
|
| 1 Pair of Jeans | 48.95 $ | 71.57 $ |
31.6%
South Africa is
31.6%
cheaper
|
| 1 Summer Dress | 30.86 $ | 50.87 $ |
39.3%
South Africa is
39.3%
cheaper
|
| 1 Pair of Running Shoes | 92.05 $ | 102.13 $ |
9.9%
South Africa is
9.9%
cheaper
|
| 1 Pair of Business Shoes | 79.62 $ | 109.73 $ |
27.4%
South Africa is
27.4%
cheaper
|
| 1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) | 446.87 $ | 1,381.57 $ |
67.7%
South Africa is
67.7%
cheaper
|
| 1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) | 365.35 $ | 1,095.96 $ |
66.7%
South Africa is
66.7%
cheaper
|
| 3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) | 893.98 $ | 2,332.99 $ |
61.7%
South Africa is
61.7%
cheaper
|
| 3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) | 713.54 $ | 1,729.44 $ |
58.7%
South Africa is
58.7%
cheaper
|
| Apartment Price (City Center) per m² | 999.37 $ | 6,794.53 $ |
85.3%
South Africa is
85.3%
cheaper
|
| Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² | 770.38 $ | 5,084.33 $ |
84.8%
South Africa is
84.8%
cheaper
|
| Average Monthly Salary (after tax) | 1,317.47 $ | 3,619.71 $ |
63.6%
South Africa is
63.6%
cheaper
|
| 20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate | 11.55 | 6.35 |
81.9%
South Africa is
81.9%
more expensive
|
Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to Australia. Enter your monthly expenses in South Africa to see the equivalent costs.
Our cost of living comparisons are based on a robust methodology that combines multiple data sources and regular updates to ensure accuracy:
Note: While we strive for accuracy, cost of living data can vary significantly within countries and cities. These comparisons should be used as a general guide, and we recommend conducting additional research for specific locations.
Understanding the cost of living differences between South Africa and Australia goes beyond just numbers. Here's how these differences might affect your daily life:
While cost of living is important, it's just one aspect of quality of life. Consider also:
Tips for adapting to cost of living differences:
While both countries have similar overall costs, there are nuanced differences in how money is spent on daily necessities.
Both countries experience moderate seasonal variations in living costs, with prices typically higher during peak tourist seasons and major holidays.
