Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between South Africa and Singapore.
In simple terms, living in South Africa is 82.7% cheaper than Singapore. The biggest difference is in Property Prices, where costs are 95.3% lower. This means that for every $100 you spend in Singapore, you would spend about $17 in South Africa for the same standard of living.
South Africa is 95.3% cheaper
South Africa is 84.9% cheaper
South Africa is 84.2% cheaper
South Africa is 82.7% cheaper than Singapore
Yes, South Africa is cheaper than Singapore
Overall, living costs in South Africa are 82.7% lower than in Singapore.
Based on comprehensive cost of living data, South Africa is indeed cheaper than Singapore. You would save approximately 82.7% on living expenses by choosing South Africa over Singapore. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.
South Africa is 82.7% cheaper than Singapore
South Africa is 39.8% cheaper than Singapore in this category
South Africa is 40.6% cheaper than Singapore in this category
South Africa is 77.7% cheaper than Singapore in this category
South Africa is 83.5% cheaper than Singapore in this category
South Africa is 28.9% cheaper than Singapore in this category
South Africa is 29.2% more expensive than Singapore in this category
South Africa is 65.9% cheaper than Singapore in this category
South Africa is 84.9% cheaper than Singapore in this category
South Africa is 29.3% cheaper than Singapore in this category
South Africa is 84.2% cheaper than Singapore in this category
South Africa is 95.3% cheaper than Singapore in this category
South Africa is 68.0% cheaper than Singapore in this category
| Item | South Africa | Singapore | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Restaurant Meal | 8.95 $ | 10.90 $ |
17.9%
South Africa is
17.9%
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 $ | 7.79 $ |
35.3%
South Africa is
35.3%
cheaper
|
| Regular Cappuccino | 2.01 $ | 4.88 $ |
58.8%
South Africa is
58.8%
cheaper
|
| Soft Drink (330ml) | 0.99 $ | 1.68 $ |
41.1%
South Africa is
41.1%
cheaper
|
| Bottled Water (330ml) | 0.77 $ | 1.22 $ |
36.9%
South Africa is
36.9%
cheaper
|
| Bottled Water (1.5L) | 0.95 $ | 1.52 $ |
37.5%
South Africa is
37.5%
cheaper
|
| Local Beer (500ml) | 1.02 $ | 2.00 $ |
49.0%
South Africa is
49.0%
cheaper
|
| Imported Beer (330ml) | 8.42 $ | 2.49 $ |
238.2%
South Africa is
238.2%
more expensive
|
| Mid-Range Wine | 5.56 $ | 10.00 $ |
44.4%
South Africa is
44.4%
cheaper
|
| Local Beer (500ml bottle) | 0.95 $ | 2.21 $ |
57.0%
South Africa is
57.0%
cheaper
|
| Milk (1L) | 1.09 $ | 3.01 $ |
63.8%
South Africa is
63.8%
cheaper
|
| Fresh Bread (500g) | 0.99 $ | 2.35 $ |
57.9%
South Africa is
57.9%
cheaper
|
| White Rice (1kg) | 1.58 $ | 2.92 $ |
45.9%
South Africa is
45.9%
cheaper
|
| Eggs (12 pack) | 2.29 $ | 3.35 $ |
31.6%
South Africa is
31.6%
cheaper
|
| Local Cheese (1kg) | 7.66 $ | 19.37 $ |
60.5%
South Africa is
60.5%
cheaper
|
| Chicken Breast (1kg) | 4.57 $ | 11.15 $ |
59.0%
South Africa is
59.0%
cheaper
|
| Beef (1kg) | 29.70 $ | 15.21 $ |
95.3%
South Africa is
95.3%
more expensive
|
| Apples (1kg) | 1.54 $ | 4.57 $ |
66.3%
South Africa is
66.3%
cheaper
|
| Bananas (1kg) | 1.43 $ | 2.97 $ |
51.9%
South Africa is
51.9%
cheaper
|
| Oranges (1kg) | 1.49 $ | 4.51 $ |
67.0%
South Africa is
67.0%
cheaper
|
| Tomatoes (1kg) | 1.52 $ | 2.71 $ |
43.9%
South Africa is
43.9%
cheaper
|
| Potatoes (1kg) | 1.22 $ | 2.39 $ |
49.0%
South Africa is
49.0%
cheaper
|
| Onions (1kg) | 1.30 $ | 2.20 $ |
40.9%
South Africa is
40.9%
cheaper
|
| Lettuce (1 head) | 1.05 $ | 1.86 $ |
43.5%
South Africa is
43.5%
cheaper
|
| Monthly Transit Pass | 44.77 $ | 93.46 $ |
52.1%
South Africa is
52.1%
cheaper
|
| Cigarettes (20 pack) | 2.91 $ | 13.05 $ |
77.7%
South Africa is
77.7%
cheaper
|
| Single Bus/Train Ticket | 1.68 $ | 1.56 $ |
7.7%
South Africa is
7.7%
more expensive
|
| Taxi Base Fare | 1.12 $ | 3.58 $ |
68.7%
South Africa is
68.7%
cheaper
|
| Taxi per Kilometer | 1.12 $ | 0.78 $ |
43.6%
South Africa is
43.6%
more expensive
|
| Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate | 4.76 $ | 16.28 $ |
70.8%
South Africa is
70.8%
cheaper
|
| Gasoline (1L) | 1.28 $ | 2.22 $ |
42.3%
South Africa is
42.3%
cheaper
|
| New Economy Car | 20,707.06 $ | 140,192.38 $ |
85.2%
South Africa is
85.2%
cheaper
|
| New Mid-Range Car | 23,677.58 $ | 128,887.54 $ |
81.6%
South Africa is
81.6%
cheaper
|
| Monthly Utilities (80m² size) | 112.44 $ | 158.22 $ |
28.9%
South Africa is
28.9%
cheaper
|
| 10 GB Mobile Plan with Data | 32.06 $ | 18.54 $ |
72.9%
South Africa is
72.9%
more expensive
|
| High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) | 40.90 $ | 37.95 $ |
7.8%
South Africa is
7.8%
more expensive
|
| Gym Membership | 31.21 $ | 115.77 $ |
73.0%
South Africa is
73.0%
cheaper
|
| Tennis Court (Weekend) | 9.65 $ | 12.22 $ |
21.0%
South Africa is
21.0%
cheaper
|
| Movie Ticket | 6.72 $ | 11.68 $ |
42.5%
South Africa is
42.5%
cheaper
|
| Private Preschool (Full Day) | 190.59 $ | 1,272.43 $ |
85.0%
South Africa is
85.0%
cheaper
|
| International School (Yearly) | 4,491.63 $ | 29,780.50 $ |
84.9%
South Africa is
84.9%
cheaper
|
| 1 Pair of Jeans | 48.95 $ | 80.91 $ |
39.5%
South Africa is
39.5%
cheaper
|
| 1 Summer Dress | 30.86 $ | 42.93 $ |
28.1%
South Africa is
28.1%
cheaper
|
| 1 Pair of Running Shoes | 92.05 $ | 105.33 $ |
12.6%
South Africa is
12.6%
cheaper
|
| 1 Pair of Business Shoes | 79.62 $ | 126.28 $ |
36.9%
South Africa is
36.9%
cheaper
|
| 1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) | 446.87 $ | 3,140.74 $ |
85.8%
South Africa is
85.8%
cheaper
|
| 1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) | 365.35 $ | 2,267.71 $ |
83.9%
South Africa is
83.9%
cheaper
|
| 3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) | 893.98 $ | 6,205.41 $ |
85.6%
South Africa is
85.6%
cheaper
|
| 3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) | 713.54 $ | 3,723.55 $ |
80.8%
South Africa is
80.8%
cheaper
|
| Apartment Price (City Center) per m² | 999.37 $ | 22,697.92 $ |
95.6%
South Africa is
95.6%
cheaper
|
| Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² | 770.38 $ | 15,076.91 $ |
94.9%
South Africa is
94.9%
cheaper
|
| Average Monthly Salary (after tax) | 1,317.47 $ | 4,151.48 $ |
68.3%
South Africa is
68.3%
cheaper
|
| 20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate | 11.55 | 3.17 |
264.4%
South Africa is
264.4%
more expensive
|
Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to Singapore. 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 Singapore 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.
