Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between South Africa and United Kingdom.
In simple terms, living in South Africa is 63.7% cheaper than United Kingdom. The biggest difference is in Other Expenses, where costs are 85.7% lower. This means that for every $100 you spend in United Kingdom, you would spend about $36 in South Africa for the same standard of living.
South Africa is 85.7% cheaper
South Africa is 84.5% cheaper
South Africa is 79.0% cheaper
South Africa is 63.7% cheaper than United Kingdom
Yes, South Africa is cheaper than United Kingdom
Overall, living costs in South Africa are 63.7% lower than in United Kingdom.
Based on comprehensive cost of living data, South Africa is indeed cheaper than United Kingdom. You would save approximately 63.7% on living expenses by choosing South Africa over United Kingdom. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.
South Africa is 63.7% cheaper than United Kingdom
South Africa is 49.0% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category
South Africa is 34.0% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category
South Africa is 85.7% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category
South Africa is 43.7% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category
South Africa is 65.1% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category
South Africa is 21.9% more expensive than United Kingdom in this category
South Africa is 37.1% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category
South Africa is 79.0% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category
South Africa is 25.9% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category
South Africa is 64.1% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category
South Africa is 84.5% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category
South Africa is 58.9% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category
| Item | South Africa | United Kingdom | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Restaurant Meal | 8.95 $ | 20.35 $ |
56.0%
South Africa is
56.0%
cheaper
|
| Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant | 39.18 $ | 88.17 $ |
55.6%
South Africa is
55.6%
cheaper
|
| McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal | 5.04 $ | 10.17 $ |
50.4%
South Africa is
50.4%
cheaper
|
| Regular Cappuccino | 2.01 $ | 4.62 $ |
56.5%
South Africa is
56.5%
cheaper
|
| Soft Drink (330ml) | 0.99 $ | 2.41 $ |
58.9%
South Africa is
58.9%
cheaper
|
| Bottled Water (330ml) | 0.77 $ | 1.72 $ |
55.2%
South Africa is
55.2%
cheaper
|
| Bottled Water (1.5L) | 0.95 $ | 1.53 $ |
37.9%
South Africa is
37.9%
cheaper
|
| Imported Beer (330ml) | 8.42 $ | 1.17 $ |
619.7%
South Africa is
619.7%
more expensive
|
| Milk (1L) | 1.09 $ | 1.69 $ |
35.5%
South Africa is
35.5%
cheaper
|
| Fresh Bread (500g) | 0.99 $ | 1.67 $ |
40.7%
South Africa is
40.7%
cheaper
|
| White Rice (1kg) | 1.58 $ | 2.21 $ |
28.5%
South Africa is
28.5%
cheaper
|
| Eggs (12 pack) | 2.29 $ | 4.03 $ |
43.2%
South Africa is
43.2%
cheaper
|
| Local Cheese (1kg) | 7.66 $ | 9.73 $ |
21.3%
South Africa is
21.3%
cheaper
|
| Chicken Breast (1kg) | 4.57 $ | 8.96 $ |
49.0%
South Africa is
49.0%
cheaper
|
| Beef (1kg) | 29.70 $ | 16.31 $ |
82.1%
South Africa is
82.1%
more expensive
|
| Apples (1kg) | 1.54 $ | 2.97 $ |
48.1%
South Africa is
48.1%
cheaper
|
| Bananas (1kg) | 1.43 $ | 1.64 $ |
12.8%
South Africa is
12.8%
cheaper
|
| Oranges (1kg) | 1.49 $ | 2.88 $ |
48.3%
South Africa is
48.3%
cheaper
|
| Tomatoes (1kg) | 1.52 $ | 3.54 $ |
57.1%
South Africa is
57.1%
cheaper
|
| Potatoes (1kg) | 1.22 $ | 1.65 $ |
26.1%
South Africa is
26.1%
cheaper
|
| Onions (1kg) | 1.30 $ | 1.55 $ |
16.1%
South Africa is
16.1%
cheaper
|
| Lettuce (1 head) | 1.05 $ | 1.14 $ |
7.9%
South Africa is
7.9%
cheaper
|
| Monthly Transit Pass | 44.77 $ | 94.95 $ |
52.8%
South Africa is
52.8%
cheaper
|
| Cigarettes (20 pack) | 2.91 $ | 20.33 $ |
85.7%
South Africa is
85.7%
cheaper
|
| Single Bus/Train Ticket | 1.68 $ | 3.26 $ |
48.5%
South Africa is
48.5%
cheaper
|
| Taxi Base Fare | 1.12 $ | 5.43 $ |
79.4%
South Africa is
79.4%
cheaper
|
| Taxi per Kilometer | 1.12 $ | 2.41 $ |
53.5%
South Africa is
53.5%
cheaper
|
| Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate | 4.76 $ | 27.13 $ |
82.5%
South Africa is
82.5%
cheaper
|
| Gasoline (1L) | 1.28 $ | 1.95 $ |
34.4%
South Africa is
34.4%
cheaper
|
| New Economy Car | 20,707.06 $ | 38,367.32 $ |
46.0%
South Africa is
46.0%
cheaper
|
| New Mid-Range Car | 23,677.58 $ | 40,488.21 $ |
41.5%
South Africa is
41.5%
cheaper
|
| Monthly Utilities (80m² size) | 112.44 $ | 322.47 $ |
65.1%
South Africa is
65.1%
cheaper
|
| 10 GB Mobile Plan with Data | 32.06 $ | 17.46 $ |
83.6%
South Africa is
83.6%
more expensive
|
| High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) | 40.90 $ | 42.38 $ |
3.5%
South Africa is
3.5%
cheaper
|
| Gym Membership | 31.21 $ | 46.25 $ |
32.5%
South Africa is
32.5%
cheaper
|
| Tennis Court (Weekend) | 9.65 $ | 15.82 $ |
39.0%
South Africa is
39.0%
cheaper
|
| Movie Ticket | 6.72 $ | 13.56 $ |
50.4%
South Africa is
50.4%
cheaper
|
| Private Preschool (Full Day) | 190.59 $ | 1,710.49 $ |
88.9%
South Africa is
88.9%
cheaper
|
| International School (Yearly) | 4,491.63 $ | 20,621.65 $ |
78.2%
South Africa is
78.2%
cheaper
|
| 1 Pair of Jeans | 48.95 $ | 90.04 $ |
45.6%
South Africa is
45.6%
cheaper
|
| 1 Summer Dress | 30.86 $ | 44.62 $ |
30.8%
South Africa is
30.8%
cheaper
|
| 1 Pair of Running Shoes | 92.05 $ | 101.31 $ |
9.1%
South Africa is
9.1%
cheaper
|
| 1 Pair of Business Shoes | 79.62 $ | 103.43 $ |
23.0%
South Africa is
23.0%
cheaper
|
| 1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) | 446.87 $ | 1,411.39 $ |
68.3%
South Africa is
68.3%
cheaper
|
| 1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) | 365.35 $ | 1,145.39 $ |
68.1%
South Africa is
68.1%
cheaper
|
| 3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) | 893.98 $ | 2,337.19 $ |
61.7%
South Africa is
61.7%
cheaper
|
| 3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) | 713.54 $ | 1,852.21 $ |
61.5%
South Africa is
61.5%
cheaper
|
| Apartment Price (City Center) per m² | 999.37 $ | 6,334.38 $ |
84.2%
South Africa is
84.2%
cheaper
|
| Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² | 770.38 $ | 5,062.78 $ |
84.8%
South Africa is
84.8%
cheaper
|
| Average Monthly Salary (after tax) | 1,317.47 $ | 3,229.12 $ |
59.2%
South Africa is
59.2%
cheaper
|
| 20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate | 11.55 | 5.75 |
100.9%
South Africa is
100.9%
more expensive
|
Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to United Kingdom. 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 United Kingdom 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.
