What is the cost of living in Cape Town?

The cost of living in Cape Town is 67.5% cheaper than New York City (index: 32.5). Groceries are 61.2% cheaper than NYC. Restaurants are 58.0% cheaper than NYC. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately ZAR 16,625 per month. Local purchasing power index is 97.2 (NYC = 100).

🇿🇦 South Africa · #357 of 577 cities · 2026

Should I Move to Cape Town?

Q: Should I move to Cape Town?

Cape Town, South Africa has a cost of living 67.5% cheaper than New York City (index: 32.5). It is ranked #357 out of 577 cities globally. Local purchasing power is strong (index: 97.2 vs NYC = 100). Use our salary comparison calculator to see exactly how your take-home pay would change.

67.5% cheaper than NYC, and purchasing power is strong.

Run the calculator below with your actual salary to get a personalised answer.

-67.5%

vs NYC

ZAR 16,625

1-BR, city centre

97.2

Purchasing Power

Strong

Purchasing Power

Cost index: Numbeo, blended with Expatistan and LivingCost where available (NYC = 100) · Data from October 2026

Personalised Answer

Compare your salary: move to Cape Town?

Cost breakdown: Cape Town

Cost indices vs NYC = 100

Cost of Living

32.5 Mid-priced

Rent

22.6 Very affordable

Groceries

38.8 Affordable

Restaurants

42.0 Affordable

Purchasing Power

97.2 Strong

Rent in Cape Town

1-BR, city centre ZAR 16,625/mo

1-BR, outside centre ZAR 11,546/mo

3-BR, city centre ZAR 29,923/mo

3-BR, outside centre ZAR 21,940/mo

Save by going outside centre 31% cheaper

Numbeo · 2026-10-02

Considering alternatives?

Cities in the same country or region with a comparable cost of living.

🇿🇦 Johannesburg

South Africa

CoL index 29.2

Compare Johannesburg vs Cape Town →

🇿🇦 Pretoria

South Africa

CoL index 25.6

Compare Pretoria vs Cape Town →

🇿🇦 Durban

South Africa

CoL index 23.3

Compare Durban vs Cape Town →

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