With housing prices skyrocketing across the US, there is no wonder why many Americans are seeking solace outside the country’s borders and making their homes in more budget-friendly countries distributed around the globe.
South Africa beckons newcomers with its temperate climate, coastal lifestyle, and affordable cost of living that could save city-dwelling Americans more than 50% on rent and home-buying costs.
If you’re searching for affordable housing options that include lower costs of living for everyday expenses such as buying a home, renting an apartment, paying for groceries, and securing affordable childcare, relocating to one of the ten lowest-cost cities in South Africa could be the right move for you!
Contents
- 10 Cheapest Places to Live in South Africa
- How Much Does it Cost to Live in South Africa?
- What Is the Local Currency of South Africa?
- South Africa Safety Overview
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How cheaper are the day-to-day costs of living in South Africa's most affordable cities?
- Are there good schools available for families with children in the cheapest cities in South Africa?
- Will I have any safety concerns when living in the cheapest cities in South Africa?
- Do I need to learn a new language to relocate to South Africa?
10 Cheapest Places to Live in South Africa
Our guide takes an introspective look at ten of the lowest-cost housing options in cities around South Africa.
Low-cost living options in South Africa include landlocked luxury and coastal casa whose prices rival that of even the most affordable housing options in the US.
Dive into our comprehensive guide to learn more about the most affordable cities for singles and families looking to save money by relocating to one of the cheapest places to live in South Africa.
The ten cheapest places in South Africa range from large well-known cities like Johannesburg to smaller and lesser-known coastal gems like East London or Port Elizabeth in the southeastern corner of the country.
Online cost of living reports from reputable sources like Numbeo say that the cost of living in South African cities is almost 50% less than living in similarly sized US cities.
Cost of living factors considered in our analysis include estimated local expenditures for rent, buying a home, buying groceries, paying for childcare, transportation, and leisure services.
How Much Does it Cost to Live in South Africa?
The average cost of living in South Africa is estimated to be just under $2000.00 per month for a family of four without rent costs included.
Costs for singles in the area are estimated to be around $563.30 per month without housing expenses included.
What Is the Local Currency of South Africa?
South Africa’s local currency is the Rand, which is currently equal to around $.17 for one US dollar.
This means that most families and singles living in South Africa can comfortably live for about 50% less than they can in many major US cities without having to compromise their current standards of living or quality of life.
People searching for the cheapest places to live in South Africa will find more for their money when seeking apartment rentals and home buying in the following cities and towns.
1. Centurion
People considering relocating to the South African city of Centurion will find a haven filled with spacious suburbs and a relaxed atmosphere.
Centurion residents have easy access to nearby towns and local amenities for entertainment and shopping.
Renters in this area pay average rents between 3,500 and 12,333 R, which translates into $181.40 – USD 639.20.
Residents pay lower monthly costs for housing, food, entertainment, and healthcare than many other residents in South Africa and the US making this an ideal destination for newcomers seeking to cut housing costs.
2. Durban
Eager newcomers searching for affordable housing options in South Africa can find solace along the country’s east coast in the city of Durban.
Durban has a lower cost of living for renting and home buying than many other cities in South Africa and the US.
This coastal city features a breathtaking oceanside backdrop, a vibrant multicultural community, and a slow pace of life where renters can secure a one to three-bedroom apartment for 6,277.78 – 10,894 R, which equates to $325 – USD 564.61.
3. East London
Residents of East London live in a tight-knit community on the southeast coast of South Africa.
American families seeking to relocate to the area will find quality schools, plenty of outdoor recreation, and an overall sound quality of life.
East London boasts natural beauty and affordable living where its residents can secure a local rental for 5,500.00 – 11,833.33 R.
This means that newcomers securing a rental in USD can expect to pay costs between $285.05 and $613.29, which is substantially lower than paying for similar housing in the US.
4. Johannesburg
Living in Johannesburg represents a slightly higher cost for South African residents.
However, the costs of living in Johannesburg are still substantially lower than in other local towns and US cities.
Online cost of living reports show that homebuyers seeking to settle down in Johannesburg can expect to spend between 1,214.99 and 1,548.44 R per square foot to buy a home.
This local home-buying price means that relocating residents can secure housing in the area for $62.97 and $80.25 per square foot.
5. Kimberley
Incoming residents seeking low-cost living options for housing, food, entertainment, and utilities can make their homes in Kimberley, South Africa, where costs are favorable.
Residents of Kimberley can rent a one-bedroom apartment in this town for just 4,400 R, which is less than $300.00 per month.
Larger families can find three-bedroom rentals inside and outside of the city for between 10,500 and 15,500 R, which totals up to $544.19 – USD 803.32.
6. Polokwane
South Africa’s “City of Lights,” also known as Polokwane, is found in the heart of the Limpopo Province.
Polokwane makes the list of the cheapest cities in South Africa as this town offers affordable options for dining out, entertainment, food, transportation, and utilities that rival that of many US cities and their South African neighbors.
Cost of living reports show that locals can have a memorable night on the town for two at a cost of less than USD 50.00.
Low-cost living options make Polokwane one of the most attractive and affordable options.
7. Port Elizabeth
Newcomers seeking to make their home in an affordable coastal paradise can consider the town of Port Elizabeth on the southeastern coast of South Africa near Algoa Bay.
Port Elizabeth residents enjoy affordable living costs that are substantially lower than US housing costs.
This town also features natural attractions like the Addo Elephant National Park and a host of water-based activities for local families to enjoy.
Renters and home buyers in this area pay low costs for housing that typically fall in between
1,894.64 for utilities, 3,107.14 for private school and childcare, and 6,833.33 – 12,181.82 for rent on a one to three-bedroom apartment.
8. Pretoria
House hunters looking to spend less than a few hundred dollars per month on renting an apartment or buying a home can find affordable options in the city of Pretoria just north of the bustling city of Johannesburg, where local rents range between 7,300 and 12,450 R for an apartment.
Pretoria’s residents enjoy having access to good schools, vibrant cultural experiences, and natural amenities that include the National Zoological Gardens, where eager families go to explore local flora, fauna, and wildlife.
Singles and families enjoy easy access to nearby amenities found in neighboring cities and towns at substantially lower costs than they would pay in the US.
9. Sandton
US wayfarers scouring the globe to find luxurious low-cost living options can find a gold mine in Sandton, South Africa, where affordability and luxury abound.
Residents enjoy excellent neighborhood amenities, including private schools, upscale shopping, and easy access to neighboring metropolitan areas like Johannesburg.
The costs of renting an apartment in Sandton are substantially lower than renting similar properties for families of one to four in the US.
Local rent costs on a one to three-bedroom apartment fall between 8,250 – 14,666 R per month in Sandton.
10. Richards Bay
Richards Bay, South Africa, is found along the country’s east coast.
This family-friendly city offers access to good schools, a temperate climate, affordable housing, and tons of local amenities that include wildlife sanctuaries and parks.
Residents here enjoy a slower pace of life and pay lower costs for everyday expenses than they would live in most comparable US cities.
Local rent costs on a one to three-bedroom apartment typically fall between 7,000 and 15,000 R.
South Africa Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: South Africa Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: HIGH
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: HIGH
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: HIGH
- TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Frequently Asked Questions
How cheaper are the day-to-day costs of living in South Africa's most affordable cities?
Americans considering relocating to South Africa to save on everyday costs of living expenses, including housing, groceries, transportation, and entertainment, will find that the costs of living in the cheapest cities listed above can be as much as 50% less than costs for living in similarly sized US cities with similar amenities.
Are there good schools available for families with children in the cheapest cities in South Africa?
There are both public and private schools in the cheapest cities in South Africa.
The quality of education can vary by school, district, and other local factors.
Parents with children should research local public and private school districts to learn which schools meet their needs for academic standards, safety, and cost.
Will I have any safety concerns when living in the cheapest cities in South Africa?
Local crime rates and crime statistics vary by neighborhood in South Africa.
Prospective residents should thoroughly research their desired neighborhood and take common sense security precautions when relocating to the area.
Do I need to learn a new language to relocate to South Africa?
While South Africa officially has at least eleven official languages, English-speaking newcomers should be able to communicate with business officials, educators, and real estate agents, as English is one of the primary languages spoken in the region.
