Published: Monday, 21th October 2024
The cost of living in South Africa is 3.10 times less expensive as compared to United States.
On this page, you will find side-by-side cost comparison between South Africa and United States. We have created 172 cost-of-living indicators. We average the prices of all those indicators and take a mathematically calculated approach to determine which country is more expensive to live in between South Africa and United States.
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Indicators | South Africa | United States |
---|---|---|
1 BHK Apartment in City Center | 8,000 ZAR (424 USD) | 2,500 USD |
2 BHK Apartment in City Center | 12,000 ZAR (636 USD) | 3,500 USD |
3 BHK Apartment in City Center | 18,000 ZAR (954 USD) | 4,500 USD |
1 BHK Apartment outside City Center | 5,500 ZAR (291.50 USD) | 1,800 USD |
2 BHK Apartment outside City Center | 8,500 ZAR (450.50 USD) | 2,500 USD |
3 BHK Apartment outside City Center | 12,000 ZAR (636 USD) | 3,200 USD |
Mortgage Rates Per Month | 7.5 % | 3.5 % |
Realtor Commission | 5 % | 2.5 % |
Property Taxes | 0.1 to 2.0 % | 0.5 to 2.5 % |
The average housing cost in South Africa is 5.36 times less expensive than United States.
Indicators | South Africa | United States |
---|---|---|
Basic Home Furnishing | 50,000 ZAR (2,650 USD) | 3,000 USD |
Electricity Cost Per Month | 1,200 ZAR (63.60 USD) | 150 USD |
Heating Cost Per Month | 800 ZAR (42.40 USD) | 120 USD |
Cooling Cost Per Month | 600 ZAR (31.80 USD) | 80 USD |
Water Supply Cost Per Month | 400 ZAR (21.20 USD) | 50 USD |
If you lived in South Africa, instead of United States, you would have to pay 17.38% less for Utilities.
The basic home furnishing in South Africa costs 1.13 times less compared to United States.
Indicators | South Africa | United States |
---|---|---|
Standard Wifi Cost Per Month | 600 ZAR (31.80 USD) | 60 USD |
Mobile Phone Basic Plan Cost Per Month | 500 ZAR (26.50 USD) | 50 USD |
Landline Basic Plan Cost Per Month | 300 ZAR (15.90 USD) | 30 USD |
Cable TV Basic Plan Cost Per Month | 800 ZAR (42.40 USD) | 100 USD |
The internet and communication costs 51.42% less in South Africa compared to United States.
Indicators | South Africa | United States |
---|---|---|
Long Grain Rice (1 KG) | 30 ZAR (1.59 USD) | 4 USD |
Milk (1 Liter) | 20 ZAR (1.06 USD) | 1 USD |
Water (1 Liter) | 10 ZAR (0.53 USD) | 1 USD |
Bread (500 gm) | 15 ZAR (0.79 USD) | 2 USD |
Eggs (1 Dozen) | 40 ZAR (2.12 USD) | 3 USD |
Cheese (1 KG) | 100 ZAR (5.30 USD) | 6 USD |
Chicken Breast (1 KG) | 80 ZAR (4.24 USD) | 10 USD |
In South Africa, the cost of 1 Liter Water and 1 Liter Milk is 1.26 times less expensive than the cost in United States.
If you lived in South Africa, instead of United States, you would have to pay 42.09% less for Groceries.
Indicators | South Africa | United States |
---|---|---|
Apples (1 KG) | 30 ZAR (1.59 USD) | 3 USD |
Bananas (1 KG) | 20 ZAR (1.06 USD) | 1.50 USD |
Oranges (1 KG) | 25 ZAR (1.32 USD) | 2.50 USD |
Tomatoes (1 KG) | 20 ZAR (1.06 USD) | 3 USD |
Potatoes (1 KG) | 15 ZAR (0.79 USD) | 2 USD |
Lemons (1 KG) | 25 ZAR (1.32 USD) | 2.50 USD |
Onions (1 KG) | 20 ZAR (1.06 USD) | 2 USD |
Lentils (1 KG) | 35 ZAR (1.85 USD) | 4 USD |
If you lived in South Africa, instead of United States, you would have to pay 2.04 times less for Fruits and Vegetables.
Indicators | South Africa | United States |
---|---|---|
Meal at a Resonable Restaurant | 150 ZAR (7.95 USD) | 20 USD |
Three-Course Meal for Two | 600 ZAR (31.80 USD) | 60 USD |
Fast Food Combo Meal | 80 ZAR (4.24 USD) | 8 USD |
Normal Coffee | 30 ZAR (1.59 USD) | 4 USD |
Soft Drink | 20 ZAR (1.06 USD) | 2 USD |
Pizza for One | 120 ZAR (6.36 USD) | 15 USD |
Take-Out Delivery Meal | 80 ZAR (4.24 USD) | 20 USD |
Cigarette Pack of 20 | 40 ZAR (2.12 USD) | 8 USD |
Dining-Out costs 56.67% less in South Africa compared to United States.
Indicators | South Africa | United States |
---|---|---|
Wine Mid-Range Bottle | 150 ZAR (7.95 USD) | 15 USD |
Glass of Wine | 80 ZAR (4.24 USD) | 8 USD |
Domestic Beer Half Liter | 25 ZAR (1.32 USD) | 3 USD |
Imported Beer Half Liter | 35 ZAR (1.85 USD) | 4 USD |
Domestic Alcohol 1 Liter | 120 ZAR (6.36 USD) | 20 USD |
Branded Alcohol 1 Liter | 200 ZAR (10.60 USD) | 30 USD |
If you lived in South Africa, instead of United States, you would have to pay 2.47 times less for usual hard drinks.
Indicators | South Africa | United States |
---|---|---|
Monthly Public Transportation Pass | 1,000 ZAR (53 USD) | 120 USD |
Single Public Transportation Ticket | 20 ZAR (1.06 USD) | 2.50 USD |
Single Train Ticket | Yet to Update () | 100 USD |
Domestic Airplane Ticket | 1,500 ZAR (79.50 USD) | 200 USD |
Taxi Start Fare | 20 ZAR (1.06 USD) | 3 USD |
Taxi Rate Per Kilometer | 10 ZAR (0.53 USD) | 2 USD |
Car Rental Per Day | 500 ZAR (26.50 USD) | 50 USD |
Parking Fees in City Center Per Hour | 25 ZAR (1.32 USD) | 5 USD |
Parking Fees outside City Center Per Hour | 15 ZAR (0.79 USD) | 2 USD |
If you lived in South Africa, instead of United States, you would have to pay 2.96 times less for transportation.
Indicators | South Africa | United States |
---|---|---|
Reasonable Vehicle Purchase Cost | 300,000 ZAR (15,900 USD) | 25,000 USD |
Vehicle Registration Cost | 1,000 ZAR (53 USD) | 150 USD |
Driving License Fees | 500 ZAR (26.50 USD) | 50 USD |
Car Insurance Cost | 3,000 ZAR (159 USD) | 800 USD |
Car Maintenance Cost | 1,500 ZAR (79.50 USD) | 200 USD |
Car Loan Interest Rates | 8 % | 4 % |
Fuel Per Liter | 22 ZAR (1.17 USD) | 1 USD |
Fuel Per Gallon | 80 ZAR (4.24 USD) | 4 USD |
Average Toll Fees | 100 ZAR 5.30 USD | Yet to Update |
You would have to pay 1.61 times less for Vehicle purchase, daily operation and maintenance in South Africa compared to that of United States.
Indicators | South Africa | United States |
---|---|---|
Doctor Visit | 1,200 ZAR (63.60 USD) | 150 USD |
Specialist Visit | 2,000 ZAR (106 USD) | 250 USD |
Dentist Visit | 1,500 ZAR (79.50 USD) | 100 USD |
Eye Exam | 600 ZAR (31.80 USD) | 80 USD |
Mental Health Counseling | 1,200 ZAR (63.60 USD) | 150 USD |
Preventive Health Screening | 600 ZAR (31.80 USD) | 80 USD |
Physical Therapy | 800 ZAR (42.40 USD) | 100 USD |
Emergency Room Visit | 2,000 ZAR (106 USD) | 500 USD |
Hospital Stay Per Night | 5,000 ZAR (265 USD) | 400 USD |
Vaccinations | 400 ZAR (21.20 USD) | 40 USD |
Prescription Medication | 500 ZAR (26.50 USD) | 20 USD |
Over the Counter Medication | 200 ZAR (10.60 USD) | 10 USD |
Health Insurance Premiums | 3,000 ZAR (159 USD) | 300 USD |
Health Insurance Deductibles | 5,000 ZAR (265 USD) | 500 USD |
If you lived in South Africa, instead of United States, you would have to pay 2.11 times less for Health and Medical Treatment.
Indicators | South Africa | United States |
---|---|---|
Cosmetic Procedures | 5,000 ZAR (265 USD) | 300 USD |
Spa Treatment | 1,000 ZAR (53 USD) | 150 USD |
Manicure Pedicure Cost | 400 ZAR (21.20 USD) | 40 USD |
Optical Glasses Cost | 1,000 ZAR (53 USD) | 150 USD |
Contact Lenses Cost | 600 ZAR (31.80 USD) | 100 USD |
Haircuts | 200 ZAR (10.60 USD) | 25 USD |
Hair Coloring | 600 ZAR (31.80 USD) | 75 USD |
Shampoo Price | 100 ZAR (5.30 USD) | 5 USD |
Toothpaste Price | 30 ZAR (1.59 USD) | 3 USD |
If you lived in South Africa, instead of United States, you would have to pay 1.79 times less for Personal Care Items and Treatment.
Indicators | South Africa | United States |
---|---|---|
Pair of Nike Running Shoes | 2,500 ZAR (132.50 USD) | 100 USD |
Men's Shirt | 500 ZAR (26.50 USD) | 40 USD |
Women's Dress | 800 ZAR (42.40 USD) | 80 USD |
Summer Dress | 600 ZAR (31.80 USD) | 50 USD |
Men's Suit | 2,000 ZAR (106 USD) | 500 USD |
Men's Jeans | 800 ZAR (42.40 USD) | 60 USD |
Women's Jeans | 800 ZAR (42.40 USD) | 60 USD |
Men's Formal Shoes | 1,000 ZAR (53 USD) | 100 USD |
Women's Formal Shoes | 1,000 ZAR (53 USD) | 80 USD |
Men's Casual Shoes | 600 ZAR (31.80 USD) | 70 USD |
Women's Casual Shoes | 600 ZAR (31.80 USD) | 60 USD |
Underwear For Men | 100 ZAR (5.30 USD) | 20 USD |
Underwear For Women | 100 ZAR (5.30 USD) | 20 USD |
Socks For Men | 50 ZAR (2.65 USD) | 10 USD |
Socks For Women | 50 ZAR (2.65 USD) | 10 USD |
Wintercoat for Adults | 1,200 ZAR (63.60 USD) | 100 USD |
Sportswear | 700 ZAR (37.10 USD) | 60 USD |
If you lived in South Africa, instead of United States, you would have to pay 2.00 times less for Clothing and Footwear for Adults.
Indicators | South Africa | United States |
---|---|---|
Children's Jeans | 300 ZAR (15.90 USD) | 30 USD |
Children's Normal Sneakers | 400 ZAR (21.20 USD) | 40 USD |
Children's Winter Coat | 500 ZAR (26.50 USD) | 60 USD |
Daycare for Infant | 4,000 ZAR (212 USD) | 1,500 USD |
Daycare for Toddler | 5,000 ZAR (265 USD) | 1,200 USD |
Childcare for Sick Days | 500 ZAR (26.50 USD) | 40 USD |
Early Childhood Education Programs | 4,000 ZAR (212 USD) | 600 USD |
Extra Curricular Activities | 1,000 ZAR (53 USD) | 60 USD |
Summer Camp for Kids | 2,000 ZAR (106 USD) | 300 USD |
If you lived in South Africa, instead of United States, you would have to pay 4.08 times less for Childcare and kids clothing.
Indicators | South Africa | United States |
---|---|---|
PreSchool Fees | 6,000 ZAR (318 USD) | 1,800 USD |
Primary School Fees | 10,000 ZAR (530 USD) | 4,000 USD |
Secondary School Fees | 15,000 ZAR (795 USD) | 6,000 USD |
Private School Fees | 25,000 ZAR (1,325 USD) | 8,000 USD |
University Tuition Fees | 40,000 ZAR (2,120 USD) | 10,000 USD |
University Private Tuition Fees | 80,000 ZAR (4,240 USD) | 20,000 USD |
After School Activities | 1,500 ZAR (79.50 USD) | 150 USD |
Special Education Services | 3,000 ZAR (159 USD) | 150 USD |
Tutoring | 500 ZAR (26.50 USD) | 50 USD |
Textbooks Cost | 1,000 ZAR (53 USD) | 40 USD |
School Supplies | 500 ZAR (26.50 USD) | 30 USD |
If you lived in South Africa, instead of United States, you would have to pay 5.19 times less for school and education.
Indicators | South Africa | United States |
---|---|---|
Movie Ticket (Single) | 100 ZAR (5.30 USD) | 15 USD |
Theater Ticket (Single) | 150 ZAR (7.95 USD) | 50 USD |
Concert Ticket (Single) | 200 ZAR (10.60 USD) | 60 USD |
Sports Event Ticket (Single) | 180 ZAR (9.54 USD) | 50 USD |
Gym Membership | 800 ZAR (42.40 USD) | 60 USD |
Swimming Pool Access | 400 ZAR (21.20 USD) | 40 USD |
Museum Entry Ticket | 100 ZAR (5.30 USD) | 15 USD |
Zoo Entry Ticket | 150 ZAR (7.95 USD) | 25 USD |
Amusement Park Entry Ticket | 300 ZAR (15.90 USD) | 50 USD |
Bowling | 80 ZAR (4.24 USD) | 15 USD |
Mini Golf | 100 ZAR (5.30 USD) | 10 USD |
Video Games | 600 ZAR (31.80 USD) | 60 USD |
Streaming Services | 150 ZAR (7.95 USD) | 15 USD |
Outdoor Equipment Rental | 250 ZAR (13.25 USD) | 25 USD |
Theme Park Annual Pass | 1,500 ZAR (79.50 USD) | 400 USD |
If you lived in South Africa, instead of United States, you would have to pay 3.32 times less for entertainment, recreation and fun activities.
Indicators | South Africa | United States |
---|---|---|
Language Classes | 2,000 ZAR (106 USD) | 40 USD |
Parenting Classes | 500 ZAR (26.50 USD) | 60 USD |
Art Classes | 200 ZAR (10.60 USD) | 30 USD |
Fitness Classes | 150 ZAR (7.95 USD) | 20 USD |
Music Lessons | 300 ZAR (15.90 USD) | 50 USD |
Dance Lessons | 250 ZAR (13.25 USD) | 40 USD |
Reading Materials for Classes | 100 ZAR (5.30 USD) | 10 USD |
Educational Software | 1,000 ZAR (53 USD) | 30 USD |
If you lived in South Africa, instead of United States, you would have to pay 1.17 times less for Private Classes.
Indicators | South Africa | United States |
---|---|---|
Average Gross Monthly Salary | 30,000 ZAR (1,590 USD) | 5,000 USD |
Average Net Monthly Salary | 20,000 ZAR (1,060 USD) | 3,800 USD |
Minimum Wages | 133.33 ZAR per hour (7.07 USD) | 60 USD per hour |
Average Bonus | 5,000 ZAR (265 USD) | 1,000 USD |
Income Tax Rate | 0 to 15 % | 0 to 10 % |
Social Security Contributions | 7 % | 6.2 % |
Pension Contributions | 5 % | 4 % |
Cost of Living Index | 60 | 10 |
Median Household Income | 18,000 ZAR (954 USD) | 5,000 USD |
If you lived in South Africa, you would earn 3.83 times less salary as compared to United States.
Indicators | South Africa | United States |
---|---|---|
Legal Consultation Per Hour Rate | 1,500 ZAR (79.50 USD) | 250 USD |
Accounting Services Per Hour Rate | 1,200 ZAR (63.60 USD) | 200 USD |
IT Support Services Per Hour Rate | 1,000 ZAR (53 USD) | 150 USD |
Technician Services Per Hour Rate | 800 ZAR (42.40 USD) | 100 USD |
Professional Services cost 2.94 times less in South Africa, as compared to United States.
We hope you enjoyed the detailed guide on the cost of living comparsion between South Africa and United States.
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