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Cost of living in South Africa

Cost of living in South Africa is relatively low compared to other countries of the same development level and developed countries. Living in South Africa has proven to be value for money for most immigrants and expatriates as South Africa prices of most assets and consumables are lower than most countries'. I just updated this article as Mercer updated its Cost of Living Survey in July 2009. South Africa (Johannesburg) is now the least expensive city in the world. Mercer's 2009 Cost of Living survey ranked Johannesburg, South Africa 143^rd most expensive city out of 143 cities. Most cities in SA are however less expensive than Johannesburg, making SA lifestyle high value for money.

The survey can assist expatriate families with a decision to leave their homes for a lifestyle abroad. This is how Mecer describes this survey:

”Mercer's survey covers 143 cities across six continents and measures the comparative cost of over 200 items in each location, including housing, transport, food, clothing, household goods and entertainment. It is the world's most comprehensive cost of living survey and is used to help multinational companies and governments determine compensation allowances for their expatriate employees.” mecer.com

The most expensive cities seem to be mostly in Asia with
(1^st) Tokyo, Japan;
(2^nd) Osaka, Japan;
(3^rd) Moscow, Russia;
(4^th) Geneva, Switzerland;
(5^th) Hong Kong, Hong Kong;
(6^th); Zurich, Switzerland;
(7^th) Copenhagen, Denmark;
(8^th) New York City, US;
(9^th) Beijing China; and
(10^th) Singapore, Singapore.
Visiting, retiring and living in South Africa definitely offers a lot of benefits. To look closely at the individual expenses of items, the following sample is provided by RelocateSA:

Dining out can easily cost one couple R150- R300 (about US$30 or less). Like anywhere else, home prepared meals are cheaper that eating out. The quality of the food is also on par with that found in developed countries. You will pay slightly more for the organic food stuffs.

Clothing is also relatively inexpensive. This excludes the imported designer labels. Most individuals spend R1000 ($100) or more on clothing per month. This is the extravagance of the SA residents which is not necessary. A household of four can spend a mere R500 ($67)per month on clothing if they buy locally manufactured clothes.

Housing costs are also quite low compared to major cities in the world. A bachelor apartment can cost anything from R2000 (about $200) and R3000 (about $300) and a family home R4500 to R6000 (below $600) with luxury homes in the gated estates costing more than R10,000 (from about $1000) per month.

An average family owns at least one car as public transport is not reliable. Car prices are similar to those of developed countries. SA has good quality education at low rates. International schools also offer the best value for money compared to other developed and middle income countries. The American, Chinese, German, French International Schools are amongst the most common international schools.

Cost of living in South Africa is generally lower than any country with comfortable living. Most middle income families afford the luxurious lifestyle. If you are thinking of retiring in SA click here…

Need any help with immigration papers click here…

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