Cost of Living in Hillcrest - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $1,339 per month with rent, or $485 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $1,887 per month with rent, or $764 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $2,435 per month with rent, or $1,042 without housing.

Overall, Hillcrest is 0–14% below the global median across household types. Within Africa, costs are 30% above average – pricier than most cities in the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$7.69 R 125
$4.56 R 74.0
$14.24 R 231
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$28.16 R 458
$25.34 R 412
$67.6 R 1,098
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$5.00 R 81.2
$4.39 R 71.4
$6.66 R 108
Cappuccino
$1.89 R 30.78
$1.09 R 17.68
$2.72 R 44.20
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.94 R 15.33
$0.69 R 11.29
$1.45 R 23.59
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.71 R 11.46
$0.51 R 8.30
$1.14 R 18.60
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.91 R 31.03
$1.09 R 17.73
$2.73 R 44.33
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.17 R 35.33
$1.36 R 22.08
$2.99 R 48.58
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$0.87 R 14.18
$0.81 R 13.23
$1.36 R 22.06
White Bread (500g)
$0.55 R 8.88
$0.55 R 8.88
$1.09 R 17.75
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.20 R 19.54
$0.68 R 11.09
$1.71 R 27.82
Eggs
$2.14 R 34.74
$1.33 R 21.65
$3.34 R 54.3
Local Cheese (1kg)
$7.51 R 122
$4.58 R 74.4
$14.03 R 228
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$3.94 R 64.0
$2.81 R 45.70
$5.62 R 91.4
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$6.22 R 101
$4.71 R 76.6
$8.31 R 135
Apples (1kg)
$1.40 R 22.75
$0.82 R 13.37
$2.19 R 35.64
Banana (1kg)
$1.10 R 17.86
$0.82 R 13.40
$2.75 R 44.65
Oranges (1kg)
$1.32 R 21.42
$0.55 R 8.88
$3.28 R 53.3
Tomato (1kg)
$1.36 R 22.17
$0.46 R 7.50
$1.91 R 31.00
Potato (1kg)
$1.26 R 20.43
$0.49 R 7.92
$2.46 R 39.90
Onion (1kg)
$1.23 R 20.04
$0.69 R 11.19
$1.90 R 30.90
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.98 R 15.92
$0.55 R 8.92
$1.26 R 20.54
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.85 R 13.82
$0.74 R 12.01
$1.42 R 23.03
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$2.85 R 46.30
$2.56 R 41.67
$3.99 R 64.8
Wine (Bottle)
$4.98 R 80.9
$3.36 R 54.6
$9.33 R 152
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.47 R 23.91
$1.09 R 17.72
$2.30 R 37.45
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.68 R 27.34
$1.10 R 17.80
$3.01 R 48.96
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.60 R 26.05
$0.65 R 10.58
$1.60 R 26.05
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.70 R 27.64
$1.13 R 18.42
$1.98 R 32.24
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.62 R 10.08
$0.56 R 9.07
$1.67 R 27.21
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$6.60 R 107
$3.39 R 55.1
$6.60 R 107
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.27 R 20.58
$1.15 R 18.68
$1.44 R 23.43
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$20.0K R 324.3K
$16.6K R 270.3K
$27.7K R 450.5K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$24.3K R 394.3K
$20.6K R 335.4K
$30.7K R 498.5K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$145 R 2,356
$84.5 R 1,374
$282 R 4,579
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$28.78 R 468
$13.69 R 223
$45.08 R 733
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$34.30 R 557
$22.77 R 370
$56.9 R 925
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$30.99 R 504
$17.90 R 291
$41.93 R 681
Cinema Ticket
$6.75 R 110
$5.63 R 91.4
$8.44 R 137
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$209 R 3,397
$159 R 2,579
$340 R 5,527
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$4,543 R 73.8K
$3,323 R 54.0K
$7,199 R 117.0K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$41.37 R 672
$16.52 R 268
$66.0 R 1,073
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$30.04 R 488
$11.19 R 182
$56.0 R 910
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$96.4 R 1,566
$39.91 R 649
$143 R 2,320
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$73.4 R 1,193
$45.11 R 733
$141 R 2,293
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$369 R 5,999
$227 R 3,692
$412 R 6,692
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$672 R 10.9K
$252 R 4,097
$672 R 10.9K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$695 R 11.3K
$454 R 7,379
$851 R 13.8K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,142 R 18.6K
$514 R 8,351
$1,142 R 18.6K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$986 R 16.0K
$539 R 8,766
$1,099 R 17.9K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$771 R 12.5K
$637 R 10.4K
$925 R 15.0K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
12.01
10.5
13.2

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: June 2, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Groceries cost around $155 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $28.00 – well below the African average of $42.00.

Cost Highlights

Hillcrest has the 10th most expensive 1-bedroom apartment, outside city center in Africa

Overall monthly cost (including rent) is more expensive than 96% of cities in Africa

3-bedroom apartment, outside city center is more expensive than 95% of cities in Africa

Hillcrest Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Hillcrest - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hillcrest, South Africa a good value for travelers, expats, and digital nomads when you compare it to larger metros?
Cost of Living in Hillcrest, South Africa offers a balanced value for many travelers. Relative to Durban’s core or larger coastal cities, the area feels calmer and more spacious, with access to green spaces and community amenities. Daily costs for groceries, casual dining, and utilities tend to align with a suburban rhythm, and housing can provide more room for the same budget. Transport remains flexible with car access and local transit. Tip: map out a stay near shops and transit routes to maximize convenience and savings.
What does daily life look like for a traveler or remote worker staying in Hillcrest, South Africa, in terms of housing search, food options, transport, and errands?
Hillcrest, South Africa living cost aside, you can expect housing choices that range from spacious townhomes to comfortable apartments, often near village hubs with shops and parks. Food options are diverse, from local markets to casual eateries, making it easy to batch-cook or dine out when you favor variety. Transportation is practical: a car helps for hillside streets and day trips, while local buses and ride-hailing services cover errands and meetings. Co-working spaces and cafes with reliable Wi-Fi can support remote work, with options clustering around central centers. Tip: start with a short-term rental in a walkable area to test commuting and amenities.
How can you plan for quality of life and budgeting, and what strategies help save while living in Hillcrest?
A practical budgeting framework helps you balance essentials with experiences. Use a simple triad: housing, groceries, and transport, then allocate the rest for work needs and occasional outings. Expect seasonal rhythms in outdoor markets and events, which can guide when you shop, cook, or travel. Seek neighborhoods with easy access to shops, parks, and clinics to cut trips and save time. Compare options by proximity to transit and services rather than price alone, and consider longer stays in areas that offer social connections and safety. Tip: set a monthly review to reallocate funds as your schedule or plans change.
What are the monthly living expenses in Hillcrest as of 2026?
For 2026, a single person in Hillcrest should plan on about $1,339 per month with rent, or $485 without housing. That covers a moderate lifestyle – food, utilities, transport, and some leisure – at current local prices.
Is Hillcrest a cheap city to live in for foreigners?
By most standards, Hillcrest is a budget-friendly place to live. Total monthly costs with rent usually land around $1,339, and both housing and daily expenses fall below global averages. It's a solid pick for remote workers, long-term travelers, or anyone watching their spending.
What income do you need to cover all expenses in Hillcrest?
You'll want at least $2,009 per month after taxes to live comfortably in Hillcrest. That covers a decent apartment, groceries, utilities, transport, and enough left over for dining out occasionally. Families or people wanting a central location should budget higher.
Is Hillcrest a good place to find cheap rent?
Rent is one of Hillcrest's biggest advantages – 1-bedroom apartments range from $672 to $369 per month, and even central neighborhoods stay accessible on modest incomes. Cheap housing frees up cash for everything else.
How much is a monthly gym pass in Hillcrest?
A gym membership in Hillcrest runs about $30.99 per month – affordable by regional standards. Most gyms include basic equipment, group classes, and locker rooms. Boutique studios and personal training cost more, but the baseline is budget-friendly.
How expensive is preschool in Hillcrest per month?
Private kindergarten in Hillcrest costs about $209 per month – a big number for families. Prices vary by curriculum and whether you go local or international. Public options are cheaper where they exist, but waitlists can be long.
Does $1,200 cover living expenses in Hillcrest?
$1,200 a month in Hillcrest? Very doable. Average costs with rent come to just $1,339, which leaves real room to save, eat out, and enjoy the city without watching every dollar.
Is Hillcrest a good place to raise kids?
Hillcrest is a solid pick for families. Childcare runs about $209 per month, and there's good access to parks, schools, and family-oriented services. Most neighborhoods are safe and walkable, which makes daily family life practical.
Is Hillcrest budget-friendly for long-term stays?
Hillcrest is affordable by most measures, which is why it appeals to long-term travelers, remote workers, and budget-conscious residents. At $1,339 per month with rent, it sits well below the global average for cities of similar size.

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