Cost of Living in Howick - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $377 (excluding rent), and $893 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,077 (excluding rent), and $1,787 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$3.39 R 57.8

$14.11 R 241

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$28.37 R 484

$25.53 R 436

$68.1 R 1,163

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$3.41 R 58.3

$6.82 R 117

Cappuccino

$1.97 R 33.6

$1.13 R 19.3

$2.83 R 48.25

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.59 R 9.99

$1.46 R 24.98

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.43 R 7.36

$1.07 R 18.33

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.9 R 32.52

$1.09 R 18.58

$2.72 R 46.46

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.22 R 37.99

$1.39 R 23.75

$3.06 R 52.2

Milk (1 liter)

$1.04 R 17.69

$0.85 R 14.56

$1.64 R 28.09

White Bread (500g)

$0.88 R 15.05

$0.66 R 11.29

$1.18 R 20.07

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.15 R 19.56

$1.72 R 29.34

Eggs

$2.1 R 35.83

$1.31 R 22.33

$3.28 R 56

Local Cheese (1kg)

$4.93 R 84.2

$4.38 R 74.9

$9.86 R 168

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$2.29 R 39.12

$5.73 R 97.8

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$4.91 R 83.9

$4.64 R 79.3

$8.19 R 140

Apples (1kg)

$1.49 R 25.45

$0.82 R 13.97

$2.18 R 37.26

Banana (1kg)

$1.13 R 19.36

$0.85 R 14.52

$2.83 R 48.41

Oranges (1kg)

$1.33 R 22.78

$0.55 R 9.45

$3.32 R 56.7

Tomato (1kg)

$1.14 R 19.5

$0.46 R 7.83

$1.9 R 32.38

Potato (1kg)

$0.88 R 15

$0.52 R 8.93

$2.64 R 45.01

Onion (1kg)

$1.21 R 20.72

$0.68 R 11.57

$1.87 R 31.94

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.93 R 15.94

$0.55 R 9.39

$1.21 R 20.63

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.96 R 16.42

$0.75 R 12.89

$1.45 R 24.72

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$3.12 R 53.3

$2.55 R 43.57

$3.97 R 67.8

Wine (Bottle)

$4.61 R 78.7

$2.88 R 49.18

$8.65 R 148

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.09 R 18.59

$1.03 R 17.59

$2.18 R 37.17

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.1 R 18.77

$3.02 R 51.6

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.69 R 28.84

$0.69 R 11.71

$1.69 R 28.84

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.64 R 28

$1.09 R 18.67

$1.91 R 32.67

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.58 R 9.99

$0.53 R 8.99

$1.58 R 26.96

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$6.71 R 115

$3.44 R 58.8

$6.71 R 115

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.23 R 21.06

$1.19 R 20.37

$1.5 R 25.55

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$14K R 238.3K

$27.9K R 476.5K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$22.7K R 388.3K

$21K R 359.2K

$31.3K R 533.9K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$146 R 2,494

$85.2 R 1,454

$284 R 4,847

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$14.02 R 239

$13.97 R 239

$45.99 R 785

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$33.98 R 580

$22.56 R 385

$56.4 R 963

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$30.45 R 520

$17.59 R 300

$41.19 R 703

Cinema Ticket

$5.45 R 93.1

$8.18 R 140

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$101 R 1,731

$338 R 5,770

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$4,635 R 79.1K

$3,389 R 57.9K

$7,344 R 125.4K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$42.3 R 722

$16.89 R 288

$67.5 R 1,153

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$14.05 R 240

$11.24 R 192

$56.2 R 960

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$82.6 R 1,411

$38.49 R 657

$138 R 2,351

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$45.24 R 773

$45.19 R 772

$141 R 2,415

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$368 R 6,284

$226 R 3,867

$410 R 7,010

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$330 R 5,633

$249 R 4,256

$443 R 7,566

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$677 R 11.6K

$442 R 7,548

$829 R 14.2K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$683 R 11.7K

$498 R 8,511

$844 R 14.4K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$600 R 10.2K

$384 R 6,561

$723 R 12.3K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$1,173 R 20K

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: November 29, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

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Cost of Living in Howick - Frequently Asked Questions

Howick offers a slower pace and reliable services that many travelers and long-term visitors value. The town isn't as fast-paced or price-pressure heavy as larger metros, which can translate into calmer days, easier property hunts, and predictable daily routines. Those prioritizing outdoor living, community networks, and access to green spaces often find the balance favorable. Cost of Living in Howick, South Africa reflects that mix, with everyday basics and local amenities aligned to a more relaxed lifestyle rather than high-volume shopping corridors. You’ll still find cafés, markets, and schools within reach, making longer stays practical. Tip: spend an afternoon exploring a few neighborhoods before deciding on housing.

Daily life in Howick centers on a village-like core with enough options to cover routine needs. Housing search favors cottages, small houses, and secure complexes near the main strip or leafy hills, with rents and terms typically more relaxed than big cities. Groceries come from local markets, a few butchers, and nearby supermarkets, with seasonal produce that supports home cooking and affordable meals. Transport leans car-first, but you can walk some streets and use taxis or ride-hailing for longer hops. A few coworking spaces and friendly cafés let you set up workdays outside the home. Howick, South Africa living cost helps you calibrate what fits. Tip: Build a week-by-week plan to test commute times and neighborhood vibes.

Quality of life in Howick centers on outdoor access, a sense of community, and a slower tempo that suits long projects or weekend escapes. Budgeting frameworks work well when you separate fixed costs (housing, utilities) from flexible ones (food, transport, activities). To save, lean into local markets, cook at home, and plan outings when you are close to your preferred neighborhoods. Seasonality matters: mild winters ease heating needs, while summer adventures in nearby nature areas can be budget-friendly with group discounts. Neighborhood fit ranges from quiet hillside pockets to walkable village zones; choose housing based on daily routines, not just views. Tip: Test a few seasons in person before signing a lease.