Cost of Living in Kimberley - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $1,038 per month with rent, or $657 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $1,752 per month with rent, or $992 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $2,466 per month with rent, or $1,328 without housing.

Overall, Kimberley is 13–23% below the global median across household types. Within Africa, costs are slightly above average (1%) – still relatively affordable for the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$11.10 R 181
$8.33 R 136
$11.10 R 181
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$33.16 R 541
$27.63 R 451
$33.16 R 541
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$5.64 R 92.1
$5.64 R 92.1
$5.64 R 92.1
Cappuccino
$2.75 R 44.88
$1.65 R 26.93
$3.85 R 62.8
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.24 R 20.15
$0.86 R 13.99
$1.71 R 27.98
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.21 R 19.83
$1.04 R 16.97
$1.44 R 23.52
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.51 R 40.93
$1.56 R 25.50
$4.46 R 72.8
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.59 R 42.22
$2.30 R 37.53
$3.45 R 56.3
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.49 R 24.25
$0.86 R 13.95
$1.71 R 27.91
White Bread (500g)
$1.07 R 17.42
$0.68 R 11.12
$1.14 R 18.58
Rice (white) (1kg)
$2.79 R 45.59
$2.26 R 36.87
$3.34 R 54.5
Eggs
$2.74 R 44.72
$1.38 R 22.44
$5.52 R 90.1
Local Cheese (1kg)
$5.90 R 96.3
$5.17 R 84.4
$6.26 R 102
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$5.41 R 88.2
$4.25 R 69.3
$6.53 R 107
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$7.97 R 130
$7.40 R 121
$8.54 R 139
Apples (1kg)
$2.07 R 33.71
$1.65 R 26.97
$2.48 R 40.45
Banana (1kg)
$2.17 R 35.47
$1.63 R 26.60
$2.72 R 44.33
Oranges (1kg)
$1.51 R 24.69
$0.74 R 12.02
$2.82 R 46.10
Tomato (1kg)
$3.12 R 50.8
$1.65 R 27.00
$4.58 R 74.7
Potato (1kg)
$2.26 R 36.87
$0.56 R 9.22
$2.26 R 36.87
Onion (1kg)
$1.21 R 19.67
$0.57 R 9.26
$1.99 R 32.39
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.23 R 20.13
$1.10 R 17.90
$1.37 R 22.37
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.82 R 13.43
$0.82 R 13.43
$0.82 R 13.43
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$2.86 R 46.75
$2.46 R 40.07
$3.27 R 53.4
Wine (Bottle)
$6.60 R 108
$3.98 R 65.0
$9.20 R 150
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.14 R 34.87
$1.71 R 27.90
$2.56 R 41.85
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.61 R 42.60
$1.92 R 31.39
$3.30 R 53.8
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.69 R 27.59
$0.69 R 11.20
$1.69 R 27.59
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$31.03 R 506
$28.21 R 460
$33.85 R 552
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.66 R 10.70
$0.66 R 10.70
$2.19 R 35.79
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.94 R 15.35
$0.55 R 9.01
$1.72 R 28.04
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$3.99 R 65.1
$2.77 R 45.21
$5.54 R 90.4
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.33 R 21.70
$1.15 R 18.83
$1.43 R 23.30
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$21.5K R 351.0K
$17.5K R 285.7K
$28.3K R 461.8K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$23.5K R 383.3K
$19.3K R 314.5K
$30.3K R 494.2K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$96.2 R 1,570
$43.99 R 718
$148 R 2,423
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$38.82 R 634
$13.03 R 213
$66.6 R 1,086
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$45.57 R 744
$28.49 R 465
$62.7 R 1,023
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$21.26 R 347
$17.01 R 278
$25.51 R 416
Cinema Ticket
$6.75 R 110
$5.06 R 82.6
$11.25 R 184
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$157 R 2,559
$112 R 1,828
$266 R 4,342
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$4,319 R 70.5K
$2,672 R 43.6K
$7,236 R 118.1K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$34.09 R 556
$34.09 R 556
$68.2 R 1,113
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$31.86 R 520
$12.19 R 199
$49.88 R 814
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$82.8 R 1,352
$49.70 R 811
$138 R 2,252
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$79.5 R 1,298
$44.65 R 729
$123 R 2,004
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$249 R 4,068
$215 R 3,513
$283 R 4,622
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$311 R 5,079
$198 R 3,232
$424 R 6,925
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$584 R 9,525
$334 R 5,443
$834 R 13.6K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$883 R 14.4K
$513 R 8,364
$1,253 R 20.4K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$989 R 16.1K
$541 R 8,836
$1,103 R 18.0K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$640 R 10.4K
$528 R 8,621
$767 R 12.5K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$958 R 15.6K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
11.51
10
13

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

Last update: May 30, 2026

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $249, dropping to $311 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 26% of the average salary ($958) – close to the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $958 – below monthly costs of $1,038. Most locals rely on shared housing or dual incomes. Remote workers earning abroad will find stronger purchasing power.

Groceries cost around $214 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $33.00 – well below the African average of $42.00.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $31.03 – roughly in line with the African average of $29.00.

Cost Highlights

Rice is more expensive than 97% of cities in Africa

Meal at budget restaurant is more expensive than 94% of cities in Africa

Family monthly cost (including rent) is more expensive than 93% of cities in Africa

Kimberley 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 Kimberley - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kimberley a good value for money for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, compared to other cities in South Africa?
Cost of Living in Kimberley is typically practical for travelers, expats, and digital nomads who value steady access to everyday services without the price spikes of coastal cities. The city centers offer affordable apartments and homely, low-frills options that fit longer stays. You’ll find that groceries, casual meals, and utilities stay predictable as you settle into a routine, while less touristy neighborhoods offer quieter streets and easier online connectivity. A short neighborhood scout helps you compare proximity to workspaces, groceries, and transport. Tip: map your day around a cluster of essential services to cut travel time.
What does a typical day look like for remote workers in Kimberley, from housing search to groceries and transport, and what are good coworking options?
Daily life in Kimberley centers on a practical routine for remote work. Start with a short-term rental near the city center or business district to minimize commute time; many options suit flexible stays. Food comes from a mix of local markets and casual eateries, with reliable produce and affordable meals if you choose seasonally available items. For work, seek a coworking space or a quiet café with steady wifi; public transport is limited, so a reliable car or ride-hailing helps errands and meetings. Kimberley living cost remains a helpful yardstick for budgeting groceries, transit, and occasional essentials. Tip: establish a weekly shopping route to save time.
How can you optimize your budget and neighborhood fit for a higher quality of life in Kimberley, including budgeting frameworks, savings, seasonality, and where to live?
To maximize quality of life, build a simple budgeting framework that prioritizes fixed essentials, flexible needs, and small savings. Choose a neighborhood that fits your daily routines – walkable cores with cafés, markets, and reliable internet can reduce transport time and stress. Align your housing with work needs, favor spaces with good natural light and sound isolation for focused work. Take advantage of seasonal shifts: summer winds, shade, and water considerations affect comfort and grocery choices. Compare Kimberley’s different districts by commute, noise, and access to services, not only rent. Tip: set a flexible monthly plan that adapts to changes in your routine or project load.
How much does it cost to live in Kimberley per month?
Plan for roughly $1,038 a month in Kimberley if you're renting, or around $657 for non-housing expenses. That covers one person's basics: food, bills, getting around, and a modest social life. Couples and families will need more, especially for housing and childcare.
How much does it cost to live in Kimberley in 2026?
For 2026, a single person in Kimberley should plan on about $1,038 per month with rent, or $657 without housing. That covers a moderate lifestyle – food, utilities, transport, and some leisure – at current local prices.
What salary is needed for a comfortable life in Kimberley?
You'll want at least $1,557 per month after taxes to live comfortably in Kimberley. 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.
What is the average rent for an apartment in Kimberley?
In Kimberley's center, a one-bedroom apartment runs about $249 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $311. Location makes a big difference here – and furnished places or short-term rentals will cost more on top of these figures.
Is grocery shopping affordable in Kimberley?
Groceries in Kimberley are cheap – a single person spends about $214 per month. Local markets and budget supermarkets push costs even lower. Food is one of the city's strongest affordability points.
What is a monthly transit pass in Kimberley?
Public transport in Kimberley costs about $31.03 per month – usually unlimited rides on buses, metro, or trams within the main zone. Much cheaper than owning a car, and the practical choice for most residents.
Is $1,000 enough to live comfortably in Kimberley?
$1,000 a month in Kimberley? Very doable. Average costs with rent come to just $1,038, which leaves real room to save, eat out, and enjoy the city without watching every dollar.
How welcoming is Kimberley to foreigners?
Kimberley has an established expat community and is welcoming to foreigners. wellness scene, great local cuisine, multilingual environment smooth the transition, and English-speaking landlords, expat-focused healthcare, and international services are all reasonably accessible. Monthly costs average $1,038 including housing.
Is Kimberley a cheap city to live in?
Kimberley is affordable by most measures, which is why it appeals to long-term travelers, remote workers, and budget-conscious residents. At $1,038 per month with rent, it sits well below the global average for cities of similar size.
Can you backpack through Kimberley cheaply?
Kimberley is great for backpackers. All-in costs average just $1,038 monthly, and even short-term visitors on tight budgets can stretch their money. Cheap hostels, affordable street food, budget transport, and free attractions make it easy to explore without overspending.

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