Cost of Living in Knysna - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $562 (excluding rent), and $1,108 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,377 (excluding rent), and $2,221 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$8.25 R 147

$8.8 R 157

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$36.55 R 650

$25.31 R 450

$44.98 R 800

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$4.83 R 85.8

$3.88 R 69.1

$5.55 R 98.7

Cappuccino

$2.17 R 38.53

$1.95 R 34.64

$2.34 R 41.53

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

$1.15 R 20.5

$0.86 R 15.37

$1.44 R 25.62

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.74 R 13.18

$0.6 R 10.62

$0.97 R 17.29

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.12 R 37.66

$1.41 R 25.11

$2.82 R 50.2

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.29 R 40.71

$1.72 R 30.54

$2.86 R 50.9

Milk (1 liter)

$1.17 R 20.73

$0.94 R 16.69

$1.21 R 21.61

White Bread (500g)

$0.96 R 17.05

$0.69 R 12.28

$1.15 R 20.54

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.65 R 29.37

$1.6 R 28.46

$1.71 R 30.45

Eggs

$2.6 R 46.21

$2.03 R 36.18

$2.93 R 52.1

Local Cheese (1kg)

$9.96 R 177

$6.14 R 109

$13.41 R 238

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$4.56 R 81.1

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$6.82 R 121

$5.76 R 103

$7.49 R 133

Apples (1kg)

$1.42 R 25.31

Banana (1kg)

$1.67 R 29.72

$1.64 R 29.18

$1.7 R 30.26

Oranges (1kg)

$1.23 R 21.89

$1.09 R 19.46

$1.37 R 24.32

Tomato (1kg)

$1.59 R 28.2

$1.54 R 27.33

$1.64 R 29.25

Potato (1kg)

$1.4 R 24.98

$1.27 R 22.53

$1.54 R 27.42

Onion (1kg)

$1.35 R 23.99

$1.32 R 23.46

$1.38 R 24.51

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.15 R 20.51

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1 R 17.79

$0.86 R 15.25

$1.14 R 20.33

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$2.85 R 50.8

$2.57 R 45.67

$3.71 R 66

Wine (Bottle)

$5.08 R 90.3

$2.82 R 50.2

$5.64 R 100

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.32 R 23.48

$0.85 R 15.19

$2.17 R 38.67

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.72 R 30.59

$1.03 R 18.39

$2.87 R 51

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.61 R 28.65

$0.65 R 11.63

$1.61 R 28.65

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.14 R 20.27

$0.92 R 16.29

$2.28 R 40.53

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.89 R 15.86

$0.52 R 9.31

$1.63 R 28.96

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$3.71 R 65.9

$2.58 R 45.81

$5.15 R 91.6

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.37 R 24.28

$1.21 R 21.54

$1.44 R 25.56

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

$22.1K R 392.5K

$20.7K R 367.7K

$23.5K R 417.4K

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

$22.1K R 392.5K

$21.5K R 381.5K

$22.7K R 403.6K

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

$88.9 R 1,581

$73.5 R 1,307

$113 R 2,011

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

$22.26 R 396

$19.48 R 346

$27.82 R 495

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$40.83 R 726

$27.84 R 495

$50.1 R 891

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$44.33 R 788

$33.25 R 591

$44.33 R 788

Cinema Ticket

$6.58 R 117

$4.94 R 87.8

$10.97 R 195

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

$234 R 4,156

$192 R 3,422

$275 R 4,889

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$4,300 R 76.5K

$2,660 R 47.3K

$7,203 R 128.1K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$50.1 R 890

$33.38 R 594

$66.8 R 1,187

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$32.77 R 583

$12.53 R 223

$51.3 R 912

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$111 R 1,971

$108 R 1,920

$114 R 2,021

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$78.9 R 1,402

$44.26 R 787

$122 R 2,165

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$468 R 8,318

$449 R 7,985

$505 R 8,983

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$450 R 8,000

$394 R 7,000

$562 R 10K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$756 R 13.4K

$672 R 11.9K

$840 R 14.9K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$718 R 12.8K

$442 R 7,853

$994 R 17.7K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$948 R 16.9K

$905 R 16.1K

$990 R 17.6K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$960 R 17.1K

$847 R 15.1K

$1,072 R 19.1K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$738 R 13.1K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

12.25

13.5

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

City tags:

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Cost of Living in Knysna - Frequently Asked Questions

Knysna offers a compelling mix of scenery and practicality, making it a good value for travelers, expats, and digital nomads who want balance. Housing ranges from simple flats to scenic cottages, often more approachable than big metros, while local markets and casual eateries keep daily meals affordable. The Cost of Living in Knysna tends to feel more accessible than in larger South African cities, thanks to shorter commutes and abundant nature-based activities that don't demand high discretionary spending. Seasonal tourism adds variability, but the town remains walkable, neighborly, and rich in affordable lifestyle options. Tip: explore shoulder seasons and non-waterfront neighborhoods to stretch your budget.

Start by mapping neighborhoods by vibe: waterfront spots offer scenery and convenience but can be pricier, while inland areas often deliver better value and a shorter drive to forests and beaches. When searching for housing, test a few stays in different areas and prioritize walkable commutes to markets and coworking spaces. Food options range from fresh market produce to casual restaurants; cooking at home with local ingredients stretches budgets. Transportation is flexible – many rely on a car, scooter, or bike, with rideshares handy for longer trips. The Knysna living cost varies by neighborhood and lifestyle, so you calibrate your budget by choosing a quieter inland pocket or a busier town center. Tip: plan errands around market days to catch seasonal produce.

Quality of life comes from nature, community, and manageable pace. Build a simple budgeting framework focusing on housing, food, transport, and leisure. Use a flexible plan: set a monthly envelope for essentials, then track discretionary spending. Seasonality affects crowds and availability; plan ahead for peak times for accommodations and tours, and seek out free or low-cost outdoor activities like hiking or lagoon strolls. When choosing a neighborhood, think about proximity to water, forests, or town centers, plus access to reliable internet if you work remotely. Tip: experiment with neighborhood visits during different seasons to sense subtle changes in vibe and practicality.