Cost of Living in Margate - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $907 monthly including rent, or $506 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,420 with rent, or $793 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $1,933 including rent, or $1,079 for daily expenses alone.

Margate sits about 32% below the global median. Within Africa, costs are close to average – just 10% lower.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$7.16 R 118

$4.01 R 65.9

$14.32 R 235

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$28.17 R 463

$25.35 R 417

$67.6 R 1,111

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$3.40 R 55.9

$2.45 R 40.28

$6.53 R 107

Cappuccino

$1.22 R 20.13

$0.68 R 11.24

$2.86 R 46.96

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

$0.67 R 11.03

$0.37 R 6.14

$1.34 R 22.05

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.41 R 6.71

$1.17 R 19.26

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.97 R 32.46

$1.13 R 18.55

$3.38 R 55.6

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.41 R 23.21

$3.11 R 51.1

Milk (1 liter)

$0.87 R 14.24

$0.69 R 11.36

$1.44 R 23.74

White Bread (500g)

$0.76 R 12.44

$0.55 R 9.05

$1.10 R 18.10

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.24 R 20.42

$1.13 R 18.59

$1.70 R 27.89

Eggs

$2.18 R 35.86

$1.36 R 22.35

$3.41 R 56.0

Local Cheese (1kg)

$4.68 R 76.9

$2.75 R 45.22

$9.90 R 163

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$2.44 R 40.18

$1.97 R 32.41

$5.63 R 92.6

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$3.52 R 57.8

$2.42 R 39.71

$8.63 R 142

Apples (1kg)

$1.42 R 23.27

$0.85 R 13.96

$2.26 R 37.23

Banana (1kg)

$1.41 R 23.19

$0.85 R 14.01

$2.84 R 46.71

Oranges (1kg)

$1.29 R 21.24

$0.57 R 9.44

$3.45 R 56.6

Tomato (1kg)

$1.30 R 21.31

$0.44 R 7.21

$1.81 R 29.80

Potato (1kg)

$0.93 R 15.33

$0.48 R 7.82

$2.40 R 39.42

Onion (1kg)

$1.17 R 19.31

$0.66 R 10.78

$1.81 R 29.77

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.02 R 16.84

$0.57 R 9.43

$1.26 R 20.71

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.88 R 14.43

$0.64 R 10.51

$1.34 R 21.95

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$1.51 R 24.85

$1.49 R 24.52

$4.00 R 65.8

Wine (Bottle)

$3.49 R 57.3

$2.98 R 48.93

$8.94 R 147

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$0.93 R 15.23

$2.31 R 37.91

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.44 R 23.69

$0.93 R 15.23

$3.17 R 52.1

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.06 R 17.37

$0.68 R 11.19

$1.42 R 23.38

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$0.71 R 11.64

$1.90 R 31.24

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.62 R 10.20

$0.56 R 9.18

$1.68 R 27.55

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$4.42 R 72.7

$3.41 R 56.0

$6.63 R 109

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.29 R 21.15

$1.17 R 19.20

$1.47 R 24.08

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

$20.5K R 336.2K

$17.0K R 280.2K

$28.4K R 466.9K

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

$24.5K R 403.2K

$20.9K R 343.0K

$31.0K R 509.8K

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

$147 R 2,415

$85.6 R 1,408

$285 R 4,692

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

$28.74 R 472

$13.68 R 225

$45.03 R 740

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$33.82 R 556

$22.45 R 369

$56.1 R 923

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$30.48 R 501

$17.61 R 289

$41.24 R 678

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$3.35 R 55.0

Cinema Ticket

$3.67 R 60.4

$8.48 R 139

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

$206 R 3,384

$156 R 2,569

$335 R 5,506

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$4,584 R 75.3K

$3,352 R 55.1K

$7,263 R 119.4K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$42.29 R 695

$16.88 R 277

$67.5 R 1,110

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$30.64 R 504

$11.42 R 188

$57.1 R 939

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$92.9 R 1,527

$38.46 R 632

$138 R 2,261

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$72.4 R 1,191

$44.53 R 732

$139 R 2,290

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$364 R 5,983

$224 R 3,682

$406 R 6,674

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$334 R 5,485

$252 R 4,144

$448 R 7,367

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$683 R 11.2K

$446 R 7,335

$837 R 13.8K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$687 R 11.3K

$501 R 8,241

$850 R 14.0K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$844 R 13.9K

$665 R 10.9K

$1,101 R 18.1K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$708 R 11.6K

$554 R 9,109

$708 R 11.6K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$1,502 R 24.7K

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: July 12, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $364 for a central one-bedroom, or $334 outside the center. At 24% of the average salary ($1,502), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $1,502, while typical expenses reach $907. This leaves solid room for saving and lifestyle spending.

Expect to spend about $128 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $28.00 for two – well below the African average of $42.00.

Cost Highlights

Margate has the 8th cheapest chicken fillets in Africa

Fast food meal is cheaper than 95% of cities in Africa

Average monthly net salary is higher than 90% of cities in Africa

Margate Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌍 Africa

Cost of Living in Margate - Frequently Asked Questions

Margate offers a laid-back beach town feel with options that can fit a range of budgets. Accommodation tends toward smaller apartments, guesthouses, and holiday lets that often come with kitchen facilities, which helps control daily costs. Food can be affordable if you shop local and cook at home, while dining out aligns with a relaxed vibe rather than high-end restaurants. Utilities and internet are generally workable for remote work, though speeds can vary by building. In a South African coastal context, Margate tends to be more affordable than major metros, especially outside peak holiday periods. Cost of Living in Margate, South Africa is a helpful reference for planning. Tip: Scout in the off-season and negotiate longer stays for better rates.

Day-to-day life in Margate revolves around a relaxed schedule and accessible choices. Housing search often centers on walkable coastal suburbs or small complexes with secure parking; many find better deals through longer lets or seasonal rental portals. Groceries and casual meals can be very affordable if you shop at local markets and cook at home; pick up fresh produce on weekend mornings. For transport, a car is convenient for exploring nearby beaches and groceries, though bus routes and rideshares help if you don’t drive. For remote work, cafes with reliable Wi‑Fi or light coworking spaces in nearby towns can fit a nomad’s rhythm. Margate, South Africa living cost is easy to budget around. Tip: map a 2–3 neighborhood loop to compare convenience and vibe.

Margate offers a quality of life built on outdoor activities and a slower pace, which suits many nomads who want balance. When budgeting, think about a 50/30/20 approach for housing, food, and discretionary spending, and use seasonality to your advantage – rates and crowds shift with holidays and school terms. Neighborhood fit matters: beachside pockets are lively in summer but quieter off-season; inland blocks feel closer to shops and pathways. For daily needs, plan ahead for safe banking, SIM data, and access to medical care; keep a contingency fund for travel between towns. Tip: build a short list of two neighborhoods and test them during a full week.

With 24% of the average paycheck going to rent, Margate is on the expensive side for housing. Many locals cope by sharing apartments, moving to outer neighborhoods, or downsizing to keep things manageable.

A single person in Margate typically spends $907 per month once rent is factored in. Strip out housing, and everyday essentials like groceries, utilities, transport, and personal spending land around $506. The final number shifts depending on your neighborhood, eating habits, and general lifestyle.

At $1,502 take-home, most residents in Margate can cover the $907 monthly cost of living. Those earning $1,361 or more have room to save; below-average earners will find things noticeably tighter.

Where you live in Margate makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $364; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $334. Overall, the market runs from $334 to $364 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.

Margate is great for eating affordably at home. Monthly grocery bills run about $128, and local produce is plentiful and well-priced, making home cooking both practical and cost-effective.

Fitness in Margate is cheap at around $30.48 monthly for a standard gym. It's one of the lighter items in the budget, making it easy to stay active without worrying about the cost.

$800 stretches far in Margate – all-in monthly costs average only $907. The surplus means you can build savings, travel a bit, and live above the local average without much effort.

Family life in Margate works well overall. Childcare at around $206 monthly is the main cost to plan for, but the city backs it up with decent public transport, recreational facilities, and a range of school options for different ages.

Monthly expenses in Margate run around $907, so putting money aside takes more than $1,361 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.

Budget travelers love Margate – low prices across accommodation, food, and transport make it one of the most backpacker-friendly cities around. Long-stay costs come to just $907 monthly; short-term visitors can get by on even less with hostels and local food.