Cost of Living in Rustenburg - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $630 (excluding rent), and $945 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,322 (excluding rent), and $2,057 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$11.14 R 190

$5.57 R 95.2

$25.08 R 428

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$44.9 R 767

$28.07 R 479

$61.7 R 1,054

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$3.88 R 66.3

$3.61 R 61.6

$5.55 R 94.8

Cappuccino

$1.97 R 33.65

$1.44 R 24.54

$3.16 R 54

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

$0.89 R 15.25

$0.69 R 11.74

$1.72 R 29.45

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.46 R 7.85

$0.44 R 7.52

$1.37 R 23.38

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.37 R 23.42

$1.1 R 18.74

$4.11 R 70.3

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.08 R 35.46

$1.71 R 29.2

$4.28 R 73

Milk (1 liter)

$1.07 R 18.35

$0.83 R 14.14

$1.76 R 30.14

White Bread (500g)

$0.83 R 14.25

$0.65 R 11.1

$1.25 R 21.37

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.66 R 28.3

$1.1 R 18.87

$2.44 R 41.61

Eggs

$1.97 R 33.68

$1.36 R 23.27

$4.1 R 70

Local Cheese (1kg)

$5.82 R 99.3

$5.07 R 86.5

$13.29 R 227

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$4.22 R 72

$2.45 R 41.87

$7.26 R 124

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$6.65 R 114

$3.88 R 66.2

$11.03 R 188

Apples (1kg)

$1.57 R 26.82

$0.93 R 15.93

$2.14 R 36.55

Banana (1kg)

$1.34 R 22.9

$0.83 R 14.14

$2.43 R 41.58

Oranges (1kg)

$1.34 R 22.9

$0.75 R 12.76

$3.58 R 61.2

Tomato (1kg)

$1.58 R 26.99

$1.13 R 19.26

$2.14 R 36.62

Potato (1kg)

$0.82 R 14

$0.57 R 9.8

$3.22 R 55

Onion (1kg)

$0.8 R 13.74

$0.58 R 9.86

$2.31 R 39.45

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.08 R 18.52

$0.57 R 9.69

$1.42 R 24.23

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.9 R 15.35

$0.61 R 10.34

$1.09 R 18.69

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$2.47 R 42.17

$3.57 R 60.9

Wine (Bottle)

$4.41 R 75.3

$2.94 R 50.2

$8.83 R 151

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.12 R 19.11

$0.55 R 9.47

$2.22 R 37.89

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.11 R 18.87

$0.83 R 14.16

$2.76 R 47.18

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.14 R 19.51

$0.68 R 11.67

$1.14 R 19.51

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$44.06 R 752

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$0.98 R 16.68

$0.93 R 15.81

$1.73 R 29.5

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.95 R 16.31

$0.56 R 9.57

$2.44 R 41.66

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$4.1 R 70.1

$3.28 R 56

$5.7 R 97.4

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.22 R 20.87

$1.15 R 19.7

$1.5 R 25.54

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

$21.9K R 374.8K

$17.6K R 300.2K

$27.5K R 469.1K

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

$24.1K R 411K

$19.7K R 337.2K

$28.2K R 481.7K

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

$71.4 R 1,219

$45.69 R 780

$194 R 3,316

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

$12.54 R 214

$6.97 R 119

$83.6 R 1,428

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$42.76 R 730

$33.53 R 573

$55.9 R 954

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$23.17 R 396

$11.07 R 189

$27.81 R 475

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$5.5 R 93.9

Cinema Ticket

$4.55 R 77.7

$11.37 R 194

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

$102 R 1,750

$83.1 R 1,419

$277 R 4,730

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$4,874 R 83.2K

$2,667 R 45.5K

$8,334 R 142.3K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$49.76 R 850

$33.18 R 567

$83 R 1,417

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$34.11 R 583

$12.52 R 214

$68.3 R 1,167

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$91.2 R 1,557

$57 R 973

$142 R 2,432

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$78.7 R 1,343

$44.8 R 765

$224 R 3,826

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$304 R 5,199

$221 R 3,781

$401 R 6,853

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$338 R 5,764

$225 R 3,843

$450 R 7,685

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$683 R 11.7K

$455 R 7,778

$854 R 14.6K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$563 R 9,617

$467 R 7,975

$659 R 11.3K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$1,284 R 21.9K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

9.9

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

Last update: November 29, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

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🌍 Africa

Cost of Living in Rustenburg - Frequently Asked Questions

A growing, laid-back city, Rustenburg tends to feel affordable for longer stays and for those prioritizing space over prestige. It sits lower on the cost spectrum than many coastal and urban centers in South Africa, with housing and everyday groceries often more budget-friendly. You will notice real value in larger apartment layouts, predictable utilities, and practical local eateries that serve hearty meals at reasonable prices. The city also makes it easy to combine work with outdoor outings and day trips to nearby nature reserves. Cost of Living in Rustenburg, South Africa varies by neighborhood, so target well-connected central areas to balance access and cost. Tip: Look for longer-term leases and off-peak activity to save steadily.

A typical day blends practical living with outdoor energy. For housing, start with central neighborhoods and preview two-bedroom flats with built-in storage; longer leases often unlock better monthly rates. Food options range from neighborhood markets to larger supermarkets and affordable casual eateries, with plenty of fresh produce and braai-friendly staples. Transport is flexible: private cars are common, taxis and ride-hailing work well for short hops, and a few bus routes connect suburbs. If you work remotely, consider coworking spaces or cafes with reliable Wi-Fi, but check power reliability during peak heat. Rustenburg, South Africa living cost varies by quarter and area, so compare a few options before committing. Tip: visit during weekdays to gauge noise and accessibility.

A practical budgeting framework for Rustenburg is to carve costs into housing, groceries, transport, and activities. Prioritize neighborhoods that cut commute time and transit costs, and use local markets to stretch groceries further. Outdoor days and weekend trips to Pilanesberg or water parks can offer great value when planned in shoulder seasons. For seasonal variation, lighter winters and hot summers affect energy use and cooling needs, so factor that into utilities budgeting. When choosing a neighborhood, consider access to malls, clinics, and coworking hubs, plus quiet streets suitable for remote work. Tip: build a monthly buffer for repairs or travel to nearby attractions to keep plans flexible.