Cost of Living in Stellenbosch - Updated Prices & Insights

35.8
Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $520 (excluding rent), and $1,053 including rent.
Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,229 (excluding rent), and $2,403 including rent.
Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$8.25 R 147
$3.3 R 58.7
$16.52 R 294
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$33.53 R 596
$26.82 R 477
$67.1 R 1,193
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$4.31 R 76.6
$4.02 R 71.5
$5.74 R 102
Cappuccino
$1.74 R 31
$1.2 R 21.3
$2.73 R 48.49
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.8 R 14.21
$0.7 R 12.36
$1.74 R 31
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.58 R 10.3
$0.47 R 8.27
$1.74 R 30.89
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.2 R 39.2
$1.65 R 29.4
$3.31 R 58.8
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.26 R 40.22
$1.7 R 30.16
$3.96 R 70.4
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$0.84 R 14.99
$0.71 R 12.58
$1.63 R 28.95
White Bread (500g)
$0.75 R 13.25
$0.51 R 9.12
$1.52 R 27.02
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.45 R 25.86
$1.03 R 18.4
$2.84 R 50.5
Eggs
$1.95 R 34.61
$1.33 R 23.66
$3.56 R 63.4
Local Cheese (1kg)
$6.91 R 123
$2.82 R 50.2
$11.28 R 201
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$4.55 R 80.8
$2.75 R 48.99
$7.16 R 127
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$7.42 R 132
$5.13 R 91.3
$9.7 R 172
Apples (1kg)
$1.08 R 19.27
$0.69 R 12.18
$2.29 R 40.73
Banana (1kg)
$1.26 R 22.41
$0.68 R 12.01
$2.37 R 42.14
Oranges (1kg)
$0.74 R 13.2
$0.64 R 11.34
$3.15 R 56
Tomato (1kg)
$1.33 R 23.65
$0.55 R 9.74
$1.86 R 33.04
Potato (1kg)
$0.85 R 15.12
$0.57 R 10.08
$1.7 R 30.24
Onion (1kg)
$1.23 R 21.82
$0.74 R 13.17
$1.7 R 30.3
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.92 R 16.31
$0.65 R 11.5
$1.35 R 24.03
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.85 R 15.15
$0.71 R 12.71
$1.37 R 24.38
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$2.91 R 51.7
$2.49 R 44.29
$3.6 R 64
Wine (Bottle)
$5.38 R 95.7
$2.76 R 49.09
$9.39 R 167
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.36 R 24.17
$0.83 R 14.71
$2.48 R 44.14
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.69 R 30.13
$0.83 R 14.72
$3.31 R 58.9
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.14 R 20.28
$0.68 R 12.13
$1.14 R 20.28
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$8.51 R 151
-
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.44 R 25.55
$0.75 R 13.32
$2.87 R 51.1
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.93 R 16.5
$0.62 R 11.05
$1.55 R 27.55
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$2.85 R 50.6
$2.73 R 48.63
$5.69 R 101
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.21 R 21.46
$1.17 R 20.76
$1.33 R 23.57
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$13.1K R 233.8K
$13.1K R 233.8K
$25.2K R 447.3K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$24K R 426.3K
$20.3K R 360.3K
$31K R 550.4K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$95.1 R 1,690
$64.1 R 1,140
$198 R 3,519
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$28.7 R 510
$11.28 R 201
$56.4 R 1,003
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$41.06 R 730
$30.79 R 548
$56 R 996
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$35.06 R 624
$13.84 R 246
$47.05 R 837
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$2.81 R 50
-
Cinema Ticket
$5.74 R 102
$4.59 R 81.6
$10.61 R 189
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$206 R 3,656
$110 R 1,959
$321 R 5,713
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$1,337 R 23.8K
$1,003 R 17.8K
$8,913 R 158.5K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$45.5 R 809
$33.93 R 603
$67.9 R 1,207
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$19.38 R 345
$19.38 R 345
$49.83 R 886
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$97.2 R 1,728
$66.6 R 1,185
$139 R 2,469
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$57 R 1,014
$51.3 R 913
$143 R 2,535
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$553 R 9,828
$430 R 7,644
$670 R 11.9K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$451 R 8,022
$451 R 8,022
$451 R 8,022
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,324 R 23.6K
$1,104 R 19.6K
$1,545 R 27.5K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,103 R 19.6K
$913 R 16.2K
$1,255 R 22.3K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$614 R 10.9K
$380 R 6,753
$831 R 14.8K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$2,270 R 40.4K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
11.77
11
13.75
Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
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Cost of Living in Stellenbosch - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stellenbosch a good value for travelers and expats when considering overall affordability and quality of life?
Stellenbosch sits in a favorable spot for value, especially if you balance costs against a high quality of life, scenery, and access to wine country. For many travelers and remote workers, the city offers comfortable options without the price tag of larger metros. Expect markets, varied dining, and housing that ranges from compact apartments to leafy family homes near campus and town. The vibe is relaxed, with a university presence that keeps amenities accessible. Cost of Living in Stellenbosch, South Africa helps set expectations for housing and daily expenses as you plan a longer stay. Tip: Start with a shortlist of neighborhoods near the university to minimize commute times.
What does daily life look like in terms of housing search, food options, transport, and errands in Stellenbosch?
Daily life in Stellenbosch blends a village vibe with solid amenities. For housing, look for options within easy walking or short drive to the town center and campus – older cottages, duplexes, and modern apartments cluster near the university or along the main streets. Food options range from farmers markets with seasonal produce to casual spots and a few refined choices. Public transport is workable, but many prefer a bike or car for weekend winery trips. Co-working spaces and cafes provide reliable work spots. Stellenbosch living cost varies by neighborhood, season, and lifestyle, so plan a flexible budget. Tip: Start with a conservative daily budget and track your expenses for a week to refine it.
How can you assess quality of life, budget effectively, and choose a neighborhood that fits your pace in Stellenbosch?
Quality of life in Stellenbosch blends outdoor leisure with academic energy and a safe, relaxed pace. To budget effectively, consider a simple framework: allocate housing, groceries, and transport, with a buffer for spontaneous outings. Neighborhood fit: central historic areas like Stellenbosch Central or Dorp Street offer walkability; more peaceful, leafy lanes near vineyards provide longer stays and quiet evenings. Seasonality can shift crowds, dining options, and winery access; plan around harvests or school holidays to balance crowds and prices. Tip: Use a monthly calendar to map your fixed costs and a separate buffer for travel and activities.
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