Cost of Living in Stellenbosch - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $592 (excluding rent), and $1,051 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,124 (excluding rent), and $2,407 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$8.45 R 144

$3.38 R 57.7

$16.91 R 289

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$33.19 R 567

$26.55 R 453

$66.4 R 1,134

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$4.17 R 71.3

$3.89 R 66.5

$5.56 R 95

Cappuccino

$1.84 R 31.43

$1.26 R 21.6

$2.88 R 49.17

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

$0.74 R 12.59

$0.64 R 10.95

$1.61 R 27.47

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.59 R 10.04

$0.47 R 8.06

$1.76 R 30.11

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.22 R 37.93

$1.67 R 28.45

$3.33 R 56.9

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.22 R 37.85

$1.66 R 28.39

$3.88 R 66.3

Milk (1 liter)

$0.89 R 15.15

$0.74 R 12.72

$1.71 R 29.26

White Bread (500g)

$0.74 R 12.72

$0.51 R 8.75

$1.52 R 25.93

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.45 R 24.77

$1.03 R 17.62

$2.83 R 48.38

Eggs

$2.01 R 34.38

$1.38 R 23.5

$3.69 R 63

Local Cheese (1kg)

$7.06 R 121

$2.88 R 49.19

$11.52 R 197

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$4.57 R 78.1

$2.77 R 47.33

$7.21 R 123

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$7.23 R 123

$5 R 85.4

$9.45 R 161

Apples (1kg)

$1.03 R 17.58

$0.65 R 11.11

$2.18 R 37.16

Banana (1kg)

$1.22 R 20.79

$0.65 R 11.14

$2.29 R 39.08

Oranges (1kg)

$0.82 R 13.92

$0.7 R 11.96

$3.46 R 59.1

Tomato (1kg)

$1.34 R 22.91

$0.55 R 9.44

$1.87 R 32.01

Potato (1kg)

$0.82 R 14.04

$0.55 R 9.36

$1.64 R 28.07

Onion (1kg)

$1.23 R 20.92

$0.74 R 12.62

$1.7 R 29.05

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.97 R 16.5

$0.68 R 11.63

$1.42 R 24.31

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.85 R 14.54

$0.71 R 12.2

$1.37 R 23.4

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$2.89 R 49.32

$2.48 R 42.28

$3.58 R 61.1

Wine (Bottle)

$5.74 R 98

$2.87 R 48.98

$10.32 R 176

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.35 R 23.07

$0.82 R 14.04

$2.47 R 42.12

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.68 R 28.75

$0.82 R 14.04

$3.29 R 56.2

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.14 R 19.52

$0.68 R 11.68

$1.14 R 19.52

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$8.6 R 147

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.41 R 24.15

$0.74 R 12.59

$2.83 R 48.3

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.98 R 16.8

$0.66 R 11.26

$1.64 R 28.06

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$2.86 R 48.9

$2.75 R 46.98

$5.73 R 97.8

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.2 R 20.48

$1.16 R 19.81

$1.32 R 22.49

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

$13.3K R 227K

$25.4K R 434.4K

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

$24.2K R 413.9K

$20.5K R 349.8K

$31.3K R 534.4K

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

$93.4 R 1,595

$63 R 1,075

$194 R 3,320

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

$28.59 R 488

$11.23 R 192

$56.2 R 960

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$40.54 R 692

$30.41 R 519

$55.3 R 944

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$35.56 R 607

$14.03 R 240

$47.72 R 815

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$2.75 R 47.02

Cinema Ticket

$5.72 R 97.7

$4.58 R 78.2

$10.59 R 181

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

$210 R 3,588

$113 R 1,922

$328 R 5,606

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$1,329 R 22.7K

$997 R 17K

$8,862 R 151.3K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$44.89 R 767

$33.48 R 572

$67 R 1,143

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$19.49 R 333

$50.1 R 856

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$97.7 R 1,668

$67 R 1,144

$140 R 2,383

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$54.9 R 938

$49.43 R 844

$137 R 2,344

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$554 R 9,458

$431 R 7,356

$671 R 11.5K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$445 R 7,593

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,329 R 22.7K

$1,107 R 18.9K

$1,550 R 26.5K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,071 R 18.3K

$887 R 15.1K

$1,219 R 20.8K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$2,406 R 41.1K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

11.77

13.75

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

Last update: November 22, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌍 Africa

Cost of Living in Stellenbosch - Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

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.