×
Interested in our Partner Program for businesses or our Local Guide Program for experienced expats and digital nomads? Click here to learn more.
Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in East London 2024
Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In


Cost of Living in East London

By Betsy Burlingame

Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

Summary: If you're moving to East London, understanding the the cost of living in East London helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Apartment Rentals East London is a relatively affordable city to rent an apartment. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost around R4,500 per month, while a three-bedroom apartment can cost around R7,500 per month. Outside of the city center, prices can be lower, with one-bedroom apartments costing around R3,500 per month and three-bedroom apartments costing around R6,000 per month.
Apartment Purchases The cost of purchasing an apartment in East London varies depending on the size and location. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost around R1.2 million, while a three-bedroom apartment can cost around R2.5 million. Outside of the city center, prices can be lower, with one-bedroom apartments costing around R800,000 and three-bedroom apartments costing around R1.5 million.
Transportation Public transportation in East London is relatively affordable. A single bus ticket costs around R10, while a monthly bus pass costs around R200. Taxis are also available, with the cost of a 5km ride costing around R50. For those who prefer to drive, petrol costs around R15 per liter.
Groceries Groceries in East London are relatively affordable. A loaf of bread costs around R15, a liter of milk costs around R15, and a kilogram of chicken costs around R50. Fruits and vegetables are also relatively affordable, with a kilogram of apples costing around R20 and a kilogram of potatoes costing around R15.
Restaurants Eating out in East London is relatively affordable. A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around R100 per person, while a meal at a fast food restaurant costs around R50 per person. For those looking for a more upscale dining experience, a meal at a high-end restaurant can cost around R200 per person.
Utilities Utilities in East London are relatively affordable. The average cost of electricity is around R400 per month, while the average cost of water is around R200 per month. Internet and cable TV packages can cost around R400 per month.
Private School Tuition Private school tuition in East London can vary depending on the school. Preschool tuition can cost around R2,000 per month, while elementary school tuition can cost around R3,000 per month. Middle school tuition can cost around R4,000 per month, and high school tuition can cost around R5,000 per month.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in East London

"The cost of living in East London, is relatively affordable compared to other major cities in the country. Housing is quite reasonable, with a variety of options available from apartments to standalone houses. The cost of utilities such as electricity, water, and internet is also relatively low. Groceries are affordable, with local markets offering fresh produce at lower prices. Eating out at restaurants is also reasonably priced, with a wide range of options to suit different budgets. Transportation costs are also low, especially if you use public transport. However, owning a car can be more expensive due to the cost of petrol and maintenance. Healthcare in East London is generally affordable, especially if you have medical insurance. Private healthcare facilities are more expensive than public ones, but they offer a higher standard of care. Education costs vary depending on whether you choose public or private schools. Public schools are generally more affordable, while private schools are more expensive but offer a higher standard of education. Overall, the cost of living in East London is manageable and offers a good quality of life for its residents," said one expat living in East London.

Can I live in East London on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in East London for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find an affordable neighborhood to live in. I'd recommend areas like Cambridge, Amalinda, or Southernwood. These neighborhoods are more budget-friendly, and you can find a decent apartment or house for around $400 to $600 a month. On the other hand, I'd avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Nahoon, Beacon Bay, or Vincent, as the cost of living there can be significantly higher. In terms of transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive, so I'd recommend using public transport like taxis or buses, which are relatively cheap and reliable. When it comes to groceries and eating out, you'll need to be mindful of your spending. Shopping at local markets and supermarkets like Pick n Pay or Checkers can help you save money on groceries. Eating out can be affordable if you stick to local eateries and fast food joints, but avoid high-end restaurants as they can be quite pricey. For entertainment and leisure, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in East London, like visiting the beach, hiking in nature reserves, or attending local events and festivals. However, you might have to cut back on more expensive hobbies or activities like frequent trips to the cinema or joining a high-end gym. In summary, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in East London is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing, transportation, and leisure activities," commented an expat living in East London.

Can I live in East London on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in East London for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make some sacrifices in terms of the neighborhood you choose to live in and the type of housing you opt for.For instance, some of the more expensive neighborhoods like Vincent, Bunkers Hill, and Nahoon might be out of your budget if you want to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. These areas are known for their upscale homes, beautiful surroundings, and proximity to good schools and shopping centers, but the cost of living there can be quite high.On the other hand, there are more affordable neighborhoods like Cambridge, Amalinda, and Beacon Bay where you can find decent housing at a lower cost. These areas might not be as fancy as the more expensive neighborhoods, but they still offer a good quality of life and access to modern amenities like shopping centers, restaurants, and healthcare facilities.In terms of housing, you might have to settle for a smaller apartment or a house with fewer amenities than you're used to. However, you can still find comfortable and modern accommodations within your budget if you're willing to compromise on certain aspects like the size of the property or the number of bedrooms.Another sacrifice you might have to make is cutting back on dining out and entertainment expenses. While there are plenty of restaurants and entertainment options in East London, you'll need to be mindful of your spending in these areas to ensure you stay within your budget.Overall, living in East London on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be strategic about your housing choices and be willing to make some sacrifices in terms of your lifestyle. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood and being mindful of your spending, you can still enjoy a comfortable and modern lifestyle in this beautiful city," said one expat living in East London.

Can I live in East London on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in East London for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, there might be some sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll want to choose an affordable neighborhood to live in. Some of the more affordable areas in East London include Cambridge, Amalinda, and Beacon Bay. These areas offer a good mix of housing options, from apartments to houses, and you should be able to find something within your budget. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Nahoon, Vincent, and Bunkers Hill, as the cost of living in these areas can be significantly higher.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive due to the cost of petrol and maintenance. To save money, you might want to consider using public transportation, such as taxis and buses, which are relatively affordable and can get you around the city quite easily. Alternatively, you could also look into carpooling with coworkers or friends to save on transportation costs.Eating out can also be quite expensive, especially if you're used to dining at high-end restaurants. To save money, you might want to consider cooking at home more often and exploring local markets for fresh produce. However, there are still plenty of affordable dining options in East London, so you won't have to completely give up on eating out.In terms of entertainment, you might have to cut back on some of the more expensive activities, such as going to the cinema or attending concerts. However, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in East London, such as visiting the beach, hiking in the nearby nature reserves, or exploring the local art galleries and museums.Overall, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in East London is definitely achievable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in certain areas. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, cutting back on transportation and dining costs, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you should be able to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while staying within your budget," commented an expat living in East London.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

GeoBlue
GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlueGeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Contribute to South Africa Network Contribute
Help others in South Africa by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in South Africa.

Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides