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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Knysna 2024
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Cost of Living in Knysna

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Knysna helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Apartment Rentals Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Knysna is around R7,000 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around R12,000 per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around R5,000 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around R8,000 per month.
Apartment Purchases The cost of purchasing a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Knysna is around R1.2 million. The cost of purchasing a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around R2 million. The cost of purchasing a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around R800,000. The cost of purchasing a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around R1.2 million.
Transportation The cost of public transportation in Knysna is around R20 for a one-way ticket. The cost of a monthly pass is around R200. The cost of a taxi ride in the city center is around R50. The cost of a taxi ride outside the city center is around R30.
Groceries The cost of basic groceries in Knysna is around R500 per week for a family of four. The cost of a liter of milk is around R15. The cost of a loaf of bread is around R10. The cost of a dozen eggs is around R20. The cost of a kilogram of chicken is around R50.
Restaurants The cost of a meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Knysna is around R50 per person. The cost of a meal at a mid-range restaurant is around R100 per person. The cost of a meal at a high-end restaurant is around R200 per person.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Knysna is around R1,500 per month for a family of four. This includes electricity, water, gas, and internet. The cost of electricity is around R500 per month. The cost of water is around R200 per month. The cost of gas is around R200 per month. The cost of internet is around R600 per month.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition for preschool in Knysna is around R10,000 per year. The cost of private school tuition for elementary school is around R15,000 per year. The cost of private school tuition for middle school is around R20,000 per year. The cost of private school tuition for high school is around R25,000 per year.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Knysna

"The cost of living in Knysna 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. Utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water are also fairly priced. Groceries in Knysna are moderately priced, with local markets and supermarkets offering a wide range of products. Eating out in restaurants can vary, with options for both budget-friendly and high-end dining. Transportation costs are also reasonable, with public transport being a cost-effective option. However, owning a car can be more expensive due to the cost of petrol and maintenance. Healthcare in Knysna is of a good standard and is relatively affordable, especially when compared to countries like the United States. However, private healthcare can be more expensive. Overall, the cost of living in Knysna is manageable, offering a good quality of life for a reasonable cost. However, it's important to note that these costs can vary depending on personal lifestyle and preferences," said one expat living in Knysna.

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

"I've been living in Knysna 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. The cost of living in Knysna is relatively low compared to other cities in South Africa, but it's still important to budget wisely.First, you'll want to find an affordable neighborhood to live in. I'd recommend looking into areas like Hornlee, Sedgefield, or Rheenendal. These neighborhoods are more budget-friendly and still offer a decent quality of life. You can find a small apartment or house for around $500-$700 a month, which should leave you with enough money for other expenses.On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Thesen Island, Pezula, or Simola. These areas are known for their luxury homes and high-end amenities, which can be quite costly.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be expensive due to fuel costs and maintenance. I'd recommend using public transportation or even cycling if possible. This will not only save you money but also help you stay active and healthy.For groceries and other household items, you'll want to shop at local markets and discount stores. This will help you save money on your monthly expenses. Eating out can also be quite expensive, so I'd recommend cooking at home as much as possible.In terms of entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Knysna. You can explore the beautiful beaches, hike in the nearby forests, or visit local art galleries and museums. However, you might have to cut back on more expensive activities like golfing or fine dining.Overall, living in Knysna on $1,500 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, cutting back on transportation costs, and being smart about your grocery shopping and entertainment choices, you can live comfortably and enjoy all that this beautiful town has to offer," commented an expat living in Knysna.

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

"I've been living in Knysna 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 a few sacrifices to make it work. For example, you might not be able to dine out at fancy restaurants as often as you'd like, or you might have to cut back on some luxury items.When it comes to finding a place to live, there are a few neighborhoods that I'd recommend for someone on a budget. Old Place and Costa Sarda are both affordable areas with a good mix of housing options. You can find a decent apartment or house for around $500 to $800 per month, depending on the size and location. These neighborhoods are also close to shops, restaurants, and other amenities, so you won't feel too isolated.On the other hand, there are some more expensive neighborhoods that you might want to avoid if you're trying to stick to a $3,000 a month budget. Thesen Island and Pezula are both beautiful areas with stunning views and luxurious homes, but the cost of living there can be quite high. Rent in these areas can easily exceed $1,500 per month, and that's before you factor in utilities and other expenses.As for transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive in South Africa due to high petrol prices and maintenance costs. However, Knysna has a decent public transportation system, so you might be able to get by without a car if you live close to a bus route. Alternatively, you could consider purchasing a more fuel-efficient vehicle or even a scooter to save on transportation costs.In terms of groceries and other everyday expenses, you'll find that prices in Knysna are generally lower than in more developed countries. However, imported goods can be quite expensive, so you might have to adjust your shopping habits and opt for local products whenever possible.Overall, living in Knysna on a $3,000 a month budget is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in order to make it work. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, cutting back on luxury items, and being smart about transportation, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in this beautiful South African town," said one expat living in Knysna.

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

"I've been living in Knysna for a few years 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 Knysna include Hornlee, Sedgefield, and Rheenendal. These areas offer a good mix of housing options, from apartments to standalone houses, and you should be able to find something within your budget. On the other hand, you might want to avoid the more expensive neighborhoods like Thesen Island, Pezula, and Simola, as these areas are known for their luxury properties and higher cost of living.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 or even carpooling with coworkers. Alternatively, you could look into purchasing a more fuel-efficient vehicle or even an electric car if it's within your budget.Eating out can also be quite costly, especially if you're used to dining at high-end restaurants. To save money, you might want to cook more meals at home or explore some of the more affordable local eateries. There are plenty of grocery stores and markets in Knysna where you can find fresh produce and other ingredients to make delicious meals at home.As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Knysna, such as hiking, visiting the beach, or exploring the local markets. However, you might have to cut back on more expensive activities like golfing at the luxury courses or going on high-end safari tours.Overall, living in Knysna on a $5,000 a month budget is definitely doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in certain areas. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being smart about transportation, and finding ways to save on food and entertainment, you should be able to live comfortably and enjoy all that this beautiful town has to offer," commented an expat living in Knysna.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

SJB Global
SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
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SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

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