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

By Betsy Burlingame

AGS Worldwide Movers
AGS Worldwide Movers

Summary: If you're moving to Wilderness, understanding the the cost of living in Wilderness helps you know 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 Wilderness is around R7,000 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around R10,000 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 R7,000 per month.
Apartment Purchases The cost of purchasing a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Wilderness is around R1.2 million. The cost of purchasing a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around R1.8 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 Wilderness is around R50 per day. 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 Wilderness is around R1,000 per month. The cost of a liter of milk is around R15. The cost of a loaf of bread is around R20. The cost of a dozen eggs is around R20.
Restaurants The cost of a meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Wilderness is around R50. The cost of a meal at a mid-range restaurant is around R150. The cost of a meal at a high-end restaurant is around R300.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Wilderness is around R1,500 per month. This includes electricity, water, gas, and internet. The cost of a basic cell phone plan is around R200 per month.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition for preschool in Wilderness 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 Wilderness

"The cost of living in Wilderness, is relatively affordable compared to other parts of the country. Housing is quite reasonable, with options ranging from modest apartments to more luxurious homes. The cost of groceries and dining out is also fairly inexpensive, with a variety of options available to suit different budgets. Utilities such as electricity, water, and internet are also reasonably priced. Transportation costs are low, especially if you use public transportation. However, owning a car can be more expensive due to the cost of petrol. Healthcare is affordable, especially if you have medical insurance. Overall, the cost of living in Wilderness is manageable and offers good value for money," said one expat living in Wilderness.

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

"I've been living in Wilderness 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 here is relatively low compared to other parts of the country, but you'll still need to be mindful of your expenses.First, you'll want to find an affordable place to live. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods in Wilderness include the beachfront areas and the gated communities. I'd recommend looking for a rental in the more affordable neighborhoods like Hoekwil or Kleinkrantz. You can find a decent 1-2 bedroom apartment or a small house for around $500-$700 a month.Next, you'll need to budget for utilities, groceries, and transportation. Utilities can be a bit pricey, especially if you're used to modern amenities like air conditioning and high-speed internet. You might have to cut back on your usage or find alternative ways to stay cool during the hot summer months. Groceries are relatively affordable, but you'll need to shop at local markets and avoid imported goods, which can be expensive. You can expect to spend around $300-$400 a month on groceries.Transportation can be a bit tricky in Wilderness, as public transportation is limited. You might want to consider buying a used car or a scooter to get around, which will set you back a few hundred dollars upfront, but will save you money in the long run. Alternatively, you can rely on taxis or ridesharing services, but this can add up quickly if you're using them daily.As for entertainment and leisure activities, you'll need to be mindful of your spending. Dining out and going to bars can be expensive, so you might want to limit these outings to once or twice a month. Instead, take advantage of the beautiful natural surroundings in Wilderness by going for hikes, visiting the beach, or exploring the nearby national parks. These activities are often free or low-cost and will allow you to enjoy your time in South Africa without breaking the bank.In conclusion, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Wilderness, South Africa is possible, but you'll need to make some sacrifices and be mindful of your spending. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, cutting back on utilities, shopping at local markets, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work and enjoy your time in this beautiful part of the world," commented an expat living in Wilderness.

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

"I've been living in Wilderness 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 to make it work. For example, you might need to cut back on eating out at fancy restaurants or limit your shopping sprees. When it comes to finding a place to live, there are a few neighborhoods that I would recommend for their affordability. One of them is the area around Wilderness Village, which has a good mix of apartments and houses at reasonable prices. Another option is the Hoekwil area, which is a bit more rural but still offers some great properties at lower prices. 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. These include the areas around Wilderness Heights and Constantia Kloof, which are known for their luxury homes and stunning views. While these neighborhoods are beautiful, they can be quite pricey and might not be the best fit for your budget.In terms of transportation, owning a car is pretty much essential in Wilderness, as public transportation options are limited. However, the cost of owning and maintaining a car in South Africa is generally lower than in many other countries, so this shouldn't be too much of a burden on your budget.As for groceries and other everyday expenses, you'll find that the cost of living in Wilderness is quite reasonable. There are several supermarkets in the area where you can find affordable groceries, and local markets are also a great place to pick up fresh produce at lower prices.Overall, I think it's definitely possible to live comfortably in Wilderness on a $3,000 a month budget, as long as you're willing to make some sacrifices and be mindful of your spending. It's a beautiful place to live, with stunning natural surroundings and a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere that I've really come to appreciate," said one expat living in Wilderness.

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

"I've been living in Wilderness 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 a neighborhood that's more affordable. I'd recommend looking into areas like Hoekwil, which is a bit more inland but still close to the main town of Wilderness. It's a beautiful area with a more rural feel, and you can find some great properties at a lower cost than in the more central parts of Wilderness. On the other hand, I'd avoid neighborhoods like Wilderness Heights or Constantia Kloof, as they tend to be more expensive and might not fit within your budget.As for the sacrifices, you might have to make some adjustments to your lifestyle. For example, eating out at restaurants can be quite pricey in Wilderness, so you might want to cook more at home or opt for more affordable dining options. Additionally, while there are some modern amenities available, you might not have access to everything you're used to. For instance, high-speed internet might not be as reliable or as fast as you're used to, and you might have to travel a bit further to access certain services or shops.Another thing to consider is transportation. Public transport isn't as widely available in Wilderness, so you might need to rely on a car to get around. This can add to your monthly expenses, so it's something to keep in mind when planning your budget.Overall, living in Wilderness on $5,000 a month is doable, but it will require some adjustments and sacrifices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood and being mindful of your spending, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while still experiencing the beauty and charm of this unique South African town," commented an expat living in Wilderness.

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.


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