Cost of Living in Stellenbosch

Category	Details	Cost
Apartment Rentals	1-bedroom apartment in city center	R7,000 - R10,000 per month
	1-bedroom apartment outside city center	R5,000 - R7,500 per month
Apartment Purchases	Price per square meter in city center	R20,000 - R30,000
	Price per square meter outside city center	R15,000 - R20,000
Transportation	One-way local transport ticket	R20
	Monthly local transport pass	R600 - R800
	Gasoline (1 liter)	R16 - R18
	Taxi (1km)	R10 - R15
Groceries	Milk (1 liter)	R15 - R20
	Bread (500g)	R12 - R15
	Rice (1kg)	R20 - R25
	Chicken breasts (1kg)	R70 - R90
Restaurants	Meal at an inexpensive restaurant	R80 - R120
	Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant	R400 - R600
	Fast food meal (e.g., McDonald's)	R50 - R70
Utilities	Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment	R1,000 - R1,500 per month
	Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL)	R800 - R1,000 per month
	Mobile call (1 minute, no discounts or plans)	R1 - R2
Private School Tuition	Preschool (monthly)	R2,500 - R4,000
	Elementary School (annual)	R40,000 - R60,000
	Middle School (annual)	R50,000 - R70,000
	High School (annual)	R60,000 - R80,000

Please note that the costs provided are approximate and may vary depending on various factors such as location, time of the year, and individual preferences. It is always recommended to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Stellenbosch

"Stellenbosch, is considered to be one of the more expensive cities in the country, particularly due to its status as a university town and a popular tourist destination. The cost of housing can be quite high, especially in the city center or near the university. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite costly, while the same apartment outside the city center is significantly cheaper.The cost of groceries in Stellenbosch is relatively high compared to other South African cities. This includes basic items such as bread, milk, fruits, vegetables, and meat. Eating out at restaurants can also be quite expensive, especially at mid-range to high-end establishments. However, there are also plenty of cheaper food options available, particularly street food and fast food.Transportation costs in Stellenbosch can vary. Public transportation is relatively affordable, but if you're planning on using a private car, you'll need to factor in the cost of petrol, which can be quite high. Taxis are also available, but these can be more expensive than public transportation.Healthcare in Stellenbosch is generally of a high standard, but it can also be quite expensive, particularly for private healthcare. It's recommended to have a good health insurance plan if you're living in the city.Overall, while the cost of living in Stellenbosch can be high compared to other South African cities, it's still generally lower than many Western countries. However, it's important to note that salaries in South Africa are also generally lower, so this should be taken into account when considering the cost of living," said one expat living in Stellenbosch.

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

"I've been living in Stellenbosch 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 Stellenbosch is relatively lower compared to other major cities in South Africa, but it's still a popular tourist destination, so some areas can be quite expensive.To make it work, you'll have to be mindful of your housing and transportation choices. For housing, I'd recommend looking for a place in neighborhoods like Cloetesville, Idas Valley, or Die Boord. These areas are more affordable and still offer decent living conditions. You can find a small apartment or a shared house for around $300 to $500 a month. I'd avoid neighborhoods like De Zalze Winelands Golf Estate or Brandwacht, as they tend to be more expensive.For transportation, you can save money by using the local minibus taxis or the Stellenbosch University's shuttle service, which is free for students. Owning a car can be quite expensive, considering the cost of fuel, insurance, and maintenance.When it comes to groceries and eating out, you'll have to be more budget-conscious. Shopping at local markets and cooking at home can save you a lot of money. Eating out can be affordable if you stick to local eateries and avoid high-end restaurants.In terms of entertainment and leisure, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Stellenbosch. You can visit the numerous wine farms, go hiking in the nearby mountains, or explore the town's rich history and architecture. However, you might have to cut back on more expensive activities like golfing or fine dining.Overall, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Stellenbosch is possible, but you'll have to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing affordable housing, transportation, and entertainment options, you can enjoy a good quality of life in this beautiful town," commented an expat living in Stellenbosch.

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

"I've been living in Stellenbosch for a few years 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 housing and entertainment options.First, let's talk about housing. If you want to live in a more affordable neighborhood, I'd recommend looking into areas like Welgevonden, Die Boord, or Paradyskloof. These neighborhoods offer a good mix of apartments and houses, and you can find a decent place to live for around $800 to $1,200 a month. On the other hand, if you're looking for something more upscale, you might want to consider neighborhoods like De Zalze or Brandwacht, but keep in mind that these areas can be quite expensive, with rents easily going over $2,000 a month.As for transportation, owning a car is pretty much a necessity in Stellenbosch, as public transportation options are limited. You can find a decent used car for around $5,000 to $10,000, and monthly expenses like gas, insurance, and maintenance should be around $300 to $400. If you're willing to sacrifice a bit of convenience, you can also rely on Uber or other ride-sharing services, which are quite affordable in the area.When it comes to groceries and dining out, you'll find that prices are generally lower than in the US or Europe. You can expect to spend around $400 to $500 a month on groceries, and eating out at local restaurants will usually cost you around $10 to $20 per meal. If you're a fan of fine dining, there are a few high-end restaurants in town, but they can be quite pricey, with meals easily going over $50 per person.Entertainment options in Stellenbosch are somewhat limited, especially compared to larger cities. However, there are a few movie theaters, bars, and clubs where you can have a good time without breaking the bank. A night out at a bar or club will usually cost you around $20 to $30, while movie tickets are around $5 to $10.In terms of other expenses, you'll need to budget for things like utilities, internet, and cell phone service. These costs can vary depending on your usage, but you can expect to spend around $200 to $300 a month on these services.Overall, living in Stellenbosch on $3,000 a month is definitely doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and be willing to make some sacrifices in terms of housing and entertainment options. If you can find a good balance between your needs and your budget, you'll be able to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in this beautiful South African town," said one expat living in Stellenbosch.

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

"I've been living in Stellenbosch 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, you might have to make a few sacrifices to make it work. For example, you might not be able to afford a large house in one of the more upscale neighborhoods, but you can still find a nice apartment or townhouse in a more affordable area.In terms of neighborhoods, I'd recommend looking into places like Die Boord, Welgevonden, and Paradyskloof. These areas are more affordable, but still offer a good quality of life and access to modern amenities. On the other hand, you might want to avoid neighborhoods like De Zalze Winelands Golf Estate and Brandwacht, as these tend to be more expensive.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite costly, so you might want to consider using public transportation or even cycling to get around. Stellenbosch is a relatively small town, so it's quite easy to get around without a car.As for other expenses, you'll find that groceries and dining out are quite affordable compared to what you might be used to. However, you might have to cut back on luxury items and imported goods, as these can be quite expensive.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Stellenbosch on $5,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. But in return, you'll get to enjoy the beautiful scenery, great weather, and friendly community that Stellenbosch has to offer," commented an expat living in Stellenbosch.