Cost of Living in Pretoria

Category	Cost
Apartment Rentals	A one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Pretoria costs around 6,000-8,000 ZAR per month, while the same outside the city center costs around 4,500-6,000 ZAR. A three-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around 12,000-16,000 ZAR per month, while the same outside the city center costs around 9,000-12,000 ZAR.
Apartment Purchases	The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city center is around 15,000-20,000 ZAR, while the same outside the city center is around 10,000-15,000 ZAR.
Transportation	A one-way ticket on local transport costs around 15-20 ZAR, while a monthly pass costs around 700-900 ZAR. The starting tariff for a normal taxi is around 25-30 ZAR, with a tariff per kilometer of around 12-15 ZAR. The cost of gasoline is around 15-17 ZAR per liter.
Groceries	The average cost of a liter of milk is around 15 ZAR, a loaf of fresh white bread is around 12 ZAR, a kilogram of local cheese is around 80-100 ZAR, a dozen eggs is around 25-30 ZAR, a kilogram of chicken fillets is around 70-80 ZAR, a kilogram of apples is around 20-25 ZAR, a kilogram of bananas is around 15-20 ZAR, a kilogram of oranges is around 15-20 ZAR, a kilogram of tomatoes is around 15-20 ZAR, a kilogram of potatoes is around 15-20 ZAR, and a 1.5 liter bottle of water is around 15 ZAR.
Restaurants	A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around 100-150 ZAR, while a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant costs around 400-600 ZAR. A McMeal at McDonalds or equivalent combo meal costs around 60-80 ZAR. A domestic beer (0.5 liter draught) costs around 30-40 ZAR, while an imported beer (0.33 liter bottle) costs around 35-45 ZAR. A cappuccino in a café costs around 25-30 ZAR.
Utilities	Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment (including electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) cost around 1,000-1,500 ZAR per month. Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) costs around 700-900 ZAR per month.
Private School Tuition	Private school tuition for preschool (or kindergarten) costs around 25,000-35,000 ZAR per year. Private school tuition for elementary school costs around 50,000-70,000 ZAR per year. Private school tuition for middle school costs around 70,000-90,000 ZAR per year. Private school tuition for high school costs around 90,000-120,000 ZAR per year.

Please note that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on the specific location within Pretoria, the quality of the goods or services, and individual lifestyle choices. It's also important to note that the cost of living in Pretoria is generally lower than in other major cities in South Africa, such as Johannesburg and Cape Town.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Pretoria

"The cost of living in Pretoria, is generally considered to be lower than in many Western countries. Housing is relatively affordable, with the cost of renting or buying a property being significantly lower than in cities such as London or New York. Utilities such as electricity and water are also reasonably priced, although they can vary depending on the area and usage.When it comes to groceries, prices are relatively low, especially for locally produced fruits, vegetables, and meats. Imported goods can be more expensive. Eating out at restaurants is also quite affordable, with a wide range of options to suit different budgets.Transportation costs in Pretoria are also relatively low, especially if using public transport. However, many residents choose to own a car, which can increase living costs due to fuel, maintenance, and insurance expenses.Healthcare in Pretoria is a mix of public and private providers. While public healthcare is available at a lower cost, many residents opt for private healthcare, which can be quite expensive.Education costs can vary widely, depending on whether one opts for public or private schooling. Public schools are generally more affordable, while private schools can be quite costly.Overall, while Pretoria is one of the more affordable major cities in South Africa, the cost of living can still be high for locals due to the country's economic challenges. However, for expatriates coming from Western countries, the cost of living is often seen as quite affordable," said one expat living in Pretoria.

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

"I've been living in Pretoria for a few years now and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but it does require some careful budgeting and lifestyle adjustments. The cost of living in South Africa is generally lower than in many Western countries, but it can vary greatly depending on the area and your lifestyle. For instance, if you're used to dining out at high-end restaurants or living in luxury apartments, you might find it challenging to stick to your budget. However, if you're willing to live a bit more modestly, you can definitely make it work. For housing, I'd recommend looking at neighborhoods like Hatfield, Sunnyside, and Arcadia. These areas are relatively affordable and are popular among students and young professionals. You can find a decent one-bedroom apartment for around $300-$400 a month. On the other hand, areas like Waterkloof and Brooklyn are more upscale and expensive, so you might want to avoid them if you're on a tight budget. When it comes to food, eating out can be quite affordable if you stick to local restaurants and avoid the more touristy spots. You can get a decent meal for around $5-$10. Groceries are also reasonably priced, especially if you buy local produce. Transportation can be a bit tricky. Public transportation is not very reliable, so many people prefer to have their own car. However, petrol can be quite expensive. If you're living and working in the same area, you might be able to get by with walking or cycling. As for utilities, expect to pay around $100-$150 a month for electricity, water, and internet. Mobile data can be quite expensive, so it's best to get a contract with unlimited data if you use the internet a lot. In terms of entertainment, there are plenty of affordable options. There are many beautiful parks and nature reserves where you can go for a hike or a picnic. There are also many free or low-cost cultural events and festivals throughout the year. Overall, living in Pretoria on $1,500 a month is definitely doable, but it requires some adjustments and careful budgeting. You might have to give up some of the luxuries you're used to, but in return, you get to experience a vibrant and diverse culture, beautiful landscapes, and a slower pace of life," commented an expat living in Pretoria.

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

"I've been living in Pretoria 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 a few sacrifices. For instance, you might not be able to dine out at high-end restaurants every night or live in the most luxurious neighborhoods. But, you can still enjoy a good quality of life. The cost of living in Pretoria is relatively low compared to many other cities. You can rent a decent one-bedroom apartment in the city center for about $400-$500 a month. If you prefer to live in a more upscale neighborhood, like Waterkloof or Brooklyn, you might have to pay a bit more, maybe around $700-$800 a month. But these areas are quite posh and are home to many diplomats and wealthy South Africans. On the other hand, there are more affordable neighborhoods like Hatfield and Sunnyside where you can find cheaper rentals. These areas are popular among students and young professionals, so they have a vibrant, youthful vibe. Groceries are also quite affordable. You can expect to spend around $200-$300 a month on groceries if you cook at home most of the time. Eating out is also not too expensive if you stick to local restaurants and avoid the more touristy places. Transportation costs can vary depending on how much you travel. If you use public transportation, it's quite cheap. But if you prefer to drive, you'll have to factor in the cost of a car, petrol, and maintenance. Healthcare is another factor to consider. Private healthcare in South Africa is excellent but can be quite expensive. However, if you're earning $3,000 a month, you should be able to afford a good health insurance plan. In terms of entertainment, there's plenty to do in Pretoria that doesn't cost a fortune. There are many parks, museums, and cultural sites to visit. Plus, the city has a vibrant nightlife with many bars and clubs that are quite affordable. So, while you might have to make a few sacrifices, I believe you can live quite comfortably in Pretoria on $3,000 a month. Just be mindful of your spending and choose your neighborhood wisely," said one expat living in Pretoria.

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

"I've been living in Pretoria for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $5,000 a month is more than possible, it's actually quite comfortable. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in many other countries. For instance, you can rent a nice two-bedroom apartment in a good neighborhood for around $500 to $700 a month. Some of the affordable neighborhoods I would recommend are Hatfield, Brooklyn, and Menlo Park. These areas are safe, have good amenities, and are close to the city center. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Waterkloof and Silver Lakes are more upscale and therefore more expensive. You might want to avoid these if you're trying to stick to a budget. When it comes to utilities, you can expect to pay around $100 a month for electricity, water, and trash. Internet and cable TV can cost you around $50 to $100 a month, depending on the package you choose. Groceries are also quite affordable. I usually spend around $200 a month for two people. Eating out is also not too expensive. A meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost you around $15 to $20. Transportation costs can vary depending on how much you travel. A monthly pass for public transportation costs around $30. If you prefer to drive, gasoline costs around $1 per liter. Healthcare is also affordable. A visit to a general practitioner costs around $30 to $40, while a visit to a specialist can cost around $60 to $80. As for entertainment, there are plenty of affordable options. Movie tickets cost around $5, while a gym membership costs around $30 a month. In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up some of the luxuries you're used to. For instance, imported goods are quite expensive here, so you might have to stick to local products. Also, while the healthcare is affordable, it might not be up to the standards you're used to. Overall, I would say that living in Pretoria on $5,000 a month is not only doable, but also quite comfortable. You can enjoy a good quality of life without having to worry too much about your finances," commented an expat living in Pretoria.