Cape Town vs London Cost of Living 2026 — Full Comparison

Cape Town has become one of the world's most popular relocation destinations for British expats — and for good reason. With excellent weather, world-class wine regions, stunning beaches, and a cost of living dramatically lower than London, the appeal is clear.

Overall Cost Comparison: Cape Town vs London 2026

A single person living in Cape Town can expect to spend approximately R15,000–R22,000 per month (£650–£950 at current exchange rates) for a comfortable lifestyle. The same lifestyle in London costs approximately £2,500–£3,500 per month.

That makes Cape Town roughly 65–72% cheaper than London in absolute terms. Even accounting for lower local salaries, remote workers earning in GBP or USD can live exceptionally well in Cape Town.

Housing Costs: Cape Town vs London

• Cape Town city centre 1-bed: R12,000–R22,000/month (£520–£950)
• London city centre 1-bed: £1,800–£2,800/month
• Cape Town suburbs 1-bed: R7,000–R15,000/month (£300–£650)
• London suburbs 1-bed: £1,200–£1,800/month

Food and Grocery Costs

Groceries in Cape Town are approximately 50–60% cheaper than London. A basket at Checkers or Pick n Pay compared to Tesco reveals dramatic savings, particularly on fresh produce, meat, and wine.

Things That Are More Expensive in Cape Town

Not everything is cheaper. Electronics, imported goods, and some branded clothing can be more expensive in South Africa due to import duties. Healthcare, while cheaper than the UK private market, requires medical aid (health insurance) which can cost R3,000–R8,000/month for a family. Crime risk also means most expats pay for security, gated estates, or private security services.

Calculate Your Own Comparison

Use our Cost of Living Calculator to enter your specific monthly costs in both cities and see exactly how much you'd save.