Cost of living in South Africa vs UK: 2027 guide

Moving to South Africa from the UK is a popular choice for people who want more space, a warmer climate and a lower cost of living. The short answer is that day to day life in South Africa costs a lot less than in the UK. According to Numbeo's country comparison (October 2026), consumer prices in South Africa are around 44% lower than in the UK excluding rent, and around 48% lower once rent is included.

That said, salaries are lower too, and costs vary widely between cities. Cape Town and Johannesburg are the most expensive places to live, while smaller cities and towns in the Eastern Cape, Free State and KwaZulu-Natal tend to be cheaper. Use this guide to compare the cost of living in South Africa with the UK, and to plan the practical side of your move.

UK vs South Africa cost of living: side by side

The table below compares typical monthly and everyday costs in both countries. All figures are averages shown in pounds sterling.

Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison, United Kingdom vs South Africa, October 2026. Figures are crowd-sourced averages and change with exchange rates.

Two points stand out. Housing and utilities are where you will save the most, while broadband and imported goods cost much the same as in the UK. If you will be earning a South African salary, compare your take home pay with local prices rather than converting your UK budget directly.

Housing costs in South Africa

Renting a property in South Africa is good value for people who choose to live in the suburbs, with rents higher in sought-after areas such as the Atlantic Seaboard in Cape Town or Sandton in Johannesburg. If you are used to London rents, you will find that your budget goes much further in either city. The rent you pay depends on the area, the size of the home and whether it comes with security features, a garden or a pool.

Buying is also an option. Property prices are lower than in most of Europe, Australia and the USA, and there are no general restrictions on foreign nationals buying property in South Africa. Make sure the purchase is registered correctly with the Deeds Office, and take advice on tax, as non-residents can face withholding tax when they come to sell.

Healthcare costs in South Africa

South Africa has a public healthcare system, but there is a large gap in quality and waiting times between public and private care. The government has passed the National Health Insurance Act with the aim of universal cover, but it is being introduced in stages, so most people moving from the UK choose private medical cover (known locally as a medical aid scheme).

The cost of medical aid varies with your age, the level of cover and the scheme you choose, and many employers contribute. Read the policy carefully to check what is covered, including chronic conditions and hospital stays. The UK and South Africa do not have a reciprocal healthcare agreement, so you cannot rely on the NHS once you live there.

Transport costs in South Africa

The cost of public transport in South Africa depends on where you live. Metrorail runs commuter trains in Cape Town, Gauteng, Durban and the Eastern Cape, with fares set by zone and distance, and the Gautrain links Johannesburg, Pretoria and OR Tambo International Airport. Single fares are far lower than typical UK rail fares, and a monthly ticket saves money if you commute every day.

You will also find city buses, such as MyCiTi in Cape Town, and minibus taxis. Minibus taxis are the cheapest way to get around, but many newcomers prefer buses, ride-hailing apps or their own car. Petrol is cheaper than in the UK, and most people living outside the main city areas find a car essential.

Tax in South Africa

South Africa taxes residents on their worldwide income. You are usually treated as a tax resident if you are ordinarily resident there, or if you meet the physical presence test, which looks at the number of days you spend in the country over several tax years. Income tax is charged on a sliding scale, with rates from 18% to 45% according to the South African Revenue Service (SARS).

South African residents working abroad may be able to claim an exemption on part of their foreign employment income, and non-residents pay tax on income from South African sources, such as rent from a property there. The UK and South Africa have a double taxation agreement, so take advice from a cross-border tax adviser before you move.

Grocery and food costs in South Africa

Everyday groceries are noticeably cheaper than in the UK, as the table above shows, especially fresh produce, bread and dairy. Imported brands and specialist items can cost as much as or more than they do at home. Your shopping bill will depend on where you live and whether you shop at large supermarkets or local markets.

Moving to South Africa from the UK

If you have decided that the lower cost of living suits you, here is what to plan for when moving to South Africa from the UK.

Visas and residence

British passport holders can visit South Africa without a visa for short stays, but you need the right visa or permit to live or work there. Visas are issued by the Department of Home Affairs, and the main routes include:

• General work visa or critical skills work visa, for people with a job offer or skills on the official critical skills list
• Intra-company transfer work visa, if your employer is moving you
• Spousal or life partner visa, if your partner is a South African citizen or permanent resident
• Retired person visa, which requires proof of a pension, annuity or net worth giving at least R37,000 a month, according to Department of Home Affairs visa guidance
• Remote work visa, for people employed by a company outside South Africa

Apply through VFS Global, which handles South African visa applications in the UK on behalf of Home Affairs, and allow time for police clearance certificates and medical reports.

Your UK State Pension in South Africa

South Africa does not have a social security agreement with the UK. According to GOV.UK, this means your UK State Pension will be paid at the rate you first receive (or the rate when you move) and will not rise each year while you live there. You can claim through the International Pension Centre.

Shipping your belongings

Most people moving to South Africa from the UK ship their belongings by sea to Cape Town, Durban or Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha). You can choose a full container load for a whole home or groupage, where your belongings share a container with other shipments and you pay for the space you use. Sea freight usually takes several weeks door to door, depending on the port and customs clearance.

The South African Revenue Service allows people taking up residence to import used household effects, subject to conditions and the right paperwork. An experienced removal company UK to South Africa can prepare your inventory and help with customs documents. Costs depend on volume, distance and the service you choose, so ask for a written quote. Our international removals team can pack, ship and deliver your belongings, and our moving abroad checklist helps you plan each step. If you need help with packing, see our packing services.

Moving with pets

Dogs and cats need an import permit from the Department of Agriculture, along with a microchip, rabies vaccination and a veterinary health certificate. The rules change from time to time, so start early. The Pickfords pet shipping service can help you plan the route and paperwork.

Storing belongings in the UK

If you are keeping a UK home or are not sure how long you will stay, you can store furniture and keepsakes while you settle in. Pickfords self storage starts from £18, and drive-up self storage suits longer stays. Choose a secure facility to keep your belongings safe at all times.

Is South Africa cheaper than the UK?

Yes. South Africa's cost of living is considerably lower than the UK's, especially for housing, utilities and eating out. Your budget will depend on whether you earn a local salary, where you live and how much you spend on private healthcare, schooling and security. Planning these costs before you go will help you make the most of your move. For more on budgeting a UK move before you leave, see our guide to removal costs in the UK.

Frequently asked questions

• Is it cheaper to live in South Africa than the UK?

Yes. Numbeo's comparison (October 2026) puts consumer prices around 44% lower than the UK excluding rent, and rent is often less than half the UK average. Salaries are lower too, so the saving is greatest for people with UK income or savings.

• Can I move to South Africa from the UK without a job?

You can if you qualify for a route that does not need local employment, such as the retired person visa, the remote work visa or a spousal visa. Each has its own financial and document requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs. Check the latest rules before you apply.

• How long does it take to ship furniture from the UK to South Africa?

Sea freight usually takes several weeks door to door, depending on the departure date, the port and customs clearance. Groupage can take longer than a full container because it waits for other shipments. Your removal company will give you a timeline with your quote.

• Will my UK State Pension go up if I live in South Africa?

No. GOV.UK confirms that the State Pension only rises each year in the EEA, Gibraltar, Switzerland and countries with a qualifying social security agreement with the UK. South Africa is not one of them, so your pension stays at the same rate while you live there.

• Do I need private health insurance in South Africa?

Most people moving from the UK take out private medical aid. Public healthcare is available, but waiting times and facilities vary, and the UK has no reciprocal healthcare agreement with South Africa.

• How do I choose between removal companies in South Africa and the UK?

Look for a company that handles the move at both ends, provides a written quote after a survey and can help with customs paperwork. Ask how your belongings will be packed, shipped and insured in transit.

Thinking about moving to South Africa from the UK? Request a free quote for your international move and our expert team will help you plan every step.