Cost of living in Alexandra
Alexandra, a vibrant township in South Africa, offers a unique blend of cultural richness and urban challenges. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for both residents and newcomers.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Alexandra, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $8.28 on average, with a range between $4.97 and $22.08.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $33.11, with prices ranging from $24.84 to $82.79.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $4.42, with a range between $3.86 and $5.52.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.21 to $4.14, imported beer $1.38 to $4.14, cappuccino $1.1 to $2.76, and Coke/Pepsi $0.66 to $1.79.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.83 and $1.93 per liter, averaging $1.11.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.62 and $1.38, with an average price of $1.04.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.28 to $3.97, averaging $2.27.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $0.83 to $2.15 per kg, while oranges range from $0.69 to $3.31 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.83 and $2.32 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.72 to $1.38 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.18 and $1.43 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $1.1, with a cost of $0.55 to $2.4 per km and $2.76 to $5.52 per hour of waiting.
- Car Purchase - A new Volkswagen Golf costs between $13,797.75 and $27,595.49, while a Toyota Corolla ranges from $22,076.4 to $27,738.99.
Housing Costs
- Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child - The cost for private preschool ranges from $154.53 to $331.15, averaging $210.51.
- International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child - Yearly fees for international primary schools range from $2,649.17 to $8,278.65, averaging $4,664.43.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $66.23 and $193.17, averaging $108.64.
- Internet - Internet services range from $28.98 to $55.19, with an average cost of $38.02.
- Mobile Phone Plan - A mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data costs between $13.8 and $60.71, averaging $33.82.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for South Africa are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in South Africa, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
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Utilities (Monthly)
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Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
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Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Alexandra offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to major urban centers. Dining and grocery prices are generally low, making it easier to manage daily expenses.
Transportation costs are moderate, with affordable taxi fares and gasoline prices. However, purchasing a new car can be a significant investment.
Utilities and internet services are reasonably priced, contributing to manageable monthly expenses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Alexandra presents a cost-effective living environment with affordable dining and grocery options. While transportation and utilities are reasonably priced, housing costs can vary significantly depending on the type of accommodation.
For those considering moving to Alexandra, understanding these costs can help in budgeting and making informed financial decisions.