Cost of living in East London
East London, located in South Africa, offers a unique blend of coastal living and urban amenities. Understanding the cost of living in this city is crucial for both residents and newcomers.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in East London, 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 $6.62 on average, with a range between $3.31 and $24.84.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $30.36, with prices ranging from $24.84 to $101.56.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $3.73, with a range between $3.59 and $5.52.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.49 to $3.81, imported beer $1.93 to $3.31, cappuccino $1.1 to $2.76, and Coke/Pepsi $0.83 to $1.66.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.74 and $1.32 per liter, averaging $0.9.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.59 and $1.9, with an average price of $0.86.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.32 to $3.31, averaging $2.26.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $0.55 to $1.93 per kg, while oranges range from $0.63 to $2.76 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.32 and $2.59 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.83 to $1.32 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0 and $1.38, with a monthly pass priced between $0 and $42.77.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.18 and $1.38 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $1.1, with a cost of $0.44 per km and $7.73 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $303.55.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $220.76 to $386.34, averaging $248.36.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment outside the centre ranges from $413.93 to $827.86, averaging $653.09.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $66.23 and $248.36, averaging $106.05.
- Internet - Internet services range from $33.11 to $66.23, with an average cost of $38.62.
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
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"Key Takeaways"
East London offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many urban areas, with reasonable prices for dining and groceries.
Housing costs are particularly low, especially for those looking to rent outside the city centre.
Transportation is economical, with low costs for public transport and fuel, making it easy to navigate the city.
Conclusion
In conclusion, East London presents a cost-effective living environment, particularly appealing to those seeking affordable housing and transportation.
While dining and grocery prices are moderate, the overall cost of living remains manageable, making it an attractive option for both locals and expatriates.