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 MealA 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

MilkMilk 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 FaresTaxi 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.
InternetInternet services range from $33.11 to $66.23, with an average cost of $38.62.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 19 user contributions, as of the most recent update in November, 2024.

Restaurants

Avg / Range

Restaurants

Avg

Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

$6.62

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

$30.36

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

$3.73

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.93

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.76

Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.08

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.79

Cappuccino (regular)

$1.75

Markets

Avg / Range

Markets

Avg

Range

Milk (regular), (1 liter)

$0.90

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

$0.86

Eggs (regular) (12)

$2.26

Local Cheese (1kg)

$7.11

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.92

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

$4.42

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.11

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.76

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

$2.65

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$3.71

Apples (1kg)

$1.35

Oranges (1kg)

$1.39

Potato (1kg)

$1.03

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.97

Rice (white), (1kg)

$1.42

Tomato (1kg)

$1.53

Banana (1kg)

$1.35

Onion (1kg)

$1.26

Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

$8.00

Transportation

Avg / Range

Transportation

Avg

Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

$0.69

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$21.39

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.27

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

$19,289.25

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.10

Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)

$0.44

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$7.73

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

$19,464.02

Rent Per Month

Avg / Range

Rent Per Month

Avg

Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

$303.55

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

$248.36

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

$653.09

Utilities (Monthly)

Avg / Range

Utilities (Monthly)

Avg

Range

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment

$106.05

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

$38.62

Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data

$30.08

Sports And Leisure

Avg / Range

Sports And Leisure

Avg

Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

$31.71

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

$1.38

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

$3.31

Clothing And Shoes

Avg / Range

Clothing And Shoes

Avg

Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$43.21

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

$24.84

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

$93.42

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

$77.24

Salaries And Financing

Avg / Range

Salaries And Financing

Avg

Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$1,563.74

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

11.75%

Childcare

Avg / Range

Childcare

Avg

Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

$64.85

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

$3,311.46

Worldwide

South Africa

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.

Highest to LowestUpdated: Oct, 2025