Emalahleni, located in South Africa, is a city known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant community. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for both potential residents and those planning to relocate.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of various expenses, including housing, transportation, groceries, and more, to help you make informed financial decisions.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $11.03 on average, with a range between $5.52 and $22.06.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $44.13, with prices ranging from $30.34 to $82.74.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $4.69, with a range between $4.36 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 $1.38 to $2.76, and Coke/Pepsi $0.77 to $1.79.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced between $0.88 and $1.65 per liter, averaging $1.11.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.72 and $1.32, with an average price of $1.04.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.32 to $3.53, averaging $2.4.
  • 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 $1.17 and $1.38 per liter.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $0.83, 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 $18,087.22 and $27,580.39, while a Toyota Corolla ranges from $22,064.32 to $29,786.83.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Data not provided for this category.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Data not provided for this category.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Data not provided for this category.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Data not provided for this category.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - Data not provided for this category.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Data not provided for this category.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $66.19 and $187.55, averaging $108.58.
  • Internet - Internet services range from $33.1 to $55.16, with an average cost of $43.58.
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: Dec, 2024

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 1 user contributions, as of the most recent update in November, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$11.03
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$44.13
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$4.69
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.21
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.21
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.98
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.73
Cappuccino (regular)
$1.99
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.11
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$1.04
Eggs (regular) (12)
$2.40
Local Cheese (1kg)
$8.16
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.88
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$4.47
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$0.88
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.41
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$2.98
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$4.41
Apples (1kg)
$1.38
Oranges (1kg)
$1.10
Potato (1kg)
$1.21
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.94
Rice (white), (1kg)
$1.67
Tomato (1kg)
$1.61
Banana (1kg)
$1.59
Onion (1kg)
$0.94
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$5.52
Transportation
Avg / Range
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.28
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$20,409.49
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.10
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$1.10
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$3.86
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$24,387.85
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$108.58
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$43.58
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$36.48
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$7.94
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$48.77
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$36.34
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$88.56
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$81.68
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,227.71
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
11.6%
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$225.73
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$5,415.35
Emalahleni Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Emalahleni offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major cities. Dining out is reasonably priced, with a variety of options from casual to mid-range restaurants.

Grocery prices are competitive, making it easier to manage daily expenses. Transportation costs are moderate, with affordable fuel prices and taxi fares.

While specific housing data is unavailable, utility costs are manageable, and internet services are reasonably priced.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Emalahleni presents a cost-effective living environment with affordable dining and grocery options. Transportation and utility costs are also reasonable, contributing to an overall manageable cost of living.

Potential residents can expect a balanced lifestyle with access to essential services and amenities without excessive financial strain.