Kimberley, a historic city in South Africa, is known for its diamond mining past and cultural heritage. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering relocation or planning a visit.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Kimberley, 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 $11.03 on average, with a range between $8.27 and $11.03.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $33.10, with prices fixed at this rate.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $5.52, with a fixed price.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.54 to $2.48, imported beer $2.21 to $2.48, cappuccino $1.65 to $2.48, and Coke/Pepsi $0.83 to $1.10.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced between $0.83 and $1.65 per liter, averaging $1.43.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.66 and $1.10, with an average price of $1.03.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.32 to $5.30, averaging $2.63.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.65 to $2.48 per kg, while oranges are priced at $3.31 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced at $2.21 per kg, and lettuce costs between $1.10 and $1.38 per head.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $2.76 and $4.41.
  • Monthly Pass - A monthly pass for public transport ranges from $27.58 to $33.10.
  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.38 and $1.43 per liter.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $0.66.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $209.61 to $275.80, averaging $242.71.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $193.06 to $413.71, averaging $303.38.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $330.96 to $827.41, averaging $579.19.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $496.45 to $1213.54, averaging $854.99.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $44.13 and $148.93, averaging $96.53.
  • Internet - Internet services range from $27.58 to $60.68, with an average cost of $44.13.
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 9 user contributions, as of the most recent update in September, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$11.03
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$33.10
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$5.52
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.01
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.34
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.01
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.97
Cappuccino (regular)
$2.21
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.43
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$1.03
Eggs (regular) (12)
$2.63
Local Cheese (1kg)
$5.98
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.83
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$5.93
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.07
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.62
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$2.90
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$5.48
Apples (1kg)
$2.07
Oranges (1kg)
$3.31
Potato (1kg)
$2.21
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.24
Rice (white), (1kg)
$2.73
Tomato (1kg)
$3.01
Banana (1kg)
$2.21
Onion (1kg)
$2.90
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$7.72
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$3.59
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$30.34
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.41
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.66
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$242.71
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$303.38
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$579.19
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$854.99
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$96.53
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$44.13
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$38.61
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$20.69
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$33.10
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$82.74
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$852.73
Kimberley Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Kimberley offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger South African cities. Dining out is reasonably priced, especially at mid-range restaurants.

Grocery prices are moderate, with essentials like milk and bread being quite affordable. Transportation costs are manageable, with public transport and fuel prices being reasonable.

Housing is notably affordable, particularly for city centre apartments, making Kimberley an attractive option for those seeking budget-friendly living arrangements.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Kimberley presents a cost-effective living environment with affordable housing and reasonable prices for dining and transportation.

This makes it an appealing choice for individuals and families looking to balance quality of life with cost efficiency. Whether you're planning to move or just visiting, understanding these costs can help you budget effectively.