Cost of living in Sutherland
Sutherland, located in South Africa, is known for its clear skies and astronomical observatories. Understanding the cost of living in this unique town is crucial for both potential residents and visitors.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, including dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities, to help you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $8.83 on average, with a range between $5.52 and $13.79.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $38.61, with prices ranging from $27.58 to $66.19.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $4.96, with a range between $4.36 and $5.9.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.38 to $3.59, imported beer $1.93 to $4.41, cappuccino $1.49 to $2.76, and Coke/Pepsi $0.77 to $1.65.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.83 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 $1.38, with an average price of $1.05.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.54 to $3.31, averaging $2.48.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $0.94 to $1.93 per kg, while oranges range from $0.72 to $2.76 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.55 and $2.21 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.83 to $1.38 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.16 and $1.47 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $0.55, with a cost of $0.66 to $1.65 per km and $2.65 to $5.52 per hour of waiting.
- Car Purchase - A new Volkswagen Golf costs between $13,790.20 and $24,822.35, while a Toyota Corolla ranges from $19,306.28 to $30,001.95.
Housing Costs
- Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child - Monthly preschool costs range from $135.14 to $308.9, averaging $210.49.
- International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child - Yearly costs for international primary school range from $1,985.79 to $8,274.12, averaging $4,168.08.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $62.52 and $153.45, averaging $96.96.
- Internet - Internet services range from $33.04 to $55.16, with an average cost of $42.32.
- Mobile Phone Plan - A mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data costs between $15.11 and $55.16, averaging $32.
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"
Sutherland offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger cities, with moderate prices in dining and groceries.
Transportation costs are reasonable, especially for fuel, but purchasing a new car can be a significant expense.
Utilities and internet services are affordable, making it easier to manage monthly expenses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sutherland provides a balanced cost of living with affordable dining and grocery options.
While transportation and utility costs are manageable, potential residents should consider the higher costs associated with purchasing a new vehicle.
Overall, Sutherland is an attractive option for those seeking a cost-effective lifestyle in South Africa.