Upington, located in the Northern Cape of South Africa, is known for its warm climate and scenic beauty. Understanding the cost of living in Upington is crucial for anyone considering moving to or residing in this city.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, including housing, dining, transportation, and more, 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 $11.06 on average, with a range between $9.95 and $11.06.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $33.17, with prices ranging from $33.17 to $46.99.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $3.59.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer averages $1.55, imported beer $3.87, cappuccino $1.57, and Coke/Pepsi $1.11.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is consistently priced at $0.83 per liter.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1 and $1.22, with an average price of $1.11.
  • Local Cheese - Local cheese averages $7.74 per kg.
  • Bottle of Wine - A mid-range bottle of wine costs between $3.32 and $3.59, averaging $3.46.
  • Cigarettes (Marlboro) - A pack of Marlboro cigarettes ranges from $2.21 to $2.76, averaging $2.49.

Transportation

  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced at $1.22 per liter.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $276.41.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $221.13.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre is consistently $552.82.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $414.61.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment average $110.56.
  • Internet - Internet services average $44.23.
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 5 user contributions, as of the most recent update in May, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$11.06
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$33.17
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$3.59
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.55
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.87
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.11
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.68
Cappuccino (regular)
$1.57
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$0.83
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$1.11
Local Cheese (1kg)
$7.74
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$3.46
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$2.49
Transportation
Avg / Range
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.22
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$276.41
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$221.13
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$552.82
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$414.61
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$110.56
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$44.23
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$16.58
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$718.66
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
11.38%
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$41.46
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$1,934.85
Upington Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Upington offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger South African cities. Dining out is inexpensive, and grocery prices are moderate.

Housing costs are reasonable, especially for those looking to rent outside the city centre. Transportation costs are low, with affordable gasoline prices.

Utilities and internet services are also reasonably priced, making Upington a cost-effective choice for residents.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Upington provides a balanced cost of living with affordable housing, dining, and transportation options. This makes it an attractive location for individuals and families seeking a budget-friendly lifestyle.

Whether you're planning to move to Upington or just curious about living costs, this guide offers valuable insights to help you make informed financial decisions.

Upington

Nearby Cities

We don't have any relevant "Quality of life" data on cities with a 200 mile radius of Upington
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