Cost of living in Upington
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 MealA 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
- MilkMilk 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 CheeseLocal cheese averages $7.74 per kg.
- Bottle of WineA 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.
- InternetInternet services average $44.23.
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
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
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
Transportation
Avg
Range
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.22
Rent Per Month
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)
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
Clothing And Shoes
Avg
Range
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$16.58
Salaries And Financing
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
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
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
