Living the Dream in Cape Town: A Student’s Guide to the Cost of Living

Welcome to Cape Town, where stunning landscapes meet vibrant city life, and world-class universities welcome students from all corners of the globe! While Cape Town is famous for its breathtaking beauty and buzzing cultural scene, the good news is that it’s also surprisingly affordable. Here’s your ultimate guide to living the good life without breaking the bank.

Currency and Payment

First things first, let’s talk money. South Africa’s currency is the Rand (ZAR), with notes in R10, R20, R50, R100, and R200 denominations. Don’t worry if you’re more of a card person—credit and debit cards are widely accepted, including international ones like MasterCard and Visa.

If you plan on sticking around for a while, consider opening a local bank account. It’s pretty straightforward with a letter from your school. Mobile banking apps like SnapScan and Zapper are all the rage here, making transactions a breeze.

Long-Term Accommodation

Finding the perfect place to call home is a breeze in Cape Town. Here’s a quick rundown of your options:

1. One-bedroom apartment: R9,000 – R12,000 ($625 – $850) per month
2. Room in a Shared House/Apartment: R6,000 – R9,000 ($400 – $625) per month

CampusKey student accommodation is the perfect spot for international students to call home for a semester abroad in South Africa. We are within walking distance of the University of Cape Town campus, offering a luxury all-inclusive experience with a gym, water, electricity, social, and study spaces. Making friends can also be a challenge in a new country, but when you join the CampusKey community, you’re set with friends for life.

Eating Out and Entertainment

Cape Town’s food scene is legendary. Even on a student budget, you can eat like a king (or queen):

1. Top Gourmet Restaurant: R250 – R350 ($18 – $25)
2. Good Mid-Range Restaurant: R150 – R250 ($10 – $18)
3. Café or Cheap Restaurant: R80 – R150 ($5 – $10)
4. Fast Food Meal: R40 – R70 ($3 – $5)
5. Glass of Wine or Beer in a Pub: R30 – R50 ($2 – $3.50)

Pro tip: Some of the best dining spots are in the wine estates just outside the city. A wine tasting (with six wines) costs around R50 and is often free if you buy a bottle.

Clothes, Food, and Groceries

Stocking up on essentials? Here’s what you can expect:

1. Weekly Grocery Shop: R600 – R1,200 ($40 – $80)
2. Microwave Meal or Oven Pizza: R40 – R70 ($3 – $5)
3. Good Bottle of Wine: R60 – R90 ($5 – $7)
4. Pair of Levi’s Jeans: R800 – R1,200 ($55 – $80)
5. Cheap Plain T-Shirt: R50 – R80 ($3.50 – $5.50)

Woolworths is pricier but worth it for the quality. For more budget-friendly shopping, head to Pick ‘n Pay or Checkers.

Transport, Phones, and Tech

Getting around is easy and affordable:

1. MyCiti Bus Trip (up to 5km): R6 – R12 ($0.40 – $0.90)
2. Uber from Gardens to Waterfront (5km): R60 – R80 ($3 – $5)
3. One GB of Mobile Data: R50 – R100 ($3.50 – $7)
4. MacBook Air: R15,000 – R20,000 ($1,000 – $1,400). You can also buy one at a special discount through CampusKey.

The MyCiti bus system is super convenient, and Uber is perfect for those late-night study sessions at the Waterfront.

Cape Town is not just a city; it’s an experience. With its affordable living costs, you can focus on your studies while enjoying everything this incredible city offers. Cape Town is a student’s paradise from the mountains to the sea, from gourmet food to vibrant nightlife. So, pack your bags and get ready to live the dream!

Welcome to the Mother City, where every day is an adventure waiting to happen!