Cost of Living in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

Are you considering a move to Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, and wondering about the cost of living? Pietermaritzburg is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Pietermaritzburg and help you understand whether $1104 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $1104.75.

Restaurants
Markets
Transportation
Childcare
Clothing
Rent Per Month
Buy Apartment
Salaries
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
restaurant

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

7.22 $

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

29.4 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

3.37 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

1.47 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

2.06 $

Cappuccino (regular)

1.61 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

0.72 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

0.45 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

0.71 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

0.77 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

1.19 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

1.54 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

6.4 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

4.28 $

Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

7.64 $

Apples (1 lb)

1.02 $

Banana (1 lb)

1.12 $

Oranges (1 lb)

1.34 $

Tomato (1 lb)

1.23 $

Potato (1 lb)

0.86 $

Onion (1 lb)

0.96 $

Lettuce (1 head)

1.04 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

0.86 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

3.21 $

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

1.15 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

1.87 $

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

2.51 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

0.53 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

--

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

1.6 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

--

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

--

Gasoline (1 gallon)

1.16 $

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

18442.25 $

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

20313.21 $

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Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment

213.82 $

1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)

--

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

51.67 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

16.3 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

--

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

4.28 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

97.56 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

1854.06 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

38.09 $

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

28.51 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

87.31 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

62.37 $

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Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

247.23 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

--

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

454.37 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

962.2 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

1069.12 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

641.47 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

1104.75 $

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

9.25 %

Cost of Living in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the monthly cost of living in Pietermaritzburg?

The monthly expenses for living in Pietermaritzburg come to a total of approximately $1104. This includes an average monthly rent of around $247 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $239 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $310 per month.

How affordable is living in Pietermaritzburg?

Living in Pietermaritzburg appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $1104.75. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Pietermaritzburg, you would likely need an income exceeding $1104.75.

What is the average salary in Pietermaritzburg?

In Pietermaritzburg, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $1104.75, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.

What is the average rent in Pietermaritzburg?

The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Pietermaritzburg is approximately $247. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $None for such an apartment.

What is the cost of groceries in Pietermaritzburg?

The expense for groceries in Pietermaritzburg can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $280 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.

What is the cost of living in South Africa?

The cost of living in South Africa can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout South Africa.

Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

How Safe Is Pietermaritzburg, South Africa for Travel?
Warnings & Dangers in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

OVERALL RISK: HIGH

The city is not safe to travel, especially at night. Never walk around the city after sunset. Avoid staying up in bars and don't carry a lot of cash with you. As a tourist, take maximum measures to ensure your safety while you are in Pietermaritzburg.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

It is not recommended to use public transport; taxis are the best way to get around. Never sit next to a taxi driver. Discuss the price of the trip in advance and ask to turn on the taximeter.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

Theft and pickpocketing are some of the most common crimes in Pietermaritzburg. Personal belongings need to be stored, exceptionally well. And leave the jewelry at home. Avoid crowds where you can quickly grab your handbag.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Droughts, fires due to high temperatures, floods, and dam failures, earthquakes, and epidemics are common in this region. Find out the situation before your visit to Pietermaritzburg.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

The risk of armed robberies and even kidnapping exists in the city. You need to be on alert, especially at night. Try to move around the city in groups and do not use public transport when returning home late. Staying outside at night is strictly not recommended.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in South Africa. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners, such as shopping areas in major cities.

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

Scams are typical in Pietermaritzburg. Tourists are not advised to buy anything from the street touts. It is also better to take only licensed services. Check with your hotel what taxi services and shops are recommended to deal with.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH

Women are strongly discouraged from traveling to this city alone. Abductions and violence against women tourists are frequent. It is better to move around in groups with men and not go out after sunset.

Useful Information & Tips
credit_card

Visas

Visitors to South Africa must obtain a visa from one of the South African diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries, in which case they get what is called a "Port of Entry Visa." Visitors who require a visa must apply in person and provide biometric data. A valid passport is a must.

currency_exchange

Currency

The rand is the official currency of South Africa. The rand is subdivided into 100 cents. It has a sign: R; code: ZAR. The rand is legal tender in the Common Monetary Area between South Africa, Eswatini, Lesotho, and Namibia. However, the last three countries do have their currencies pegged at par with the rand.

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Weather

The best times to visit Pietermaritzburg for ideal weather are from April to June and from August to October. The average temperatures in Pietermaritzburg vary somewhat. Temperatures feel very enjoyable all year with a low chance of precipitation most of the year.

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Airports

Pietermaritzburg Airport is the primary airport serving the city of Pietermaritzburg and surrounding areas. It is located 6 km south of the city center. It serves only domestic flights.

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Travel Insurance

The travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country. Make sure you got it before starting your journey, the customs officer may ask for it.

Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

What about weather in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa ?
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 82°F 81°F 80°F 76°F 73°F 70°F 70°F 73°F 76°F 77°F 79°F 81°F
Temp 72°F 72°F 70°F 65°F 60°F 55°F 55°F 59°F 63°F 65°F 68°F 71°F
Low 63°F 62°F 60°F 55°F 48°F 43°F 43°F 48°F 52°F 55°F 58°F 61°F
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 27°C 27°C 26°C 24°C 22°C 21°C 21°C 22°C 24°C 25°C 26°C 27°C
Temp 22°C 22°C 21°C 18°C 15°C 12°C 12°C 15°C 17°C 18°C 20°C 21°C
Low 17°C 16°C 15°C 12°C 8°C 6°C 6°C 8°C 11°C 12°C 14°C 16°C

Comparison Cost of living in other cities in South Africa with Pietermaritzburg

Comparison Cost of living in other cities

Cost of living in countries