Cost of Living in Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Are you considering a move to Port Elizabeth, South Africa, and wondering about the cost of living? Port Elizabeth 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 Port Elizabeth and help you understand whether $1379 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $1157.7.

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

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

11.23 $

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

40.09 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

4.54 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

2.0 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

2.41 $

Cappuccino (regular)

1.74 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

1.12 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

0.81 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

0.99 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

0.91 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

1.36 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

1.81 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

6.86 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

4.63 $

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

7.91 $

Apples (1 lb)

1.4 $

Banana (1 lb)

1.34 $

Oranges (1 lb)

1.41 $

Tomato (1 lb)

1.49 $

Potato (1 lb)

1.09 $

Onion (1 lb)

1.29 $

Lettuce (1 head)

0.97 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

0.83 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

4.28 $

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

1.18 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

1.58 $

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

2.67 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

1.01 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

25.53 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

1.84 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

0.43 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

7.48 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

1.22 $

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

26727.91 $

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

22689.41 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

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

87.29 $

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

--

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

44.29 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

35.86 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

18.71 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

7.35 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

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

173.4 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

4916.18 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

46.32 $

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

31.26 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

87.91 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

91.47 $

night_shelter

Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

489.42 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

329.64 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

1062.43 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

619.2 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

774.04 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

628.69 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

1157.7 $

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

10.87 %

Cost of Living in Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the monthly cost of living in Port Elizabeth?

The monthly expenses for living in Port Elizabeth come to a total of approximately $1379. This includes an average monthly rent of around $489 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $109 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $397 per month.

How affordable is living in Port Elizabeth?

Living in Port Elizabeth appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $1157.7. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Port Elizabeth, you would likely need an income exceeding $1157.7.

What is the average salary in Port Elizabeth?

In Port Elizabeth, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $1157.7, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.

What is the average rent in Port Elizabeth?

The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Port Elizabeth is approximately $489. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $329.64 for such an apartment.

What is the cost of groceries in Port Elizabeth?

The expense for groceries in Port Elizabeth can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $313 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.

Port Elizabeth, South Africa

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

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Port Elizabeth is one of the safest cities in South Africa. However, it should be understood that the crime rate is still quite high. It is not recommended to walk around the city at night; you need to move only by car, closing the doors and windows. Do not buy anything from traders when standing at traffic lights.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Public transport is not considered safe enough for tourists. It is best to travel to Port Elizabeth by rental car or taxi. Taxis are reliable, always sit in the back seat. Make sure the taximeter is turned on. It’s safer than a cab called through a mobile application.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

Picketing is not very common at port Elizabeth, but of course, it occurs. Watch your things, never leave them unattended. Do not wear attention-grabbing jewelry, and always have a minimum of cash in your wallet. Most often, cases of minor thefts occur in crowded markets or shopping centers.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

In the Port Elizabeth area, there is a wide range of natural and human-induced hazards that could potentially lead to disaster events. These include droughts, urban and rural fires, floods and dam failures, earthquakes and sinkholes, epidemics, storms, and spillages of hazardous waste and materials.

MUGGING RISK: HIGH

Port Elizabeth, like all South Africa region, is a dangerous city regarding risks of mugging and kidnapping of people. Urban areas are better avoided late at night, and it is recommended to travel in private cars or a taxi.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

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

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

There is a lot of fraud in the city related to email newsletters and fake winnings. However, they rarely concern tourists. Be sure to buy tickets and tours only at licensed locations. Do not buy anything on the streets. And especially when standing in a traffic jam or at a traffic light - do not open the windows of the car to purchase any goods. Most often, it is used to get in your vehicle and commit a crime.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Despite the risk of attack, many women travel safely alone to Port Elizabeth. The risk depends on where you go and what you do. It is better not to appear on the streets at night, not to drive a car at night, not to hitchhike and not to sit out in bars.

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.

cloudy_snowing

Weather

The best times to visit Port Elizabeth for ideal weather are November to April. Average temperatures in Port Elizabeth vary little and feel very enjoyable all year with a low chance of precipitation most of the year.

flight_takeoff

Airports

Port Elizabeth International Airport is an airport serving Port Elizabeth, a city in the Eastern Cape province in South Africa. It was formerly known as H. F. Verwoerd Airport. The airport is owned and operated by the Airports Company South Africa which also operates nine other airports around South Africa. The airport is located just 4 km from the city's central business district.

health_and_safety

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.

Port Elizabeth, South Africa

What about weather in Port Elizabeth, South Africa ?
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 79°F 79°F 77°F 74°F 72°F 68°F 68°F 68°F 69°F 71°F 73°F 77°F
Temp 71°F 71°F 69°F 65°F 61°F 57°F 57°F 58°F 60°F 63°F 66°F 69°F
Low 64°F 64°F 62°F 57°F 52°F 48°F 47°F 49°F 52°F 56°F 58°F 61°F
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 26°C 26°C 25°C 23°C 22°C 20°C 20°C 20°C 20°C 21°C 22°C 25°C
Temp 21°C 21°C 20°C 18°C 16°C 13°C 13°C 14°C 15°C 17°C 18°C 20°C
Low 17°C 17°C 16°C 13°C 11°C 8°C 8°C 9°C 11°C 13°C 14°C 16°C

Comparison Cost of living in other cities in South Africa with Port Elizabeth

Comparison Cost of living in other cities

Cost of living in countries