Trek Zone
  1. Trek Zone
  2. Country Comparison
  3. Cost of Living & Prices: United States vs. South Africa

Cost of Living & Prices:
United States vs. South Africa

Compare the cost of living and prices of goods and services, such as consumer goods prices, housing costs, average wages and more, to learn about differences and similarities between countries.

ShareTweet
Convert prices to %
Country #1
Country #2
City
New York, NYNew York, NY
JohannesburgJohannesburg

Table of contents

Grocery

EURUSDZAR

United States vs. South Africa - grocery purchase prices. You would pay on average 2.6 times more for grocery shopping in the United States than in South Africa.

Apples (1kg)

One kilogram of apples costs 5.07 EUR (5.84 USD) in the United States and 1.32 EUR (1.52 USD) in South Africa. The price of this product is 74% lower in South Africa.

5.07 EUR
1.32 EUR

Banana (1kg)

1 kilogram of bananas costs 2.07 EUR (2.39 USD) in the United States and 1.26 EUR (1.46 USD) in South Africa. The price of this product is 39.1% lower in South Africa.

2.07 EUR
1.26 EUR

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

One kilogram of beef or similar meat costs 18.22 EUR (20.99 USD) in the United States and 6.5 EUR (7.48 USD) in South Africa. The price of this product is 64.3% lower in South Africa.

18.22 EUR
6.50 EUR

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

A bottle of medium-grade wine costs 15.63 EUR (18 USD) in the United States and 3.92 EUR (4.52 USD) in South Africa. The price of this product is 74.9% lower in South Africa.

15.63 EUR
3.92 EUR

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

One kilogram of chicken fillet costs 15.12 EUR (17.42 USD) in the United States and 3.99 EUR (4.6 USD) in South Africa. The price of this product is 73.6% lower in South Africa.

15.12 EUR
3.99 EUR

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

A pack of 20 cigarettes costs 13.89 EUR (16 USD) in the United States and 2.45 EUR (2.82 USD) in South Africa. The price of this product is 82.4% lower in South Africa.

13.89 EUR
2.45 EUR

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

Domestic beer in a 0.5 liter bottle costs 2.79 EUR (3.21 USD) in the United States and 1.16 EUR (1.34 USD) in South Africa. The price of this product is 58.4% lower in South Africa.

2.79 EUR
1.16 EUR

Eggs (regular) (12)

You will pay 4.11 EUR (4.74 USD) for 12 eggs in the United States and 1.75 EUR (2.02 USD) in South Africa. The price of this product is 57.4% lower in South Africa.

4.11 EUR
1.75 EUR

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

A 0.33 liter bottle of imported beer costs 3.41 EUR (3.93 USD) in the United States and 1.43 EUR (1.65 USD) in South Africa. The price of this product is 58.1% lower in South Africa.

3.41 EUR
1.43 EUR

Johnnie Walker Red Label Whisky 0.7 Litre

A 0.7 liter bottle of Johnnie Walker Red Label whiskey costs 21.69 EUR (24.99 USD) in the United States and 13.79 EUR (15.89 USD) in South Africa. The price of this product is 36.4% lower in South Africa.

21.69 EUR
13.79 EUR

Lettuce (1 head)

One head of lettuce costs 2.47 EUR (2.84 USD) in the United States and 0.88 EUR (1.02 USD) in South Africa. The price of this product is 64.4% lower in South Africa.

2.47 EUR
0.88 EUR

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

One loaf of fresh white bread costs 3.71 EUR (4.27 USD) in the United States and 0.8 EUR (0.92 USD) in South Africa. The price of this product is 78.4% lower in South Africa.

3.71 EUR
0.80 EUR

Local Cheese (1kg)

One kilogram of locally produced cheese costs 14.51 EUR (16.71 USD) in the United States and 5.87 EUR (6.76 USD) in South Africa. The price of this product is 59.5% lower in South Africa.

14.51 EUR
5.87 EUR

Milk (regular), (1 liter)

One liter of milk costs 1.09 EUR (1.25 USD) in the United States and 0.91 EUR (1.05 USD) in South Africa. The price of this product is 16.5% lower in South Africa.

1.09 EUR
0.91 EUR

Onion (1kg)

One kilogram of onions costs 3.39 EUR (3.9 USD) in the United States and 1.08 EUR (1.24 USD) in South Africa. The price of this product is 68.1% lower in South Africa.

3.39 EUR
1.08 EUR

Oranges (1kg)

One kilogram of oranges costs 4.63 EUR (5.33 USD) in the United States and 1.26 EUR (1.45 USD) in South Africa. The price of this product is 72.8% lower in South Africa.

4.63 EUR
1.26 EUR

Potato (1kg)

One kilogram of potatoes costs 3.7 EUR (4.26 USD) in the United States and 1.11 EUR (1.28 USD) in South Africa. The price of this product is 70% lower in South Africa.

3.70 EUR
1.11 EUR

Rice (white), (1kg)

One kilogram of white rice costs 7.14 EUR (8.22 USD) in the United States and 1.26 EUR (1.45 USD) in South Africa. The price of this product is 82.4% lower in South Africa.

7.14 EUR
1.26 EUR

Smirnoff Red Label Vodka 0.7 Litre

A 0.7 liter bottle of Smirnoff Red Label vodka costs 7.8 EUR (8.98 USD) in the United States and 8.04 EUR (9.26 USD) in South Africa. The price of this product is 3% lower in the United States.

7.80 EUR
8.04 EUR

Tomato (1kg)

One kilogram of tomatoes costs 5.43 EUR (6.25 USD) in the United States and 1.26 EUR (1.45 USD) in South Africa. The price of this product is 76.8% lower in South Africa.

5.43 EUR
1.26 EUR

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

A 1.5 liter bottle of water costs 2.17 EUR (2.5 USD) in the United States and 0.82 EUR (0.94 USD) in South Africa. The price of this product is 62.2% lower in South Africa.

2.17 EUR
0.82 EUR

Restaurant

EURUSDZAR

United States vs. South Africa - expenses on meals in restaurants. You would pay 2.7 times more for meals in restaurants in the United States than in South Africa.

Cappuccino (regular)

For a cappuccino in a restaurant, you'll pay 4.53 EUR (5.22 USD) in the United States and 1.58 EUR (1.82 USD) in South Africa. The price of this product is 65.1% lower in South Africa.

4.53 EUR
1.58 EUR

Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)

A 0.33 liter bottle of Coca-Cola or Pepsi costs 2.43 EUR (2.8 USD) in the United States and 0.79 EUR (0.9 USD) in South Africa. The price of this product is 67.5% lower in South Africa.

2.43 EUR
0.79 EUR

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

Domestic beer with a capacity of 0.5 liters costs 6.94 EUR (8 USD) in the United States and 1.86 EUR (2.15 USD) in South Africa. The price of this product is 73.2% lower in South Africa.

6.94 EUR
1.86 EUR

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

A 0.33 liter bottle of imported beer costs 8.68 EUR (10 USD) in the United States and 1.96 EUR (2.26 USD) in South Africa. The price of this product is 77.4% lower in South Africa.

8.68 EUR
1.96 EUR

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

A McMeal or similar meal at McDonald's costs 10.42 EUR (12 USD) in the United States and 3.92 EUR (4.52 USD) in South Africa. The price of this product is 62.4% lower in South Africa.

10.42 EUR
3.92 EUR

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

A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant costs 86.81 EUR (100 USD) in the United States and 34.33 EUR (39.54 USD) in South Africa. The price of this product is 60.5% lower in South Africa.

86.81 EUR
34.33 EUR

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs 21.7 EUR (25 USD) in the United States and 8.09 EUR (9.32 USD) in South Africa. The price of this product is 62.7% lower in South Africa.

21.70 EUR
8.09 EUR

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

A 0.33 liter bottle of water costs 1.91 EUR (2.2 USD) in the United States and 0.59 EUR (0.68 USD) in South Africa. The price of this product is 69.1% lower in South Africa.

1.91 EUR
0.59 EUR

Fuel

EURUSDZAR

United States vs. South Africa - expenses related to fuel. You would pay 1.28 times less for fuel in the United States than in South Africa.

Diesel 1L

A liter of diesel costs 0.82 EUR (0.95 USD) in the United States and 1.05 EUR (1.21 USD) in South Africa. The price of this product is 21.9% lower in the United States.

0.82 EUR
1.05 EUR

Gasoline 1L

A liter of gasoline costs 0.8 EUR (0.92 USD) in the United States and 1.03 EUR (1.19 USD) in South Africa. The price of this product is 22.3% lower in the United States.

0.80 EUR
1.03 EUR

Transportation

EURUSDZAR

United States vs. South Africa - costs of transportation and public communication. You would pay 2.08 times more for transportation in the United States than in South Africa.

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

The monthly ticket price for public transportation is 111.98 EUR (129 USD) in the United States and 63.75 EUR (73.43 USD) in South Africa. The price of this product is 43.1% lower in South Africa.

111.98 EUR
63.75 EUR

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

The one-way ticket price for local transportation is 2.39 EUR (2.75 USD) in the United States and 1.52 EUR (1.75 USD) in South Africa. The price of this product is 36.4% lower in South Africa.

2.39 EUR
1.52 EUR

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

The cost of a one-hour taxi stand/wait is 26.04 EUR (30 USD) in the United States and 2.63 EUR (3.03 USD) in South Africa. The price of this product is 89.9% lower in South Africa.

26.04 EUR
2.63 EUR

Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)

The fare for each kilometer traveled is 1.61 EUR (1.86 USD) in the United States and 0.89 EUR (1.03 USD) in South Africa. The price of this product is 44.7% lower in South Africa.

1.61 EUR
0.89 EUR

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

The initial fare during a taxi ride is 3.91 EUR (4.5 USD) in the United States and 1.23 EUR (1.41 USD) in South Africa. The price of this product is 68.5% lower in South Africa.

3.91 EUR
1.23 EUR

Sports & entertainment

EURUSDZAR

United States vs. South Africa - costs related to entertainment and sports.

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

The ticket price for a foreign film in the cinema is 15.63 EUR (18 USD) in the United States and 5.27 EUR (6.07 USD) in South Africa. The price of this product is 66.3% lower in South Africa.

15.63 EUR
5.27 EUR

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

The monthly fee for entry to the fitness club is 85.3 EUR (98.26 USD) in the United States and 28.16 EUR (32.44 USD) in South Africa. The price of this product is 67% lower in South Africa.

85.30 EUR
28.16 EUR

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

The cost of renting a tennis court for one hour on the weekend is 32.99 EUR (38 USD) in the United States and 8.29 EUR (9.55 USD) in South Africa. The price of this product is 74.9% lower in South Africa.

32.99 EUR
8.29 EUR

Flats for rent

EURUSDZAR

United States vs. South Africa - costs of renting an apartment. You would pay about 7.72 times more for renting an apartment in the United States than in South Africa.

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

For renting an apartment in the city center consisting of a living room and one bedroom, you will pay 3299 EUR (3800.48 USD) in the United States and 341.85 EUR (393.79 USD) in South Africa. The price of this product is 89.6% lower in South Africa.

3 299 EUR
341.85 EUR

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

For renting an apartment outside the city center consisting of a living room and one bedroom, you will pay 2066 EUR (2380.18 USD) in the United States and 312.85 EUR (360.4 USD) in South Africa. The price of this product is 84.9% lower in South Africa.

2 066 EUR
312.85 EUR

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

For renting an apartment in the city center consisting of a living room and three bedrooms, you will pay 6158 EUR (7094.09 USD) in the United States and 662.1 EUR (762.72 USD) in South Africa. The price of this product is 89.2% lower in South Africa.

6 158 EUR
662.10 EUR

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

For renting an apartment outside the city center consisting of a living room and three bedrooms, you will pay 3566 EUR (4107.47 USD) in the United States and 637.99 EUR (734.95 USD) in South Africa. The price of this product is 82.1% lower in South Africa.

3 566 EUR
637.99 EUR

Flats for sale

EURUSDZAR

United States vs. South Africa - costs of purchasing an apartment. You would pay 15.44 times more for buying an apartment in the United States than in South Africa.

Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre

For one square meter of an apartment in the city center you will pay 12394 EUR (14277.9 USD) in the United States and 709.21 EUR (816.98 USD) in South Africa. The price of this product is 94.3% lower in South Africa.

12 394 EUR
709.21 EUR

Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

For one square meter of an apartment outside the city center, you will pay 8052 EUR (9275.19 USD) in the United States and 614.83 EUR (708.27 USD) in South Africa. The price of this product is 92.4% lower in South Africa.

8 052 EUR
614.83 EUR

Salary

EURUSDZAR

United States vs. South Africa - average salary. The average salary in the United States is 4.04 times higher than in South Africa.

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

The average monthly salary after taxes is 5206 EUR (5996.99 USD) in the United States and 1288 EUR (1483.67 USD) in South Africa. The average salary is 75.3% lower in South Africa.

5 206 EUR
1 288 EUR

Hotels

EURUSDZAR

United States vs. South Africa - prices of accommodation in hostels, guesthouses, and hotels.

One star

90.1 EUR
45 EUR

Two stars

127 EUR
47.9 EUR

Three stars

169 EUR
84.6 EUR

Four stars

219 EUR
140 EUR

Five stars

522 EUR
322 EUR

Average accommodation prices based on Expedia.com data • Update: 15 Dec 2024 (1 night stay for 2 people on 29 Dec 2024) • United States: 20 cities, 3762 hotels • South Africa: 20 cities, 700 hotels

Explore more about prices, cost of living and travel budget Prices in the United States Prices in South Africa

Countries Frequently Compared
(Cost of Living & Prices)

flagUnited Kingdom vs.
flagMontenegroflagUnited Kingdom vs.
flagSierra LeoneflagCanada vs.
flagGuamflagUnited Kingdom vs.
flagKyrgyzstanflagUnited States vs.
flagLiberiaflagCanada vs.
flagNetherlandsflagUnited Kingdom vs.
flagSaint Kitts and NevisflagUnited States vs.
flagTurkey