Cape Town, South Africa
The Mother City, famous for Table Mountain, stunning beaches, vibrant waterfront, and world-class wine regions.
Overview
Cape Town is a city in Western Cape with a population of 4,005,000. The Mother City, famous for Table Mountain, stunning beaches, vibrant waterfront, and world-class wine regions. Housing costs are close to the national average. The overall cost of living is above the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 6b growing zone supports Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, with about 300 sunny days a year. Reported crime rates are relatively high. The population skews young, with a median age of 28.0.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
Above Average vs South Africa Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Cape Town vs South Africa Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 15.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: R 320,000
- Unemployment: 22.0%
- Population: 4,005,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 300/year
- Summer High: 75°F
- Winter Low: 45°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6b
Housing
- Median Home: R1,800,000
- 1BR Rent: R9000/mo
Cost of Living
Cape Town's cost of living index is 115 (South Africa average = 100).
| Category | Cape Town | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 115 | 100 | +15.0% |
| Housing | 120 | 100 | +20.0% |
Data source: Stats SA / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | R1,800,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | R9000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | R11,250/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | R1,200 |
Data source: Property24 / Numbeo, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Cape Town:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | R800 | |
| Heating & Cooling | R17 | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | R300 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | R500 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | R1617 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: Eskom, Rand Water, Telkom 2025
Remote Work Score
Cape Town scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Cape Town has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 65°F | 45°F | 2.5" |
| April | 60°F | 60°F | 2.8" |
| July | 75°F | 50°F | 1.5" |
| October | 55°F | 63°F | 2.2" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
Cape Town faces the following natural hazards:
Frequent drought conditions including Day Zero crisis.
Fynbos region with frequent wildfires.
Flash floods.
Seismic activity.
Moderate cyclone risk.
Drakensberg region with landslides.
South Africa experiences tornadoes.
High-altitude regions experience winter storms.
Dust storms.
Drakensberg region with avalanches.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 0% (None)
- Sales Tax: 15%
- Property Tax: ~0.3% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 22.0%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Cape Town per 100,000 residents:
City-level crime data is not available for this location. The figure shown is the national average, which may differ significantly from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: UN Office on Drugs and Crime
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
School year aligns with the calendar year. Autumn break in April.
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Demographics
The population of Cape Town is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: Statistics South Africa (2022)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Cape Town, South Africa?
The cost of living index in Cape Town is 115, which is Higher the South Africa national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Cape Town?
The median home price in Cape Town is R1,800,000. The housing index is 120.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Cape Town is approximately R9000/mo.
Does Cape Town, Western Cape have income tax?
Cape Town is in Western Cape, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Cape Town?
Cape Town enjoys approximately 300 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 75°F, while winter lows can drop to around 45°F.
Relocation Guides
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Stats SA / Numbeo, 2026
- Housing Data: Property24 / Numbeo, 2026
- Income & Employment: Stats SA Labour Force Survey, 2024
- Utilities Eskom, Rand Water, Telkom 2025
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.