East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa
A port city on the Sunshine Coast, known for its beaches, river estuary, and automotive manufacturing.
Below Average vs South Africa Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
East London vs South Africa Average
Taxes
- Income Tax: None
- VAT: 15.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: R 220,000
- Unemployment: 26.0%
- Population: 267,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 270/year
- Summer High: 76°F
- Winter Low: 48°F
Housing
- Median Home: R850,000
- 1BR Rent: R5000/mo
Cost of Living
East London's cost of living index is 88 (South Africa average = 100).
| Category | East London | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 88 | 100 | -12.0% |
| Housing | 85 | 100 | -15.0% |
Data source: Stats SA / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | R850,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | R5000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | R6,250/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | R566 |
Data source: Property24 / Numbeo, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in East London:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | R500 | Based on ~800 kWh/month typical South African household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | R10 | Estimated based on local climate. electric heating |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | R200 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | R400 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | R100 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | R1210 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: Eskom, Rand Water, Telkom 2025
Best Neighborhoods
Downtown East London
The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: R6,000/mo.
East London Heights
Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: R5,500/mo.
East East London
Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: R4,500/mo.
West East London
Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: R4,750/mo.
Remote Work Score
East London scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
East London has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 68°F | 48°F | 2.5" |
| April | 61°F | 63°F | 2.8" |
| July | 76°F | 51°F | 1.5" |
| October | 56°F | 66°F | 2.2" |
Taxes
- Income Tax: 0% (None)
- VAT: 15%
- Property Tax: ~1.2% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 26.0%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in East London 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
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 East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa?
The cost of living index in East London is 88, which is Lower the South Africa national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in East London?
The median home price in East London is R850,000. The housing index is 85.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in East London is approximately R5000/mo.
Does East London, Eastern Cape have income tax?
East London is in Eastern Cape, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in East London?
East London enjoys approximately 270 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 76°F, while winter lows can drop to around 48°F.
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: July 19, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.