Skyline of Pretoria
Cost of Living: 105 2,473,000

Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa

The administrative capital of South Africa, known for its jacaranda-lined streets, government buildings, and universities.

Updated July 19, 2026
Cost of Living 105

Above Average vs South Africa Avg (100)

Housing Index 108

Above Average

Median Income R 280,000

Household income

Unemployment 23.0%

Job market health

Pretoria vs South Africa Average

Cost of Living
Pretoria: 105
South Africa Avg: 100
Housing Index
Pretoria: 108
South Africa Avg: 100

Taxes

  • Income Tax: None
  • VAT: 15.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: R 280,000
  • Unemployment: 23.0%
  • Population: 2,473,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 260/year
  • Summer High: 78°F
  • Winter Low: 38°F

Housing

  • Median Home: R1,400,000
  • 1BR Rent: R7500/mo

Cost of Living

Pretoria's cost of living index is 105 (South Africa average = 100).

CategoryPretoriaNational AverageDifference
Overall105100+5.0%
Housing108100+8.0%

Data source: Stats SA / Numbeo, 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home PriceR1,400,000
Median Rent (1BR)R7500/mo
Median Rent (2BR)R9,375/mo
Price per Sq FtR933

Data source: Property24 / Numbeo, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

R
%
$90,000 down
%
%
R

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Pretoria:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
ElectricityR500Based on ~800 kWh/month typical South African household usage
Heating & CoolingR26Estimated based on local climate. electric heating
Cooling (AC)N/AEstimated based on local climate and electricity rates
WaterR200Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)R400Broadband average
Garbage / TrashR100Private service
Total UtilitiesR1226Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: Eskom, Rand Water, Telkom 2025

Best Neighborhoods

Downtown Pretoria

The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: R9,000/mo.

Pretoria Heights

Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: R8,250/mo.

East Pretoria

Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: R6,750/mo.

West Pretoria

Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: R7,125/mo.

Remote Work Score

Pretoria scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
105
Rent
R7500
Sunny Days
260
Tax
None
Unemployment
23.0%
Climate
78°F / 38°F

Climate

Pretoria has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January58°F38°F2.5"
April63°F53°F2.8"
July78°F53°F1.5"
October58°F56°F2.2"

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 23.0%.

Crime & Safety

Crime rates in Pretoria per 100,000 residents:

500.0
Violent Crime
2,000.0
Property Crime
41.0
Homicide

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 Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa?

The cost of living index in Pretoria is 105, which is Higher the South Africa national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Pretoria?

The median home price in Pretoria is R1,400,000. The housing index is 108.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Pretoria is approximately R7500/mo.

Does Pretoria, Gauteng have income tax?

Pretoria is in Gauteng, which has no income tax.

What is the climate like in Pretoria?

Pretoria enjoys approximately 260 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 78°F, while winter lows can drop to around 38°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.