Skyline of Rustenburg
Cost of Living: 85 549,000

Rustenburg, North West, South Africa

A mining hub in the North West province, known for platinum mining and proximity to Sun City resort.

Updated July 19, 2026
Cost of Living 85

Below Average vs South Africa Avg (100)

Housing Index 80

Affordable

Median Income R 210,000

Household income

Unemployment 27.0%

Job market health

Rustenburg vs South Africa Average

Cost of Living
Rustenburg: 85
South Africa Avg: 100
Housing Index
Rustenburg: 80
South Africa Avg: 100

Taxes

  • Income Tax: None
  • VAT: 15.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: R 210,000
  • Unemployment: 27.0%
  • Population: 549,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 280/year
  • Summer High: 82°F
  • Winter Low: 38°F

Housing

  • Median Home: R700,000
  • 1BR Rent: R4500/mo

Cost of Living

Rustenburg's cost of living index is 85 (South Africa average = 100).

CategoryRustenburgNational AverageDifference
Overall85100-15.0%
Housing80100-20.0%

Data source: Stats SA / Numbeo, 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home PriceR700,000
Median Rent (1BR)R4500/mo
Median Rent (2BR)R5,625/mo
Price per Sq FtR466

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 Rustenburg:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
ElectricityR500Based on ~800 kWh/month typical South African household usage
Heating & CoolingR22Estimated 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 UtilitiesR1222Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: Eskom, Rand Water, Telkom 2025

Best Neighborhoods

Downtown Rustenburg

The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: R5,400/mo.

Rustenburg Heights

Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: R4,950/mo.

East Rustenburg

Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: R4,050/mo.

West Rustenburg

Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: R4,275/mo.

Remote Work Score

Rustenburg scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
85
Rent
R4500
Sunny Days
280
Tax
None
Unemployment
27.0%
Climate
82°F / 38°F

Climate

Rustenburg has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January58°F38°F2.5"
April67°F53°F2.8"
July82°F57°F1.5"
October62°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 27.0%.

Crime & Safety

Crime rates in Rustenburg 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 Rustenburg, North West, South Africa?

The cost of living index in Rustenburg is 85, which is Lower the South Africa national average of 100.

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

The median home price in Rustenburg is R700,000. The housing index is 80.

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

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Rustenburg is approximately R4500/mo.

Does Rustenburg, North West have income tax?

Rustenburg is in North West, which has no income tax.

What is the climate like in Rustenburg?

Rustenburg enjoys approximately 280 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 82°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.