Cost of living in Portugal versus South Africa

Little things make the biggest difference! Compare the cost of living in Portugal versus South Africa to make your decision wisely.

Article by Viv Europe - Official Legal and Relocation Partner to KipperTree.

12 08 2023

Read the full in-depth article here

Famous for its landscapes, mild climate, and friendly locals, Portugal offers a lower cost of living than many other European countries. And people from South Africa can find it to be a great deal while they work on improving their standard of living. But to do that, you need to take a closer look at the cost of living in Portugal versus South Africa!

Cities like Lisbon and Porto offer a great lifestyle with reasonable rental prices. You’ll also find utilities, transportation, and healthcare prices pretty competitive with Cape Town and Johannesburg. Whether you dream of living in a historic town with cobblestone streets or prefer a coastal retreat, Portugal has plenty to offer without breaking the bank.

South Africa itself is diverse and culturally rich, with budget-friendly accommodation, food, and entertainment expenses. So it’s a bit of a tough call. Before you make the decision to stay or move, it’s crucial to thoroughly compare and plan your budget to make a smooth transition and fully enjoy your expat experience.

How expensive is living in South Africa?

South Africa is known for its low cost of living compared to many other destinations. Ex-pats find accommodation, in particular, to be pleasantly reasonable. This holds true for both, whether in the city or a tranquil countryside setting.

You’ll find various options for any budget in terms of food consumption and grocery expenses. The local markets in South Africa offer fresh produce, and restaurants are known for delicacies that make you come back for more.

Since transport is mainly done through minibuses and ride-sharing services, commute costs are categorized as budget-friendly too. All in all, a single person needs around €500 ( R 10,100) a month without adding rent expenses. 

Let’s share some price estimates so you can have a clearer idea of the living expenses. What do rent expenses look like in Portugal versus South Africa? And how much should you be making to afford a decent lifestyle in each? 

Cost of living in Portugal versus South Africa

Let’s dive into the cost of living in Portugal versus South Africa. While Portugal is loved by expats for its affordability and beauty, South Africa is still catching up. There’s no denying that it is 29% cheaper than Portugal, but does that make it a close competitor? Let’s find out more about this cost difference. 

Cost of rent

With an average monthly rent of €1,247 (R 24,217) in the city centre, Lisbon is one of Portugal’s top places to live. Other Portuguese cities like Porto or Faro do offer more affordable options if that’s something you’re looking for. The rent in those cities ranges from €874 (R 16,973) to €683 (R 13,267) in the city centre. 

As mentioned before, accommodation in South Africa is cheaper than in Portugal. You’ll find the same type of apartment for €636 (R 12,128) in Cape Town, which costs much more in Lisbon. 

However, expats are ready to pay that amount, and more if needed, to be able to live among the best job opportunities in Europe. It is truly a priceless experience to live around safety, a welcoming environment, and a community of expats!

Check out the comprehensive comparison below:

Utilities

The comparison of the cost of living in Portugal versus South Africa would be incomplete without discussing utilities. In the former, you should expect a monthly utility bill to add up to €109 (R 2,124). An 85m2 apartment would include electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage. A pretty good deal, isn’t it?

In South Africa, utilities for a similar apartment are €93 (R 1,816). So while the latter is cheaper, the difference doesn’t add up to a lot, and Portugal remains affordable. 

Groceries

The countries have their local specialities to offer when you’re grocery shopping. While both are known for their fresh produce, South Africa’s groceries may cost less than Portugal’s. 

But if you look at individual prices as compiled in the table below, you’ll see only a minor cost difference. So regardless of whether you are snapping up in Lisbon’s historic markets or shopping from the marts of Cape Town, you’ll find budget-friendly options.

Eating out and drinks

Surrounded by Portuguese culture, you will often find yourself at a local cafe, spending your evening with some friends and enjoying life. Much like South Africa’s eating-out culture, Portugal’s street food, wine, and food festivals will keep you on your toes! 

Don’t forget to try the famous local seafood when eating out. Bacalhau (Salted Cod) and Sardinhas Assadas (Grilled Sardines) are the most renowned Portuguese delicacies and will remind you of Snoek Braai and Crayfish from back home. 

And the best part is these delightful culinary experiences are reasonably priced in both countries. Don’t believe us? Check out the price breakdown below!

To find out about Transport, Leisure, Healthcare comparisons and the cheapest areas in Portugal? Continue reading the article here