🇿🇦 Cape Town vs 🇦🇺 Perth
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇿🇦
Cape Town
South Africa
$1,292–$2,046/mo
R23,491 – R37,200 / month (local)
🇦🇺
Perth
Australia
$2,462–$3,897/mo
A$3,788 – A$5,995 / month (local)
Perth is 90% more expensive
Cape Town wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Cape Town (USD) | Perth (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $969–$1,508 | $1,846–$2,872 | 🟢 Cape Town |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $512–$808 | $974–$1,538 | 🟢 Cape Town |
| Utilities | $40–$78 | $77–$149 | 🟢 Cape Town |
| Groceries | $205–$307 | $390–$585 | 🟢 Cape Town |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $27–$48 | $51–$92 | 🟢 Cape Town |
| Public transport (monthly) | $51–$62 | $97–$118 | 🟢 Cape Town |
| Internet & Mobile | $16–$27 | $31–$51 | 🟢 Cape Town |
| Gym membership | $19–$35 | $36–$67 | 🟢 Cape Town |
| Cinema ticket | $8–$10 | $14–$18 | 🟢 Cape Town |
| Monthly total (single) | $1,292–$2,046 | $2,462–$3,897 | 🟢 Cape Town |
See how your salary compares in both cities
Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).
Quality of life comparison
Housing7.1 / 10 · 4.5 / 10
Cape Town▲ better
Perth
Safety8.7 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Cape Town▲ better
Perth
Healthcare8.7 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Cape Town▲ better
Perth
Education8.3 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Cape Town▲ better
Perth
Environment9.1 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Cape Town▲ better
Perth
Economy7.4 / 10 · 7.3 / 10
Cape Town▲ better
Perth
Culture8.0 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Cape Town▲ better
Perth
Internet8.4 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Cape Town▲ better
Perth
Who should choose which city?
Choose Cape Town if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Perth
- ✓Nature
- ✓Wine
- ✓Value USD
- ✓Tourism
Choose Perth if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Perth offers vs Cape Town
- ✓Mining wealth
- ✓Beaches
- ✓Sun
- ✓Mining
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📊
Full Cape Town guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Cape Town →📊
Full Perth guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Perth →