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Cost of living in Somerset West
Rent, everyday prices and the gross salary you may need to cover living costs in Somerset West.
One person, a month
ZAR 11,171
Living costs excluding rent
Family of four, a month
ZAR 39,179
Living costs excluding rent
One-bedroom rent, centre
ZAR 10,498
A month
Gross salary, one person
ZAR 270,000
to cover living costs in Somerset West
Somerset West's cost of living at a glance
Somerset West is among the more expensive cities in South Africa and one of the most expensive cities in Africa. The estimated monthly costs for a single person in Somerset West are ZAR 11,171, excluding rent. Living costs for a family of four are ZAR 39,179 a month, excluding rent.
A single person in Somerset West may need a gross salary of at least ZAR 270,000 a year to cover estimated living costs, renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre and saving nothing.
One person's monthly costs
Numbeo household estimate in ZAR, with the rent of a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre
Source: Numbeo, 1 June 2026.
How Somerset West compares
One person's monthly costs in Somerset West, excluding rent, are 3.3% lower than in the typical city in South Africa and 24.4% lower than in the typical city worldwide.
Where Somerset West ranks
In South Africa
6th of 15
One person's monthly costs including rent, most expensive first.
In Africa
13th of 92
Cities in Africa with a Numbeo estimate, most expensive first.
Worldwide
37th percentile
Costs the same as or more than 37% of 1,942 cities: a relatively affordable city.
One-bedroom rent, centre
6th of 15
Cities in South Africa, most expensive first.
Monthly costs against the typical city
- Somerset West
- Typical national city
- Typical city worldwide
Tap a line or a table row to read its three amounts.
| Monthly cost | Somerset West | Typical national city | Typical city worldwide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | ZAR 10,498 | ZAR 7,946 +32.1% | ZAR 12,173 −13.8% |
| Groceries | ZAR 3,121 | ZAR 3,121 0.0% | ZAR 4,606 −32.2% |
| Eating out | ZAR 1,913 | ZAR 1,809 +5.8% | ZAR 2,593 −26.2% |
| Transport | ZAR 979 | ZAR 896 +9.3% | ZAR 656 +49.3% |
| Utilities | ZAR 2,309 | ZAR 2,809 −17.8% | ZAR 2,863 −19.4% |
| Leisure | ZAR 849 | ZAR 739 +14.9% | ZAR 1,016 −16.4% |
| Total excluding rent | ZAR 11,171 | ZAR 11,548 −3.3% | ZAR 14,781 −24.4% |
| Total including rent | ZAR 21,669 | ZAR 21,123 +2.6% | ZAR 27,430 −21.0% |
Typical = the median of 15 cities in South Africa and 1,942 cities worldwide.
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Explore prices in Somerset West
The average price for each item, and the range from the lowest to the highest price people have reported.
Renting in Somerset West
Somerset West is the 6th most expensive city in South Africa for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre. The closest-priced city in South Africa is Port Elizabeth.
A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs ZAR 10,498 a month.
Outside the centre, a one-bedroom apartment typically costs ZAR 6,889 a month.
A one-bedroom apartment in the centre is around 52% more expensive to rent than one outside the centre.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment in the city centre Monthly rent | ZAR 10,498 | ZAR 7,873– |
| 1-bed apartment outside the centre Monthly rent | ZAR 6,889 | ZAR 6,397– |
| 3-bed apartment in the city centre Monthly rent | ZAR 21,816 | ZAR 17,715– |
| 3-bed apartment outside the centre Monthly rent | ZAR 15,255 | ZAR 14,763– |
| Price per m² in the city centre | ZAR 19,683 | ZAR 19,683–ZAR 19,683 |
| Price per m² outside the centre | ZAR 14,763 | ZAR 14,763–ZAR 14,763 |
Cost of everyday items in Somerset West
Groceries in Somerset West are around 3% more expensive than the average for South Africa, while eating out is around 8% more expensive than the country average.
A litre of milk typically costs ZAR 16.07.
A 500g loaf of fresh white bread typically costs ZAR 15.74.
A pack of 20 cigarettes typically costs ZAR 54.10.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Milk, 1 litre | ZAR 16.07 | ZAR 13.77– |
| Fresh white bread, 500g | ZAR 15.74 | ZAR 11.15– |
| Eggs, 12 large | ZAR 37.71 | ZAR 21.31– |
| Local cheese, 1kg | ZAR 133 | ZAR 78.69– |
| Chicken fillets, 1kg | ZAR 84.92 | ZAR 67.87– |
| Beef round, 1kg | ZAR 134 | ZAR 87.55– |
| Apples, 1kg | ZAR 29.67 | ZAR 19.67– |
| Oranges, 1kg | ZAR 29.35 | ZAR 14.76– |
| Potatoes, 1kg | ZAR 26.56 | ZAR 11.80– |
| Lettuce, 1 head | ZAR 20.00 | ZAR 9.84– |
| White rice, 1kg | ZAR 34.43 | ZAR 19.67– |
| Tomatoes, 1kg | ZAR 27.54 | ZAR 24.59– |
| Bananas, 1kg | ZAR 31.64 | ZAR 19.67– |
| Onions, 1kg | ZAR 23.61 | ZAR 12.79– |
| Water, 1.5 litre bottle | ZAR 17.21 | ZAR 12.79– |
| Mid-range bottle of wine | ZAR 93.45 | ZAR 54.10– |
| Domestic beer, 0.5 litre bottle | ZAR 23.94 | ZAR 17.71– |
| Imported beer, 0.33 litre bottle | ZAR 29.51 | ZAR 18.03– |
| Cigarettes, 20 pack | ZAR 54.10 | ZAR 41.31– |
Eating out in Somerset West
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | ZAR 187 | ZAR 118– |
| Three-course meal for two | ZAR 738 | ZAR 492– |
| Fast food combo meal | ZAR 88.53 | ZAR 83.61– |
| Domestic beer, 0.5 litre draught | ZAR 41.81 | ZAR 39.35– |
| Imported beer, 0.33 litre bottle | ZAR 49.18 | ZAR 39.35– |
| Soft drink, 0.33 litre bottle | ZAR 14.76 | ZAR 11.80– |
| Water, 0.33 litre bottle | ZAR 13.12 | ZAR 9.84– |
| Cappuccino | ZAR 34.43 | ZAR 24.59– |
Transport in Somerset West
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| One-way public transport ticket | ZAR 18.69 | Not available |
| Monthly public transport pass | ZAR 979 | Not available |
| Gasoline, 1 litre | ZAR 21.31 | ZAR 19.67– |
| Taxi start | ZAR 19.67 | ZAR 6.72– |
| Taxi, per km | ZAR 24.59 | ZAR 13.61– |
| Taxi waiting, 1 hour | ZAR 81.15 | ZAR 81.15– |
| Volkswagen Golf, new | ZAR 469,696 | ZAR 344,460– |
| Toyota Corolla sedan, new | ZAR 472,550 | ZAR 393,669– |
Utilities in Somerset West
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment Monthly | ZAR 1,363 | ZAR 984– |
| Broadband internet Monthly | ZAR 625 | ZAR 476– |
| Mobile phone plan Monthly | ZAR 552 | ZAR 295– |
How is Somerset West for families?
A family of four with two adults and two children may need a gross household income of ZAR 844,000 a year in Somerset West, excluding childcare costs.
Private preschool or kindergarten typically costs ZAR 4,183 a month.
A three-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs ZAR 21,816 a month.
Somerset West scores 52/100 on Numbeo's safety index.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Family of four, excluding rent Monthly, Numbeo household estimate | ZAR 39,179 | Not applicable |
| Family of four, including rent Monthly, Numbeo household estimate | ZAR 60,995 | Not applicable |
| Private preschool or kindergarten Monthly | ZAR 4,183 | ZAR 2,559– |
| International primary school Annual | ZAR 59,050 | ZAR 23,620– |
Leisure and clothing in Somerset West
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Gym membership Monthly | ZAR 677 | ZAR 344– |
| Tennis court rental, 1 hour | ZAR 172 | Not available |
| Cinema ticket | ZAR 118 | ZAR 88.53– |
| Jeans | ZAR 558 | ZAR 344– |
| Summer dress from a chain store | ZAR 480 | ZAR 295– |
| Nike running shoes | ZAR 1,148 | ZAR 787– |
| Men's leather business shoes | ZAR 1,115 | ZAR 689– |
Source: Numbeo, 1 June 2026.
What salary do I need to live in Somerset West?
By combining Numbeo's living-cost estimates with the tax rates in South Africa, we can estimate the gross salary you would need to live in Somerset West. Use the calculator below to see how much you would need to live in Somerset West, and where your money goes.
Recommended gross salary
ZAR 270,109
Needed to support 1 adult and no children in Somerset West, living in a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre.
- Take-home pay
- ZAR 216,723
- Living costs
- ZAR 216,723
- Tax and contributions
- ZAR 53,386
Where your salary goes
- Living costsZAR 216,72380.2%
- Income tax and contributionsZAR 53,38619.8%
| Operator | Item | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Gross salary | ZAR 270,109 | |
| − | Income tax and contributions | ZAR 53,386 |
| = | Take-home pay | ZAR 216,723 |
| − | Rent | ZAR 82,671 |
| − | Groceries | ZAR 37,449 |
| − | Eating out | ZAR 22,961 |
| − | Transport | ZAR 11,751 |
| − | Utilities | ZAR 27,710 |
| − | Leisure | ZAR 10,187 |
| − | Other estimated costs | ZAR 23,994 |
| = | Left over: savings target | ZAR 0 |
ZAR 270,109 gross salary modelled as one employment income gives a 19.8% effective tax rate and ZAR 53,386 estimated deductions a year. Use our salary tax calculator for a more detailed estimate.
What the estimate includes
- Rent for your housing choice and Numbeo's household living costs for your household size
- National income tax for 2026/27
- Employee social contributions, simplified
What it doesn't include
- Regional, state or local income tax
- Joint filing, partner income and household allowances
- Age, pension, expat-regime or special-residency rules
- Bonuses, benefits and other income
- Child care or school unless you choose it
Don't agree with our estimates? Help us improve our cost-of-living model.
How each cost is worked out
Rent. The selected one-bedroom apartment outside the centre in Somerset West costs an estimated ZAR 6,889 per month. ZAR 6,889 per month × 12 months = ZAR 82,671 a year.
Groceries. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Somerset West spends an estimated ZAR 3,121 on groceries per month. ZAR 3,121 per month × 12 months = ZAR 37,449 a year.
Eating out. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Somerset West spends an estimated ZAR 1,913 on eating out per month. ZAR 1,913 per month × 12 months = ZAR 22,961 a year.
Transport. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Somerset West spends an estimated ZAR 979 on transport per month. ZAR 979 per month × 12 months = ZAR 11,751 a year.
Utilities. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Somerset West spends an estimated ZAR 2,309 on utilities per month. ZAR 2,309 per month × 12 months = ZAR 27,710 a year.
Leisure. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Somerset West spends an estimated ZAR 849 on leisure per month. ZAR 849 per month × 12 months = ZAR 10,187 a year.
Other estimated costs. Numbeo's household estimate for miscellaneous costs: this may include things like clothing, shoes and entertainment costs. ZAR 1,999 per month × 12 months = ZAR 23,994 a year.
See the prices behind each category · How living costs and salaries are calculated
Tax estimate assumptions
Tax year 2026/27. One resident employee and one employment income are assumed. Tax year runs 1 March 2025 to 28 February 2026. Does not apply the primary tax rebate (R17,235), which effectively exempts the first ~R95,750 of income. No personal allowances, medical credits, or retirement fund deductions applied. UIF ceiling R17,712/month (R212,544/year) per SARS, unchanged since June 2021.
Important
This calculator gives an estimate of the income needed to cover living costs. It is not tax, legal or financial advice. It uses Numbeo prices as of 1 June 2026, South Africa's tax rules for 2026/27 and Wise exchange rates of 21 October 2026, and models one employment income. Check your figures with the salary tax calculator or the official rules in PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries / SARS.
Figures for 1 adult, outside the centre, no savings target.
Cost of living in Somerset West: common questions
Is Somerset West expensive to live in?
Somerset West is among the more expensive cities in South Africa and one of the most expensive cities in Africa.
A single person spends about ZAR 11,171 a month excluding rent, against ZAR 11,548 in the typical city in South Africa (the median of 15 cities, Numbeo, as of 1 June 2026).
Worldwide, Somerset West costs the same as or more than 37% of the 1,942 cities with a Numbeo household estimate, which makes it a relatively affordable city.
What salary do you need to live in Somerset West?
A single person may need a gross salary of at least ZAR 270,000 a year to cover estimated living costs in Somerset West, renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre and saving nothing.
This is an estimate from Numbeo prices as of 1 June 2026 and South Africa's tax rules for 2026/27. Use the salary calculator to add your household, housing and a savings target.
How much is rent in Somerset West?
A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs ZAR 10,498 a month, and ZAR 6,889 outside the centre, according to Numbeo averages as of 1 June 2026.
A three-bedroom apartment costs about ZAR 21,816 a month in the centre and ZAR 15,255 outside it.
Somerset West is the 6th most expensive city in South Africa for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre.
How much does a family spend in Somerset West?
A family of four spends about ZAR 39,179 a month on living costs excluding rent, or ZAR 60,995 including rent, according to Numbeo's household estimate as of 1 June 2026.
With two adults earning and a three-bedroom home outside the centre, the household may need a gross income of ZAR 844,000 a year, excluding childcare costs.
Private preschool or kindergarten typically costs ZAR 4,183 a month per child.
How does Somerset West compare with South Africa's other cities?
Somerset West ranks 6th of 15 cities in South Africa for one person's monthly costs including rent, where 1st is the most expensive.
Excluding rent, one person's costs are 3.3% less than in the typical city in South Africa.
Where this data comes from
- Living costs and prices
- Numbeo, snapshot of 1 June 2026
- Exchange rates
- Wise mid-market rates, 21 October 2026
- Tax rules
- Expatica salary tax calculator, South Africa 2026/27
- Locations and population
- GeoNames (CC BY 4.0), retrieved 1 October 2026
- Regions for continent ranks
- UN M49 regions
Important
All amounts are indicative estimates, not quotes or financial advice. Numbeo's prices are reported by users, so coverage and recency vary by city: check rents and prices locally before you commit to a move.
Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you click and make a purchase.
How living costs and salaries are calculated
- Your household size (adults and children, one to six people) picks Numbeo's household estimate for groceries, eating out, transport, utilities, leisure and rent.
- Rent is replaced by the price of a one-bedroom apartment (one or two people) or a three-bedroom apartment (three or more), in or outside the centre. A flatshare, for one adult without children, is a third of a three-bedroom home.
- "Other estimated costs" is Numbeo's household total less the named categories, not a separately reported price. Where a total is below its own categories, we use the categories, and a larger household's costs other than rent are never lower than a smaller household's.
- Child care and school are optional: preschool uses the city's monthly price for each child, international primary school its annual fee spread over 12 months. Children's ages, eligibility and public provision are not modelled.
- The salary is the gross income that leaves these costs, plus your savings target, after tax under Expatica's rules for South Africa (2026/27). One adult has one employment income; two adults are two earners splitting it evenly, with no joint filing or household allowances. What the tax model covers is listed with the result.
- Numbeo's figures are in US dollars, converted with one set of Wise mid-market rates. Without them, amounts stay in US dollars and no salary is estimated.
How cities are compared and matched
- A typical city is the median of one person's monthly costs across the 15 cities in South Africa in this guide and across the 1,942 cities worldwide with a Numbeo household estimate. Each row is its own median, so the rows do not add up.
- Ranks put the most expensive city first, and equal estimates share a rank. The worldwide percentile is the share of those 1,942 cities whose one-person monthly total, rent included, is the same or lower than Somerset West's.
- Nearby cities are places in this guide, possibly across a border, by straight-line distance between GeoNames location points.
- Comparable cities are in the same GeoNames population band (under 100,000, 100,000–499,999, 500,000–999,999, or 1 million and above; a neighbouring band, labelled, when a band has too few countries), one per country, outside South Africa and not already listed as nearby. Population years and boundaries vary, so the bands are rough size guides.
- The match score compares a single person's costs excluding rent and the rent of a central one-bedroom apartment. For each, we divide the lower city's price by the higher; the score is the square root of the two ratios multiplied together, × 100. If both prices are 80% of the other city's, the match is 80%; if both are twice as high, 50%. It measures how close the costs are, not which city is cheaper or how alike they are to live in.