02 May Cost of Living on Digital Nomad Visa in South Africa
South Africa, affectionately known as the Rainbow Nation, has quickly become the land of milk and honey for digital nomads because of the country’s affordable cost of living, vibrant cities, and scenic landscapes.
South Africa’s Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) was introduced in 2024 and allows foreign nationals to live in the country for up to 36 months while working for international companies. But before packing your laptop and sunscreen, you’re probably wondering what the cost of living and your tax obligations are, and if it is financially viable.
What are the Costs Involved in Living in South Africa?
We have broken down the average costs in the city of Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban, three of South Africa’s most popular cities for digital nomads.
| City | Average Monthly Rent |
|---|---|
| Cape Town | R10,000.00 – R14,000.00 |
| Johannesburg | R7,000.00 – R10,000.00 |
| Durban | R6,500.00 – R9,500.00 |
Meals at Mid-Range Restaurants (for one person)
| City | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Cape Town | R120.00 – R160.00 |
| Johannesburg | R100.00 – R140.00 |
| Durban | R90.00 – R130.00 |
Drinks: Night Out Basics
| Item | Cape Town | Johannesburg | Durban |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cappuccino | R36.00 – R43.00 | R35.00 | R41.00 |
| Bottle of Wine | R75.00 – R151.00 | R100.00 | R82.50 – R122.00 |
| Six-pack Beer | R85.00 – R90.00 | R85.00 – R90.00 | R80.00 – R90.00 |
Transport: Average Prices for Gas, Rental Cars & Purchasing a Second-Hand Car
| Item | Cape Town | Johannesburg | Durban |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (per litre) | R21.55 | R21.51 | R20.79 |
| Monthly Car Rental | R7,500.00+ | R6,800.00+ | R6,500.00+ |
| Second-Hand Car | R80,000.00+ | R75,000.00+ | R70,000.00+ |
Other modes of transport are available in these cities, such as the MyCiTi and minibus options in both Cape Town and Durban. Uber and Bolt services are widely available and affordable in all three major cities of South Africa.
Other Monthly Costs to Consider
| Expense | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Coworking Space/Hot Desk | R2,000.00 – R3,000.00 |
| SIM Card & 10GB Data | R200.00 – R300.00 |
| Gym membership (monthly) | R300.00 – R600.00 |
| Groceries (for one) | R2,000.00 – R3,000.00 |
Estimated Monthly Budget for Digital Nomads
| City | Basic Budget | Comfortable Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Town | R15,000.00 | R25,000.00+ |
| Johannesburg | R13,000.00 | R22,000.00+ |
| Durban | R12,000.00 | R20,000.00+ |
Cape Town is particularly appealing as a remote working hotspot. With its breathtaking natural beauty, diverse culture, cosmopolitan food, and nightlife, it’s no surprise that most digital nomads are drawn here. However, compared to other cities in South Africa, Cape Town is considered the most expensive, mostly because of housing prices.
The city of Johannesburg is known to be more fast-paced and business-oriented, with the best internet speeds and career networking in the country. While Durban is warmer with a relaxed atmosphere, and ultimately the most budget-friendly, it is perfect for digital nomads looking for a relaxing workcation.
What are the Requirements for a Digital Nomad Visa?
You must be employed in a remote work position by a recognisable foreign employer. Given this classification, this could also be referred to as the South African Remote Working Visa. In order to qualify for this type of visa, applicants must have a minimum gross income threshold of R650,976 per annum. To find out more about the requirements for a DNV, click here.
A key benefit of the visa is that digital nomads are classified as non-tax residents, meaning they are only taxed on South African-sourced income, not their foreign earnings. However, if you stay in South Africa for longer than six months, you will need to register with the South African Revenue Service (SARS).
South Africa offers digital nomads one of the best quality-of-life-to-cost ratios, especially compared to Europe and North America. Whether you’re planning a short-term workcation or planning to base yourself in SA in the long term, you will surely find what you’re looking for.
Are you ready to start your digital nomad journey in South Africa? Get in touch with June Luna Immigration Attorneys to help you secure your visa and to ensure your move is seamless and hassle-free.