Pretoria is the administrative capital of South Africa. It’s a quieter city than Johannesburg and has many parks, which include bird sanctuaries and nature reserves. Pretoria has over 70,000 jacaranda trees lining its streets – the most in any area in South Africa – giving the streets a mauve blossom canopy in springtime.
If you are considering moving to Pretoria, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved when moving and living in Jacaranda City.
Quick Pretoria Facts:
- Population: Pretoria Metropolitan Area has an estimated population of 2.473 million (2018)
- Official Language: South Africa has 11 official languages, all of which are spoken in Pretoria. However, Afrikaans and English are the most widely spoken languages in the workplace and most people understand English. Other languages spoken in Pretoria include French, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Somali and Arabic.
- GDP Per Capita: $23,108 USD (2020)
- Embassies: Pretoria has the second largest number of embassies in the world – Washington DC has the most.
- Currency: South Africa Rand (R, ZAR). As of 2024, $1 USD = R17.48, €1 EUR = R19.29, $1 CAD = R12.90, $1 AUD = R11.97, £1 = R22.93.
1. Moving and Shipping Costs to Pretoria
The table below shows the estimated cost of hiring a 20- or 40-foot container from various global cities, and shipping it to Pretoria:
Origin City | 20FT | 40FT |
---|---|---|
Beijing | $3,900 - $4,000 | $6,900 - $7,100 |
Berlin | $3,200 - $3,300 | $5,800 - $6,000 |
Chicago | $3,500 - $3,600 | $6,200 - $6,400 |
Chongqing | $4,000 - $4,100 | $7,100 - $7,300 |
Delhi | $3,800 - $3,900 | $6,700 - $6,900 |
Dubai | $2,600 - $2,700 | $4,500 - $4,700 |
Houston | $3,600 - $3,700 | $6,300 - $6,500 |
Los Angeles | $3,550 - $3,650 | $6,200 - $6,400 |
Madrid | $3,300 - $3,400 | $5,900 - $6,100 |
New York City | $3,400 - $3,500 | $6,100 - $6,300 |
Paris | $3,250 - $3,350 | $5,900 - $6,100 |
Phoenix | $3,500 - $3,600 | $6,200 - $6,400 |
Rome | $3,300 - $3,400 | $5,900 - $6,100 |
Shanghai | $4,000 - $4,100 | $7,000 - $7,200 |
Sydney | $4,050 - $4,150 | $7,100 - $7,300 |
Toronto | $3,550 - $3,650 | $6,200 - $6,400 |
Vancouver | $3,600 - $3,700 | $6,300 - $6,500 |
Vienna | $3,250 - $3,350 | $5,900 - $6,100 |
- All figures are in USD;
- The rates above are estimates only and may have changed since the time this article was updated (October 2024). They are based on the lowest estimated rate from sites such as Freightos, Flexport, or Maersk;
- To get a more accurate idea of the cost for you, please use the quote form at the top of this page;
- Please also see our guide to international container shipping.
2. Pretoria Housing Costs
Due to many reasons, including the decline in the value of the Rand, property prices in Pretoria are very reasonable when you compare them with the majority of cities around the world. Prices obviously vary from area to area but the figures below will indicate what’s available at what price.
Monthly Rental Prices in Pretoria:
- 1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: R5,750+
- 1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: R6,000+
- 3 bedroom flat in City Centre: R12,800+
- 3 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: R12,000+
Pretoria Home Purchase Prices:
- Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: R7,700+
- Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside City: R10,700+
Pretoria Housing Cost Comparison:
This is how rents in Pretoria compare with other cities around the globe.
- London is 83.5% more expensive
- New York is 88.7% more expensive
- Los Angeles is 84.6% more expensive
- Toronto is 76.6% more expensive
- Vancouver is 78.2% more expensive
- Sydney is 79.7% more expensive
- Cape Town is 40.2% more expensive
- Melbourne is 179.01% more expensive
- Paris is 74.3% more expensive
- Dubai is 76.3% more expensive
Source: Numbeo
How to Save on Housing Costs:
- Share a Flat or House: Pretoria is a city full of houses and flats of every size, shape and price, many of which are available for house/flat shares. With a house share you will have your own room, or, for a cheaper option, you can share a room. The bathroom/s will be shared with other people in the house. To find your perfect flat/house/roommate have a look at the following sites – Gumtree, Junkmail and Locanto.
- Different Areas – Different Prices: When considering property in Pretoria, it’s vital to talk to estate agents and colleagues to ascertain which are the safest areas. Many expats and South Africans choose to live in gated communities to ensure peace of mind. That said, Pretoria has some beautiful suburbs, with tree-lined streets, magnificent gardens and imaginative houses with pools and tennis courts. Waterkloof, Waterkloof Ridge, Brooklyn, Lynnwood, Groenkloof, Colbyn and Waverley are considered the best suburbs to live in both for families and professionals. All the areas have a wide selection of houses, both old and new, apartments and estates. There are a couple of golf estates which will appeal to the avid golfer. Brooklyn tends to have a younger population due to its nightlife, pubs and excellent restaurants. If you want to move a little further out, then the area around Hartebeesport Dam has grown a lot over the last few years. This is an ideal location for those who enjoy water sports and the great outdoors.
3. Pretoria Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs
Pretoria has some good restaurants and food stores.
- Inexpensive Restaurant: R120.00 – R150.00
- Takeout Coffee: R30.00 – R35.00
- Bottle of Coke: R15.00 – R17.50
- 1L of Milk: R18.00 – R22.00
- Loaf of Bread: R15.00 – R17.50
- 12 Eggs: R30.00 – R35.00
- 1kg Chicken: R75.00 – R80.00
- 1kg Beef: R120.00 – R130.00
- 1kg Apples: R25.00 – R30.00
- 1kg White Rice: R20.00 – R30.00
This is how restaurants and food prices compare with other major cities in the world.
- London restaurants are 64.1% more expensive and groceries are 51% more expensive than Pretoria.
- New York restaurants are 70.9% more expensive and groceries are 72.2% more expensive than Pretoria.
- Los Angeles restaurants are 67.9% more expensive and groceries are 59% more expensive than Pretoria.
- Toronto restaurants are 61.1% more expensive and groceries are 50.41% more expensive than Pretoria.
- Vancouver restaurants are 59.9% more expensive and groceries are 60.7% more expensive than Pretoria.
- Sydney restaurants are 61.7% more expensive and groceries are 64.3% more expensive than Pretoria.
- Melbourne restaurants are 71.15% more expensive and groceries are 91.28% more expensive than Pretoria.
- Cape Town restaurants are 10% cheaper and groceries are 3.6% cheaper than Pretoria.
- Paris restaurants are 59.9% more expensive and groceries are 63.6% more expensive than Pretoria.
- Dubai restaurants are 43.2% more expensive and groceries are 43.2% more expensive than Pretoria.
Source: Numbeo
Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries:
- Know Your Supermarkets: There are some good supermarkets in Cape Town; the best and most expensive is Woolworths. This Woolworths is no relation to FW Woolworths. In fact, it was modelled on the UK’s Marks and Spencer’s and has been stocking M&S Food for many years. The other leading supermarkets are Pick and Pay, Spar and Checkers. There are a few independent grocers and mini supermarkets which sell organic and fresh produce. Farmers’ markets are very popular. Have a look at Trip Advisor to find a market that ticks all the boxes.
- Find Cheap Eats: Trip Advisor, Eat Out and Rekord East all have their own guides to cheap eats in Pretoria, which include everything from good South African steaks to fine dining.
4. Pretoria Alcohol Costs
Pretoria has bars and clubs for everyone’s taste and pocket. The following is a list of basic prices of beer and wine from the supermarket and restaurants.
- Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a restaurant/pub: R30.00 – R35.00
- Bottle of imported beer at a restaurant/pub: R35.00 – R45.00
- Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a supermarket: R21.00 – R30.00
- Bottle of imported beer at a supermarket: R35.00 – R40.00
- Mid-range bottle of wine at a supermarket: R80.00 – R90.00
How To Drink For Less in Pretoria:
- Keep an eye on the local papers and websites for specials over weekends and public holidays.
- There are various bars and clubs that offer cheap drinks on certain days or at certain times. Have a look at the following sites to see which ones take your fancy – Trip Advisor, Gauteng and Restaurants.
- Scour the areas around the University of Pretoria and other tertiary institutions to find the best alcohol deals.
5. Pretoria Transportation Fares
Many people in Pretoria use their cars to get around the city. There are minibus taxis, trains and buses but, to be perfectly honest, not only are they unreliable, but there are also safety issues to consider. The Gautrain is a safe mode of transport if you are travelling from the airport to Sandton, Rosebank, Pretoria or Hatfield.
Here are some example ticket costs.
- Adult Single, Pretoria to Centurion (Gautrain) – R31
- Monthly season ticket for Gautrain, Pretoria to Centurion – R1,048
How To Save Money on Public Transport:
- 7–day pass – Pretoria to Centurion (Gautrain) – R259
- Buy a bike. Cycling is an option, as long as you live close to your office and you know the areas you are cycling through are safe.
6. Cost of Internet in Pretoria
Internet in South Africa is expensive and contracts usually run for two years. Coverage is good throughout the country. Here are some sample broadband internet prices from early 2023 for unlimited downloads, based on a 24-month contract:
- MWeb: R374.00 a month (10 Mbps)
7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure
Pretoria sits on the Highveld of South Africa, at an altitude of 4,393 ft. The rainy season is generally between the end of October and early March. January is the hottest month with an average high of 25°C, however, the temperature can reach the late 30s or early 40s. The coldest month is June, with an average temperature of 12°C. The daytime temperature can reach the early 20s but, at night, there are frequent frosts. January is the wettest month with 140mm of rain falling.
- Pair of Jeans: R700 – R900
- Summer Dress: R600 – R700
- Running Shoes (Trainers): R1400
- Business Shoes: R1600
- Short Doctor’s Visit (15 mins): R385
- Deodorant: R30
- Shampoo: R65
- Toilet Paper (4 rolls): R25
- Gym Membership: R620 – R750 per month
- Movie (cinema) Ticket: R80 – R100
Source: Numbeo and Expatistan
8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in Pretoria
Everyone in South Africa drives on the left. Many people use their cars to get to and from work, which makes peak periods very congested.
If you’re moving to Pretoria from within South Africa, you’ll be able to keep your license but need to change your address to your new Johannesburg one.
If you have become a Permanent Resident of South Africa, then you will need to get a South African Licence within 12 months of receiving your permit. You don’t need to take a driving test but you do have to apply in person with your driving licence, proof of address, 2 photographs and a cash payment.
Here are some other sample costs of owning and operating a car in Pretoria:
- Volkswagen Golf: R310,450+
- 1 litre (¼ gallon) of Gas (petrol): R23
- Registration Fee (if any): R120 one time
- Other Fees (if any): Vehicle Licence – annual. The cost varies depending on the type and size of the vehicle.
Source: Expatistan, Gov.za
Ways To Save Money on Driving in Pretoria:
- Car sharing or pooling is one way to save money. Try Gumtree, and Carpoolworld.
- Taxis can sometimes be a cheaper option, especially if you are going to have to park all day. Try Uber.
9. Taxes in Pretoria
No matter where you live in South Africa, you will pay the same rate of tax. To learn more about the different taxes, go to the South African Revenue Services site.
Sales Tax, or VAT (Value Added Tax) is 14% in South Africa and is added to most goods and services throughout the country. Unlike in some countries, it is always included in the marked price.
Whether you own or rent your home, you will be subject to municipal rates based on the area in which you live and the size of the property you live in. Payments include refuse removal and water usage.
Finally, if you decide to buy a flat or house in Johannesburg you’ll have to pay transfer duty. While there’s no tax on the first R900,000 of your home value, the marginal rate increases gradually and peaks at R933,000 + 13% of the value above R10,000,000.
10. Flight Costs from Pretoria (O R Tambo, Johannesburg)
If you do make the move to Pretoria, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to other major world cities based on the lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner as of early 2023. Please note that these figures are for flights to Johannesburg:
- New York: R7,700
- Los Angeles: R11,500
- London: R4,900
- Toronto: R9,200
- Vancouver: R10,404
- Cape Town: R1,100
- Dubai: R4,481
- Sydney: R11,741
- Melbourne: R10,985
- Hong Kong: R9,222
Other Tips on Moving to Pretoria:
The costs and pricing above should give you a good idea of the cost of living in Pretoria but perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go smoothly.
11. Moving to Pretoria Alone
Moving anywhere can be a lonely experience, but moving to a new city can be rather daunting. Here are a few tips about settling in Pretoria.
- Meetups: Pretoria has lots of free meetup groups you can find on Meetup.com. Join groups such as Diverse Volunteers, Start Hiking Today, WordPress Pretoria, Meditation Pretoria and many more.
- Attend Local Events: There is always something going on in Pretoria. Find what appeals to you at the following sites – Showme, Travel Start and Vibe Scout.
12. Moving to Pretoria with a Family
There’s a lot going on in Pretoria that will appeal to children. It’s relatively close to game parks and has fantastic weather, good schools and lots of housing options. Sadly, security is an issue which needs to be accepted and faced.
- New Parents (or parents to be): Have a look at Netcare and The Parent Centre.
- Live in a Family-friendly Area: Pretoria does have security issues, so it’s important to thoroughly investigate the different suburbs of the city. Many people enjoy the security of living in a gated community, where their kids can safely ride their bikes and play within the estate. Areas such as Waterkloof, Waterkloof Ridge, Lynnwood, Groenkloof, Colbyn and Waverley are highly suitable for families. They have various types of housing to suit all families. If you prefer to be out of the city, then Hartesbeespoort Dam is an option. It is an ideal place to live for those who enjoy water sports and the outdoors.
- Find Things To Do With The Kids: Show Me, Travel Start, Pretoria and Trip Hobo all have great ideas for activities and events your kids will love.
13. Moving to Pretoria for Work
Moving to Pretoria for work is one of the most common reasons people choose to move. While it is possible to move without a job, it makes sense to ensure there are jobs in your field before you make the move.
If you are considering moving to South Africa from another country be aware that South Africa Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment policies will make it difficult for you to get a job. BBBEE was introduced to redress the employment imbalances of the past, so previously disadvantaged people are favoured for jobs.
Pretoria is home to South Africa’s heavy iron and steel industry and its car industry. There are job opportunities in government, health, education, retail, finance and hospitality.
Here are a few things to consider when moving for work:
- Salary: Salaries in Pretoria are nowhere near as high as other major cities around the globe but the cost of living is also low compared with those cities. The costs we outlined above should give you a rough idea of how much more you’ll want to make the move worthwhile. You can also check salary ranges on sites such as Glassdoor and Payscale.
- How to Find Work: If you want to have a job lined up before you move to Pretoria, but aren’t sure where to begin, the following sites are good places to start: Gumtree, Indeed, Careers 24 and Jobvine. You may also want to Google recruiters in your industry, as they can often help land you some initial interviews as well.
14. Moving to Pretoria from Australia
There’s a fairly large group of Australians living in Pretoria, so if you’re thinking of joining them, here’s extra food for thought.
- Size Comparison: If you compare the size of Pretoria’s metropolitan population with a city in Australia, you’d be looking at Brisbane. If you compare the actual city with somewhere in Australia, then you’d be looking at a town slightly larger in population than the Gold Coast.
- Join Expat Groups: Both Internations and Expat.com offer ways of meeting up with other Australians in Pretoria.
15. Moving to Pretoria from Canada
There’s a small group of Canadians living and working in Pretoria. If you’re considering making the move from Canada here are a few things to consider.
- Size: If you compare the size of the population of Pretoria with a city in Canada, you would be looking at Hamilton. If you compare the whole metro areas with a city in Canada, then you would be looking at Vancouver.
- Expat Groups: Try finding fellow Canadians by looking at Internations and Expat.com.
16. Moving to Pretoria from the United States
There’s a relatively large group of Americans living in Pretoria. If you’re thinking of joining them, here are a few bonus tips:
- Size: If you compare the population size of Pretoria with a city in the States, you would be looking at a city a little larger than Detroit. If you look at the whole Pretoria Metropolis, then you would be looking at Houston.
- Expat Groups: If you want to meet up with fellow Americans who are already living in Pretoria, Internations and Expat.com will point you in the right direction.
17. Moving to Pretoria from the United Kingdom
There’s a large group of Brits living in Pretoria. If you are thinking of joining them, here are a few bonus tips:
- Size: If you compare the population size of Pretoria with a city in the UK, you would be looking at Leeds. If you compare the whole Pretoria metropolis with a city in the UK, then you would be looking at a city twice the size of Birmingham.
- Expat Groups: Meeting up with people from home is always a good way to learn the ropes in a new country. The following sites will allow you to meet fellow Brits – Internations and Expat.com.
Hopefully, the tips and costs above are helpful. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to Pretoria you can start by comparing moving quotes here.
Other Useful Guides to South Africa
- 13 Best International Moving Companies in South Africa
- 2025 Sea Freight Container Shipping Rates To & From South Africa
- Moving to South Africa? 2025 Living Costs & Relocation Tips
- 13 Best Places To Live In South Africa
- 21 Secrets About Living In South Africa To Know Before Moving
- Moving to Johannesburg? 2025 Living Costs & Relocation Tips
- Moving to South Africa from The United States
- Moving To South Africa from The UK