How Much Does It Cost To Move to South Africa From the US?
Fact Checked by: Here’s the quick answer: It costs about $16,500 to move to South Africa, based on factors like hiring movers, paying visa fees, purchasing airline tickets, and managing your initial housing costs.
Here are some potential costs to consider:
- Flight: One-way flights to South Africa typically range from about $600 to $850 per person. Booking your tickets at least three months in advance will usually help you find the best prices.
- Accommodations: You’ll need to set aside some money for your first month’s rent, as well as any necessities you might need to buy after you arrive. In some cases, you might need to use a short-term rental while you look for long-term housing. Fortunately, rent in South Africa is cheap – just $743.84 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
- Shipping your belongings: The bulk of your expenses will likely come from shipping your belongings to South Africa. Expect to pay around $11,000 to send a 20-foot shipping container via sea freight, or over $3,000 for a 550-pound air freight shipment. That’s in addition to the cost of transporting your items to the nearest port or airport.
- Cost of living: South Africa’s low cost of living is a major draw for many expats. A single person’s monthly cost of living is just $595.60 without rent.
- Visa fees: Long-term visas cost around $130 per person. South Africa offers several visa options for both workers and retirees.
In this guide, we’ll cover the costs of moving to South Africa from the US, as well as give our top picks for international moving companies who can help get you there.
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Average cost of moving to South Africa from the US
Moving to South Africa will cost $13,000 to $20,000, mainly depending on the size and distance of your move, as well as whether you use sea freight or air freight. Sea freight is cheaper, but it takes longer to ship your stuff to South Africa. While air freight is faster, it is much more expensive.
Here’s a closer look at how your shipping options will affect your moving costs.
Sea freight costs from the US to South Africa
Sea freight is the most common choice for shipping belongings from the U.S. to South Africa. This mainly comes down to price. Shipping belongings via sea freight is the most cost-effective way to send your stuff overseas. Twenty-foot shipping containers can usually hold the contents of a three- to four-bedroom house, meaning you won’t have to leave furniture or other valuables behind.
The main downside of sea freight is the delivery timeline. It can take over four weeks to ship your items from the U.S. to South Africa. Depending on your moving timeline, you might have to wait several weeks before you can fully move into your new home in South Africa.
| From | To | Container Cost* | Delivery Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | Cape Town | $10,818 | 32 to 36 days |
| New York City | Durban | $10,818 | 23 to 28 days |
| Los Angeles | Cape Town | $11,561 | 27 to 35 days |
| Los Angeles | Durban | $11,038 | 29 to 34 days |
*Based on a 20-foot container
Air freight costs from the US to South Africa
If you don’t have as many items to ship and want them to get to South Africa quickly, then air freight is right for you. Shipping via air freight means your belongings will arrive in days, rather than weeks. This can make it much easier to coordinate your flight plans with when your stuff will arrive.
However, air freight is very expensive – several times more expensive than shipping via sea freight. Airplanes also have relatively limited space, meaning you won’t be able to ship your furniture like if you used a sea freight shipping container. We don’t recommend air freight if you plan on shipping a lot of stuff.
| From | To | Shipment Cost* | Delivery Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | Johannesburg | $3,098 | 1 to 3 days |
| Los Angeles | Johannesburg | $3,129 | 1 to 3 days |
| New York City | Durban | $3,488 | 1 to 3 days |
| Los Angeles | Durban | $3,675 | 1 to 3 days |
*Based on a 550-pound shipment
How much does it cost to live in South Africa?
Life in South Africa is much less expensive than in the U.S. According to Numbeo, the cost of living in South Africa is 52.1% less expensive than in the U.S. Rent in South Africa is even cheaper, averaging 71.9% lower than in the U.S.
This lower cost of living plays out across every type of expense, from food and transportation to utilities and clothing. However, local salaries are much lower than in the U.S. This makes South Africa a better option for retirees or remote workers than someone looking for a local job.
Either way, South Africa’s significantly lower cost of living is a major draw for Americans looking for a new country to call home.
Housing costs in South Africa
If you’re tired of rising housing costs in the U.S., moving to South Africa can be a major source of relief. When comparing Cape Town and Los Angeles, renters will pay 68% to 75% less on average. Buying is even more affordable, with costs being 76%-82% lower. That’s a lot more money that can stay in your pocket for other things!
| Apartment | Cape Town | LA | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR rental | $743.84 | $2,504.03 | -70.3% |
| 3BR rental | $1,414.59 | $4,547.31 | -68.9% |
| Price per sq. ft. (for purchase) | $168.36 | $721.87 | -76.7% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Cape Town and Los Angeles (March 2025)
South Africa is a beautiful country that enjoys a blend of warm weather, sandy beaches, a big game safari, forests, mountains, and booming metropolitan cities. To find housing in South Africa, look to trusted search platforms like Property24 and Private Property. Expat groups on Facebook and other sites can also help you get a better idea of which areas and neighborhoods would be a good fit for you.
The following are some of the top cities in South Africa for expats:
- Cape Town: Cape Town is located on the southwestern tip of South Africa, off the South Atlantic Ocean. Cape Town is a breathtaking metro tucked between the blue ocean waters and imposing mountains in the backdrop. It is one of South Africa’s three capitals and the second-largest city in the country.
- Durban: Durban is located in the southeast section of the country in KwaZulu-Natal province. The city has a population of about 650,000 and is the third-largest in the country. Durban enjoys a warm climate, which is why its waters are a haven for dolphins. It is a hip, urban city, with lots of entertainment, nightlife, culture, and restaurants.
- Johannesburg: Johannesburg, also known simply as Jo’Burg, is the largest city in the country. It is located in Gauteng province in the northeastern part of the country and has a population of over 1 million. The larger metro area around the city houses over 10 million people. Johannesburg is an economic hub in the Southern Africa region and is brimming with industries involved in finance, hospitality, marketing, tech, fashion, arts, data, and health.
- Pretoria: Pretoria is located in the northeastern part of South Africa in Gauteng province, just 30 miles from Johannesburg. It is the administrative capital of the country and hosts most government headquarters, plus all foreign embassies. It has a population of about a million people. Despite being tucked away from the shoreline, it is within good proximity to the world-famous Kruger National Park. The city enjoys a landscape mix of urban development and greenery and is a hub for education, government services, and diplomatic activities.
- Bloemfontein: Bloemfontein, located in Free State province, is centrally located in the country and has a population of about 650,000. It is the judicial seat of government in the country. The city is an urban sprawl with museums, universities, and parks. Bloemfontein promises a more relaxed living atmosphere, even though the arts and nightlife are alive and thriving.
Utilities costs in South Africa
Just like housing itself, utilities in South Africa tend to be much cheaper than in the United States. Basic services like electricity, water, and trash average 44.6% less in Cape Town than in Los Angeles. One thing to be aware of, however, is that many areas in South Africa regularly experience “load shedding,” which is a controlled power outage to prevent more widespread electricity shortages.
| Utility | Cape Town | LA | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| *Basic housing utilities | $103.55 | $186.77 | -44.6% |
| Internet | $41.59 | $70.01 | -40.6% |
| Monthly cell phone plan | $29.27 | $62.42 | -53.1% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Cape Town and Los Angeles (March 2025)
*Based on the combined cost of electricity, water/sewer, and trash for a 915 square foot apartment (March 2025)
Food costs in South Africa
With its diverse cultural influences and rich history, South Africa is often praised for its cuisine. And best of all, you’ll spend less on that delicious food than you would in the U.S. Restaurant meals are 61.7% to 64.8% less expensive in Cape Town. And while grocery prices have risen somewhat in recent years, you’ll also enjoy much lower costs on produce, meat, rice, and other staples.
| Food | Cape Town | LA | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast food meal | $4.92 | $13.99 | -64.8% |
| 3-course meal at a mid-range restaurant | $38.30 | $100.00 | -61.7% |
| Gallon of milk | $4.20 | $4.63 | -9.3% |
| 1 dozen eggs | $2.36 | $5.96 | -60.4% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Cape Town and Los Angeles (March 2025)
Transportation costs in South Africa
Transportation in South Africa can be a little tricky. South Africa drives on the left side of the road, something you’ll need to adjust to. Fortunately, a new car designed for left-side driving averages 12.4% to 34% cheaper than in the U.S. Public transportation is also known to be unreliable in many areas, though once again, it is much less expensive than it would be in the U.S.
| Transportation Mode | Cape Town | LA | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-way public transit ticket | $1.09 | $1.75 | -37.5% |
| Monthly public transit pass | $41.04 | $80.00 | -48.7% |
| Cost of one gallon of gas | $4.77 | $4.87 | -2.0% |
| *Cost to buy a new car | $23,611.84 | $26,953.25 | -12.4% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Cape Town and Los Angeles (March 2025)
*Based on the cost of Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort or equivalent new vehicle (March 2025)
Education costs in South Africa
Education and childcare are also much cheaper in South Africa than in the U.S. When comparing Cape Town and LA, you can expect to pay an average of 87.7% less for a private preschool or kindergarten, and 79.2% less for an international primary school. If you’re moving with a young family, this ensures they can get a quality education without breaking the bank.
| Type of Education | Cape Town | LA | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-day private preschool/kindergarten (monthly) | $203.77 | $1,662.50 | -87.7% |
| International primary school (annual) | $4,928.15 | $23,750.00 | -79.2% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Cape Town and Los Angeles (March 2025)
South Africa’s visa & immigration requirements
South Africa offers several different visa options for foreigners, which makes it easy for American expats to find a solution that fits their situation.
South Africa has several types of work visas. The Critical Skills Visa gives priority to workers whose occupation is considered a “critical skill” needed in South Africa. An Individual Corporate Workers Visa is for people who are being hired by a South African company that holds a Corporate Visa (meaning they have an ongoing need to hire foreign workers). A General Work Visa is also available and must be sponsored by a South African employer.
For retirees, the Retired Person’s Visa is your best bet. This visa doesn’t have an age limit, but you are required to have a minimum monthly income of about $2,000 from pensions, retirement annuities, or other assets. Visa programs are also available for family members of South African residents/citizens, and for those who wish to start a business in South Africa. With these visas, you can usually apply for permanent residency after five years.
The Financially Independent Permit offers a fast track to permanent residency for high net worth individuals. You must have a net worth of about $700,000 and about $6,500 as an expedited permanent residency fee.
Moving to South Africa From the US
Moving to South Africa from the U.S. is a fairly involved process. After you apply for the right visa for your situation, you’ll need to look into housing and booking plane tickets for your move. While you’re figuring these things out, there’s one more important task to take care of: figuring out how you’ll get your belongings sent to South Africa.
Top international moving companies
Working with a full-service international moving company can make your move to South Africa much easier. Yes, your total international moving costs will be higher than a domestic move, but full-service movers earn their keep by managing logistics and tracking every step of the way, coordinating customs requirements, and more.
If you’re interested in full-service help for your move to South Africa, here are our top picks for international movers based on their pricing, services, and customer feedback:
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Shipping your vehicle to South Africa
People in South Africa drive on the left side of the road, so you might not want to bring your car with you. If you do plan to ship your car overseas, keep in mind that some full-service movers, like IVL and JK Moving, also help arrange international auto transportation.
Alternatively, you could use an international car shipping company to get your vehicle to South Africa. Here are our top picks based on pricing, service options, and customer satisfaction:
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Tips for moving to South Africa from the US
Relocating overseas requires a more in-depth moving checklist than a typical move.
Here are some tips to help your move to South Africa go smoothly:
- Apply for a visa. South Africa has several visa options for people who want to work or retire in the country. Research the requirements for the visas that might apply to your situation and begin the process as early as possible so you can gather all paperwork and start work on the application.
- Downsize. Shipping all of your belongings to South Africa can be logistically challenging. Go through your belongings to decide what you will keep and get rid of. The fewer items you need to ship, the less expensive your move will be. If you won’t be able to fit everything in a 20-foot shipping container, you might want to consider selling or donating furniture and other bulky items.
- Notify your bank and credit card company. You’ll need to set up a local bank account once you arrive in South Africa. Before your move, however, you should notify your current bank and credit card provider about your travel plans so they don’t flag your international charges as suspicious.
- Get multiple moving quotes. Get quotes from at least three international moving companies. Be sure to compare things like their packing requirements, delivery timeline, and pricing to find the best fit for your move to South Africa.
- Book plane tickets. Buy plane tickets so you’ll arrive in South Africa around the same time as your stuff. Ticket prices for international flights are usually cheapest three to four months in advance.
FAQ
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