Cape Town is one of the capital cities of South Africa. This city is home to 4,801,000 people and offers plenty of attractions for its residents and visitors.
If you plan on moving to Cape Town, you’d be grateful to know these 8 most dependable tips that will help you to enjoy the experience of living in Cape Town.
Make sure you don’t miss any of these tips, especially about planning your budget to deal with the cost of living in Cape Town, so that your relocation can be a breeze.
1. Find Out The Basic Pros And Cons Of Living In Cape Town
Living in Cape Town has its pros and cons. Before your moving trip, you need to learn about the basic pros and cons so you will be well prepared for life in Cape Town.
The Pros Of Living In Cape Town
Lovely Weather
Cape Town experiences Mediterranean climate, with dry summers and rainy winters. This city never experiences extreme heat or cold, so you can partake in outdoor activities throughout the year without being too concerned about the weather.
Access To Nature
Cape Town offers beautiful scenery of nature. You can go to the Table Mountain National Park or visit penguins at Boulders Beach to get closer to some flora and fauna.
When you’re living in Cape Town, don’t miss out on some of the best nature tours to get the best experience with wildlife. Joining a tour will allow you to enjoy your trip without worrying about accommodation or transportation.
Excellent Private Healthcare Services
The quality of private healthcare services is superb in Cape Town. Besides that, the prices are reasonable, and most treatments are covered by health insurance. So, you can rest assured you’ll be in good hands here.
The Cons Of Living In Cape Town
Public Transportation Is Limited
The local public transportation does not cover many routes. Aside from the MyCiti bus system, there are no other viable options.
Luckily, there are other alternatives to commuting, such as taking a taxi or using ride-hailing applications. Cape Town is also pretty walkable, so you may not need public transport in certain areas.
2. Secure A Home In The Neighbourhood That Fits You Best
Securing a home can be tricky when you relocate to another city. Not only do you need to consider the distance between your home and office, but also the safety and affordability.
That’s why finding the best neighbourhood is crucial to fulfilling your needs for a comfortable home. You can check out the recommended neighbourhoods below for your reference.
City Bowl (pictured above)
City Bowl is a business district in Cape Town. Living in this area will give you easy access to public transportation and other city amenities.
You will find many types of accommodation os you can choose one that suits you the best. This area is also suitable for young people since there are nightlife and entertainment facilities.
West Coast
This area is a family-friendly neighbourhood with kids’ recreational facilities and good schools. There are also shopping centres that can provide all your various needs.
In West Coast, you will also have easy access to recreational sports at places such as Milnerton Lagoon, Woodbridge Island, and Rietvlei Nature Reserve.
Southern Suburbs
Southern Suburbs is perfect for families that want a quieter environment. Many expats also choose this area since it is near nature, such as Table Mountain and Cape Peninsula.
In addition, you will find several schools around the neighbourhood. This means you won’t need to worry about accessibility to education for your children.
3. Calculate The Estimated Monthly Cost Of Living In Cape Town To Create A Budget Plan
Learning about the monthly living costs is crucial before heading to Cape Town. Moreover, you may not receive your first paycheck until a month later. Therefore, being financially prepared is important.
The estimated monthly cost for a family of four is around R42,836 (2,669.20 USD), while for a single person is R23,819 (1,484.21 USD).
This information will give you an idea of how much you should save monthly before your moving trip. It is also crucial to contact your real estate agent and clarify how you can pay the deposit and rent.
4. Find More Opportunities In Cape Town’s Job Market
As it is one of the major cities in South Africa, it is no wonder that Cape Town offers plenty of economic opportunities for job seekers. You will see that this city has many growing industries that provide job opportunities for locals and expats.
To give you an insight into the local job opportunities, below are some of the biggest industries in Cape Town:
- manufacturing (petroleum, food and beverages and metals and metal products),
- film industry,
- fintech, and
- medical.
It will be best if you research the average salary for the position you are applying for. That way, you will have a reliable benchmark when negotiating your salary with the company.
You will also need to clarify benefits you’ll be entitled to, such as health insurance and paid holidays, with your future employer.
5. Check Out The Top Schools In Cape Town To Ensure Your Children Get The Best Education
Cape Town has excellent quality schools for those who relocate here with children. Most expats will send their children to an international school, so they can adapt to the new environment easier.
For your reference, check out some of the best international schools in Cape Town:
- American International School of Cape Town,
- Bishops Diocesan College,
- German International School Cape Town,
- Cape Town French School, and
- Constantia Waldorf School.
6. Learn The Best Way To Get Around The City By Taking Public Transport
The best way to get around Cape Town is by driving a car. The buses and trains usually stop operating relatively early in the evening. If you do not own a car, then renting a car is a good option.
When you are in the City Bowl area, walking is more effective. In addition, a taxi is also a pretty convenient way to commute.
7. Fill Your Off Days With Trips To The City Attractions
Enjoy the city by visiting the iconic places. The good news is that Cape Town offers city attractions and natural beauty. You will have many things to do when you’re living in this city.
Below are some exciting places that you should visit around Cape Town:
- Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens (pictured above),
- Table Mountain,
- The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront,
- Signal Hill and the Noon Gun,
- Old Biscuit Mill, and
- Bo-Kaap.
8. Don’t Miss Out On The Local Delicacies When You’re Living In Cape Town
Food is a way to get you closer to culture. If you spare some time to dine in a local restaurant, you will learn how they serve their food and the atmosphere of the place, and you can even bond with your new friends by dining together.
Therefore, below are local dishes that are a great introduction to South African culture and won’t go wrong on your taste buds:
- Braai,
- Biltong,
- Bobotie (pictured above),
- Malva pudding, and
- Gatsby.
Besides the food, Cape Town is also famous for its wine. To get the whole authentic experience, spare a day to join a trip to wine farms. You can get an exciting wine tasting experience during the tour.
Conclusion On Moving To Cape Town
Living in Cape Town can give you the best experience. This city is vibrant with nightlife, entertainment, and outdoor recreational places. In addition, the local dishes are delicious, which will make you feel at home.
This city also offers excellent neighbourhoods for singles, families, and students. You will also find plenty of career opportunities in various industries.
To have an even smoother relocation, you should engage Sanelo to help you throughout the process. Our team is ready to assist you whether you are moving locally or internationally.
Want to find out more about moving to other cities around the world? Check out our guides about moving to Melbourne, Zurich, New York, and Berlin.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving To Cape Town
Is Cape Town A Good Place To Live?
Cape Town is the second biggest economic hub in South Africa after Johannesburg. This city offers job opportunities, easy access to other parts of the country, and a vibrant lifestyle with city attractions and entertainment.
How Much Should I Earn To Live In Cape Town?
The average salaries in Cape Town range from R9,170 (578.23 USD) to R162,000 (10,215.14 USD).
A single person is able to afford the monthly living expenses of R9,170 (578.23 USD) a month. However, if you want to live comfortably or move with family members, it’s best to earn more than R20,000 (1,261.13 USD) monthly.
Is Cape Town Better Than Johannesburg?
Cape Town and Johannesburg offer different charms. Johannesburg is a business hub and offers more city entertainment and experience. On the other hand, Cape Town has diverse landscapes like beautiful beaches and mountainous areas.
The living expenses in Cape Town are lower than in Johannesburg. This means if you are looking for outdoor activities and affordability, Cape Town is a better option.
How Do I Contact Sanelo Before Moving To Cape Town?
You can visit our official website to contact us or find more information about our services. Our team is ready to help you through your relocation process and find better ways to ensure the process can meet your needs.
It will be best to contact us three or two months before your moving date. This way, our team will have more time to prepare for your relocation.