One of the most common questions travelers ask is: “How much does it cost to travel to Cape Town?”
The great news is that Cape Town can be as affordable or as luxurious as you want it to be. Thanks to the favorable exchange rate of the South African Rand (ZAR) against major world currencies like the US Dollar, Euro, and British Pound, international visitors often find Cape Town excellent value for money.
Whether you’re a backpacker on $30/day, a mid-range traveler at $100/day, or looking to splurge on luxury escapes at $200+ per day, Cape Town has options for every type of budget.
This guide breaks down currency, daily costs, and budget tips so you can plan your South African adventure with confidence.
1. The Currency: South African Rand (ZAR)
- Symbol: R (e.g., R100 = 100 Rand)
- Code: ZAR
- Exchange Rates: The Rand fluctuates but typically favors foreign travelers. As of 2025:
- $1 USD ≈ R18
- €1 EUR ≈ R20
- £1 GBP ≈ R23
👉 Tip: Always check live exchange rates before traveling, as the Rand can be volatile.
How to Pay in Cape Town
- Cards: Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and shops.
- Cash: Useful for taxis, markets, and tipping. ATMs are widely available.
- Mobile Payments: Apple Pay, Google Pay, SnapScan, and Zapper are common in urban areas.
2. Cost Breakdown by Traveler Type
🛏 Budget Travelers – $30–50/day (R540–R900)
Perfect for backpackers, students, or anyone traveling light.
- Accommodation: Dorm beds in hostels from R250–R400/night.
- Food: Street food, local cafes, and supermarket meals around R100–R200/day.
- Transport: MyCiTi bus (R70/day pass) or shared minibuses.
- Attractions: Many hikes (Table Mountain, Lion’s Head), beaches, and museums are free or under R100.
👉 Example Day: Hostel dorm (R300) + two café meals (R150) + bus transport (R70) + museum visit (R100) = R620 ($34).
🍷 Mid-Range Travelers – $70–120/day (R1,250–R2,100)
Great for couples, families, and travelers seeking more comfort.
- Accommodation: Boutique hotels or guesthouses from R800–R1,500/night.
- Food: Sit-down restaurants, wine tastings, and occasional fine dining (R300–R500/day).
- Transport: Uber rides (R50–R150 per trip) or short-term car rental (R400–R600/day).
- Attractions: Cable car up Table Mountain (R420 return), wine tours, Robben Island (R600).
👉 Example Day: Boutique guesthouse (R1,200) + lunch & dinner at mid-range restaurants (R400) + Uber (R200) + Table Mountain cable car (R420) = R2,220 ($118).
✨ Luxury Travelers – $200+/day (R3,600+)
For honeymooners, executives, or those wanting a premium South African experience.
- Accommodation: 5-star hotels, luxury lodges, or villas (R3,000–R6,000+/night).
- Food: Fine dining at award-winning restaurants (R1,000+ for two with wine).
- Transport: Private drivers, luxury car hire, or helicopter transfers.
- Attractions: Private wine tours, safaris, yacht charters, and exclusive experiences.
👉 Example Day: Luxury hotel (R4,000) + fine dining dinner (R1,500) + private Cape Peninsula tour (R3,000) = R8,500 ($450).
3. Typical Prices in Cape Town
Here’s what you can expect to pay for everyday items:
- Coffee at a café: R35 ($2)
- Local beer: R40 ($2.20)
- Restaurant meal: R120–R300 ($6–15)
- Taxi/Uber (10 km): R120–R150 ($6–8)
- Bottle of South African wine: R80–R150 ($4–8)
- Museum entry: R60–R150 ($3–8)
- Hostel dorm bed: R300 ($16)
- Mid-range hotel room: R1,200 ($65)
4. Budget Tips for Travelers
a) Accommodation
- Book guesthouses or Airbnbs for better value than hotels.
- Stay slightly outside the CBD (Observatory, Woodstock, Sea Point) for lower rates.
b) Food
- Try local markets (Neighbourgoods, Oranjezicht Market) for affordable gourmet meals.
- Street food such as Gatsby sandwiches or bunny chow costs under R60.
c) Transport
- Use the MyCiTi bus system or Uber instead of metered taxis.
- Rent a car if exploring beyond the city—it’s often cheaper for groups.
d) Attractions
- Many of Cape Town’s best experiences are free: hikes, beaches, Bo-Kaap, V&A Waterfront.
- Buy a Cape Town City Pass for discounted entry to attractions.
5. Tipping in Cape Town
- Restaurants: 10–15% is standard.
- Taxis/Uber: R10–R20 for short rides.
- Hotel staff: R20–R50 per service.
Tipping is customary but not compulsory—it’s always appreciated for good service.
6. Cost of Living for Long-Term Stays
For digital nomads or those relocating:
- Monthly Rent: R8,000–R15,000 ($450–800) for apartments in good neighborhoods.
- Utilities & Internet: R1,500–R2,500 ($80–130).
- Groceries: R3,000–R5,000 ($160–260) per month.
Compared to Europe or North America, Cape Town offers a high quality of life at lower costs.
Final Thoughts
Cape Town can be budget-friendly or indulgently luxurious depending on your travel style. With its favorable exchange rate, diverse accommodation options, and affordable attractions, the city offers excellent value for money compared to many global destinations.
Whether you’re backpacking through Africa, enjoying a romantic getaway, or planning a luxury vacation, Cape Town provides experiences to match your budget without compromising on beauty, culture, or adventure.
