Moving to Cape Town

With sweeping vistas of the ocean on one side and the mountain on the other, Cape Town is a wonderful city, and many expats often find themselves staying longer than they initially anticipated. Repeatedly featuring in and topping lists of the most beautiful cities in the world, Cape Town's popularity rests on its celebrated scenic landscape, mild climate and the relaxed lifestyle of its residents.

Expats moving to Cape Town can generally expect a laid-back atmosphere that offers a healthy, balanced alternative to the high-stress work environment of more corporate cities. Attractions such as internationally recognised wine farms, shark cage diving, and incredible hiking trails mean that locals enjoy an active and satisfying lifestyle.

Living in Cape Town as an expat

It may be at the very tip of the African continent, but the Mother City, as it's also called, is anything but isolated. Shaped by its complicated history, the city's vibrant and cosmopolitan character is a mixture of colonial and local influences. Cape Town is home to an eclectic mix of people from all over in a city that feels part African and part European.

Cape Town is the heart of South Africa's information technology industry. Port activities, the local film industry, and financial services contribute significantly to the region's gross domestic product. Media, education, and creative occupations are also popular avenues for those working in Cape Town.

Cape Town is arguably South Africa’s most efficiently run metropolis. Although there are high-risk areas, the city centre and the suburbs where expats are likely to live are relatively safe. While its public transport network could be better, the introduction of the MyCiTi Integrated Rapid Transport system makes it easier for residents to get around than ever before. Most expats do, however, choose to own a car.

Like any large city, Cape Town has its issues, but locals and expats alike will attest to the fact that the lifestyle and beautiful environment more than make up for any problems they may face.

Working in Cape Town
Getting Around in Cape Town
Lifestyle in Cape Town

Cost of living in Cape Town

The cost of living in Cape Town is reasonable for expats – however, with lower salaries than in Johannesburg and plenty to splurge on, expats may struggle to save. Still, whether an outdoor enthusiast, a lover of the arts or a gourmet connoisseur, it's easy to live the good life in the Cape.

Accommodation will likely be your biggest expense while living in Cape Town, with the cost rising rapidly in recent years. Expats will also have to budget for the cost of buying and maintaining a vehicle, which will add to their living expenses. 

Though relatively small, Cape Town has all the trappings of an international metropolis, with gourmet dining, world-class shopping and high-quality private healthcare. It is also a coastal city known for its spectacular beaches and is home to thriving businesses at the forefront of their fields.

Cost of Living in Cape Town

Families and children in Cape Town

Cape Town is home to some of South Africa's best-known educational institutions, including the University of Cape Town, the highest-ranked university on the continent. Public education quality varies depending on the neighbourhood and fees, but private and international schools offer higher quality education at higher costs. 

Government-funded schools typically offer the South African national curriculum, while many private schools offer the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) national curriculum or world-class international curricula.

Public hospitals are generally understaffed and underfunded, so most expats use private healthcare. General private healthcare is reasonably priced, but complications and specialists can quickly break the bank, so you are advised to take out health insurance.

Cape Town is host to a ton of attractions and activities for kids, as well as being surrounded by beautiful outdoor spaces. Nature reserves and beaches are around every corner, and Capetonians are known to be fit and outdoorsy, so there is no shortage of sports teams and walking or running clubs to join.

Education and Schools in Cape Town
Private Schools in Cape Town
International Schools in Cape Town
Healthcare in Cape Town
Kids and Family in Cape Town

Weather in Cape Town

Cape Town has a Mediterranean climate with mild but sometimes unpredictable weather. Summers (December to February) are warm, with cool winds. Winters (June to August) are colder, with heavy rain and storms.

Climate and Weather Charts for Cape Town