Moving to Cape Town

Living in Cape Town as an expat

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.

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.

Working in Cape Town

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.

Expats will need a work visa, which they must apply for from a mission outside the country, to work in South Africa legally. The process for applying for a South African work permit can be tedious and bureaucratic, so expats must be prepared for this. 

Working in Cape Town
Visas and Residence Permits for South Africa
Work Permits for South Africa

Lifestyle in Cape Town

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.

Shopaholics will also find plenty of malls and shopping centres in Cape Town to keep them entertained. There are also many outdoor and sporting activities for the nature lovers and fitness enthusiasts. 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.

Lifestyle in Cape Town
Shopping in Cape Town
Sport and Fitness in Cape Town
See and Do in Cape Town
Beauty and Spas in Cape Town

Finding accommodation in Cape Town

Accommodation options in Cape Town are plentiful, ranging from apartments and townhouses to freestanding homes. Most expats moving to Cape Town typically rent a serviced property initially before committing to a long-term lease. This allows them to get to know their chosen neighbourhood while searching for a permanent home. 

There are also a fair few exciting suburbs in the city, with options to suit most budgets. The suburbs in the City Bowl, Atlantic Seaboard, and Camps Bay areas are some of the priciest neighbourhoods in Cape Town, while the Southern and Northern Suburbs are great and affordable family-friendly options. 

Advice on Renting Accommodation in Cape Town
Best Places to Live 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

Living in Cape Town with children

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.

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 a private health insurance.

Healthcare in Cape Town
Kids and Family in Cape Town

Finding a school 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.

Education and Schools in Cape Town
Private Schools in Cape Town
International Schools in Cape Town

Getting around 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 Cape Town's 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. The cost of purchasing and maintaining a vehicle will largely be affordable for most expats, but they will have to contend with Cape Town's infamous traffic. Once you become a permanent resident, you will have 12 months to convert your foreign driving licence into a local driving licence. 

Getting Around 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 Chart for Cape Town