How to move to cape town?

Here is a brief look at the pros and cons of living in Cape Town.

Whether expats aspire to have a home right on the seashore or prefer the idea of living the high life in the foothills of a mountain, there are plenty of options in Cape Town's varied areas and suburbs. Expats are sure to appreciate the variety of accommodation options available, ranging from luxury apartments and sprawling villas to cosy cottages and comfortable houses.

Real estate prices are notoriously high in certain parts of the city, and expats who want to live right on the doorstep of one of Cape Town's two major assets – the mountain and the sea – will have to pay handsomely for the privilege.

- CON: Rotational blackouts

Beginning in 2007, there has been a shortage of electricity supply in South Africa which has led to the implementation of 'load shedding', a system of rotational blackouts. The intensity of load shedding can fluctuate quickly, causing varying degrees of disruption to daily life. Some residents use generators, solar power and batteries to buffer themselves from the worst of it. With the help of a pumped-storage scheme, the City of Cape Town is able to protect municipal customers from one or two stages of load shedding.

Whether a fitness addict or a nature lover, expats are sure to find plenty to see and do in Cape Town. Popular outdoor activities include hiking, surfing, running and playing rugby, cricket or soccer.

With long, hot summers and mild winters, Cape Town's climate makes it easy to enjoy the wealth of outdoor activities on offer. Expats should take note of the famous 'Cape Doctor', though, a strong south-easterly gale that blows for a few weeks of the year.

Capetonians take leisure time seriously and the city has a thriving nightlife to show for it, not to mention the fact that Cape Town is the unequivocal gay capital of South Africa. Whether expats are keen for a big night out or just a few cocktails with some friends, there are loads of excellent bars and restaurants to choose from.

The city's thriving wine industry means that it's always easy to access good wine at an affordable price, and going wine tasting in Constantia, Durbanville or Stellenbosch is a great way to spend an afternoon.

For expats in search of retail therapy, there are boundless options in the form of one of Cape Town's many sprawling shopping malls. The city also has several regular, well-loved markets.

Aside from the MyCiTi bus system, there aren't many other viable options when it comes to public transport in the city. In addition, the current routes followed by the MyCiTi buses are limited to certain areas only. Fortunately, Cape Town is quite compact and walkable, and taxis or ride-hailing services aren't expensive thanks to short distances.

Minibus taxis seem to be a uniquely South African problem, and their erratic and often outright dangerous driving is a constant hindrance to many of the city's drivers.

Although Capetonians are quick to complain about the traffic, the city as a whole is relatively compact and the highway network is comprehensive, making it fairly quick and easy to get from one place to another by car.

Popular with both the local and international film industry, Cape Town has become a haven for creative types. Artists, writers and designers of all kinds are sure to meet plenty of like-minded people here. Although there is a lot of competition for creative jobs, expats who are able to measure up to the local standard are sure to find myriad opportunities in the Mother City.

Johannesburg is South Africa's economic centre, and jobs there will generally offer higher salaries than for the same position in Cape Town. In addition, accommodation is pricier in Cape Town than in Johannesburg. This can be a challenging balancing act, but if expats are able to budget well or can land a high-up position, it is certainly still possible to live comfortably on a Cape Town salary.

Out of the world's major cities, Cape Town has a relatively low cost of living, so even if expats aren't taking home a massive salary, they should still find that their money goes further than it would elsewhere. This is especially true if one is earning in dollars rather than the local currency, as the South African rand tends to be quite weak against the dollar.

South Africa's high crime rate is largely a result of the country's unequal social conditions. These conditions are one of the first things many expats notice upon arrival, as they are likely to fly over some of the city's townships before landing at the plush facilities of Cape Town International Airport.

However, by taking reasonable precautions, following safety tips and investing in good security, expats can avoid becoming victims of crime.

A lot of the high crime statistics of Cape Town are also a result of gang-related violence, which is unlikely to affect expats at all.

There are lots of options for schooling in Cape Town. While many expat parents send their children to one of the city's international schools, there are also a number of excellent (and less expensive) private schools.

In general, the public healthcare system in South Africa will not be up to the standards that most expats are used to. Doctors and medical staff are highly trained and world-class, but the facilities themselves and waiting times often cause expats to choose private healthcare instead.

If you want to make your move to Cape Town permanent, there are a few options. You can apply for a permanent residence permit once you have lived in South Africa continuously for more than five years and you have a permanent work contract or are married to a South African citizen.

Why the city between the mountain and the sea is attracting more visitors than ever (and converting a good chunk of them into permanent residents)

With more than 28 million tourists visiting the city each year, Cape Town is one of the top tourist destinations in the world. It, therefore, comes as no surprise that many of these seasonal visitors decide to make a permanent move to the Mother City and claim their place as honorary Capetownians.

From magnificent mountain vistas to sun-kissed beaches, historic winelands and a buzzing city centre, expat life in Cape Town mean that you are spoiled for choice when it comes to incredible experiences on your doorstep. Add to that the diverse and friendly locals and it’s no wonder that the city in the shadow of the mountain regularly tops top-10 lists on well-regarded sites like Lonely Planet and National Geographic!

Are you considering making the big move to Cape Town in 2023? If so, read on to discover the top 5 benefits of living in South Africa’s friendliest city.

When it comes to semigration (relocating from one city to another within the same country), the Western Cape remains a popular choice among South Africans. In 2021, 35% of the people who semigrated in South Africa moved to Cape Town - up from 31% in 2020.

Ratings Afrika identified Cape Town as the most sustainable metro in South Africa while the Consulta Consumer Satisfaction Index rated the city as the most trusted for basic service delivery.

Beyond the abundant natural beauty and enviable lifestyle perks, people who choose to move to Cape Town recognize that this is a well-run metro that offers first-class services.

For those who chose to move to Cape Town, South Africa, from overseas, the city offers a European standard of municipal services alongside the excitement of incredible cultural diversity.

The reasonable cost of living in Cape Town and excellent quality of life have attracted a diverse community of people from across the globe. According to the Mercer Cost of Living Survey, living in Cape Town is 65% less expensive than living in London and 55% less than in Melbourne.

Prices on basic food items in Cape Town are very reasonable when shopping at a mid-level supermarket, where you can expect to pay R12-R15 for a loaf of bread or a litre of milk, about R25 for a dozen eggs and R15 for a kilo of fresh produce like oranges or tomatoes.

Coffee culture is a big part of the Capetownian lifestyle, which means you’ll pay slightly more per cup than in other South African cities (but we guarantee you won’t regret it). Expect to pay upwards of R32 to get your caffeine fix at one of Cape Town’s vibey coffee spots.

When it comes to room and board, your proximity to the city center will determine your rate, with 1-bedroom apartments in the CBD going at around R8000 - R10 000 per month according to Cape Town's top real estate agents. The further away from the city you move, the more the price will drop. In Tableview, a coastal suburb 20 minutes drive from the city, you can expect to pay R7000 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment with a sea view. Luckily, there are a ton of amazing neighbourhoods in Cape Town to choose from!

The cost of utilities in your apartment will also vary according to the suburb that you choose, but on average you can expect to spend R850-R950 per month on water, garbage and electricity services.

Despite being more affordable than other world cities, the city offers an exceptional quality of life for its residents and visitors alike, with clean air, great job opportunities and stunning views ranking high on international expats’ list of reasons to move to Cape Town.

Considered the Silicon Valley of Africa, investment opportunities in Cape Town and high-paying jobs for skilled individuals seeking to make a living in the Mother City are rife.

It is nearly impossible to be bored in Cape Town. Aside from the exciting attractions that are available to residents year-round, the city also plays host to a plethora of annual events that attract international attention (as well as scores of visitors and participants from all over the world).

Sports fans will delight in the Sun Met horse race, the gruelling Cape Epic cycling event, the Two Oceans marathon as well as the Cape Town International Kite Festival (which takes advantage of the city’s legendary blustery winds).

Food and drink lovers can take their pick from the Knysna Oyster Festival, the Robertson Slow Food and Wine Festival and the Woodstock Winter Beer Festival, to name a few, while those who enjoy live music will be tapping their feet at the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts, the Rocking the Daisies festival or the Cape Town International Jazz Festival.

One thing’s for sure, if you’re looking for excitement, you’ll love all of the fun things to do in Cape Town.

Cape Town is a city where difference is celebrated. From its culture to its demographics, the city is a melting pot of languages and cultures that come together to bask in its natural beauty and laid-back lifestyle.

It's a place where diverse people may come from different cultures, but they're able to celebrate their differences and live in harmony with one another.

The population in Cape Town of just over 4.7 million can be described as 42.4% "Coloured", 38.6% "Black African", 15.7% "White", 1.4% "Asian or Indian" and 1.9% other.

Capetownians speak a variety of languages, of which the three most prominent are English, Afrikaans and Xhosa. Given the amount of foreigners who choose to move to Cape Town, it is no surprise that German, French, Dutch, Portuguese, Italian and Russian can also be heard on the city streets. While these are not included in the 11 official languages of South Africa, they are reminders of the vibrant and thriving expat communities that can be found in the city.

Regardless of their race, age or country of origin, most Capetonians are equal parts laid-back and cultured. While they do understand the importance of working hard, they also value living well and are serious about achieving a healthy work-life balance.

To dine in Cape Town is to experience a food renaissance inspired by blended cultures, high quality local ingredients and signature South African ingenuity. It, therefore, comes as no surprise that restaurants in Cape Town regularly make international best-of lists.

Currently, two of Cape Town’s restaurants (Fyn and La Colombe) have earned themselves spots on the World Top 100 Restaurants list in 2020. Of the top 10 restaurants in South Africa, 9 are restaurants in Cape Town.

For those seeking less formal dining options, Cape Town delivers in spades. From local favourites like stuffed-to-the-brim gatsbies and samosas to inspired takes on international dishes like sushi, pizza and even Mexican food, there’s something to delight every taste in the Mother City and no wonder why people are moving to Cape Town in droves.

Compared to other South African cities such as Durban and Pretoria, Cape Town is a little more expensive, but from a global perspective it’s still remarkably affordable, with living costs far below the likes of London or Los Angeles and a quality of life that’s far higher. It’s estimated that Cape Town’s cost of living is 65% cheaper than London – a selling point for anyone moving to Cape Town from the UK – and 55% cheaper than Melbourne.

Cape Town property prices have soared in areas such as Sea Point and Camps Bay, but it’s still possible to find excellent accommodation at far lower prices than their equivalents in Paris or Primrose Hill.

Just like the rest of SA, basic food prices in Cape Town are very reasonable if you shop in a mid-level supermarket – R12-R14 for a litre of milk or loaf of bread, R15 for 1kg of oranges or tomatoes, or R25 for a dozen eggs. You’ll also find a number of farmers’ markets with top quality fresh produce at excellent prices.

Many supermarkets and delis have specialities such as herb-infused olives, gourmet salad bars, and home cured meats, so shop around and find your favourites. Cape Town also has quite the foodie scene, if your inner gastronome knows where to look.

One month of water, electricity and garbage collection for a 1- bedroom apartment is approximately R850 – R950, but this will fluctuate according to your area. Always check what’s included in your rent as this can vary.

Cape Town has so many restaurants, bars, and clubs that it’s impossible to find a true average price, but you can expect to pay R95 for a quick lunch in the CBD, R500 for a meal for two at a decent restaurant, and R50 for a cocktail. A top Cape Town restaurant will cost R300 – R600 per person and more, but there are many other options too. Try street food treats as one of the many markets in Cape Town for a far more budget friendly choice.

Surrounding wine farms sometimes charge entrance fees (R20 – R50), but many will allow you to explore free of charge.