city skyline across the sea during daytime

South Africa · tool

How much does Cape Town cost?

Daily budget breakdown across three tiers — so you can realistically plan your Cape Town trip before you book anything.

Photo by Aldo Loya on Unsplash

Cape Town, South Africa travel budget

Realistic daily cost per person across three spending tiers. All figures in USD.

Budget

$45–$75

per day

Hostels, street food, public transit

Accommodation

$15–$25

Hostel dorm bed or a very basic guesthouse room.

Food

$10–$20

Street food, market stalls, and self-catering with groceries.

Transport

$5–$10

MyCiTi bus system and occasional Uber/Bolt for short distances.

Activities

$10–$15

Hiking Table Mountain (free), Kirstenbosch Gardens entry, exploring Bo-Kaap.

Misc

$5–$5

Small souvenirs, bottled water, minimal incidentals.

Mid-range

$120–$200

per day

3-star hotels, mix of restaurants, some taxis

Accommodation

$50–$90

Comfortable 3-star hotel or a well-located Airbnb apartment.

Food

$30–$50

Mix of casual cafes, bistros, and mid-range restaurants.

Transport

$15–$25

Frequent Uber/Bolt rides, occasional guided tours with transport included.

Activities

$20–$30

Robben Island ferry, wine tasting tours, aquariums, Table Mountain cable car.

Misc

$5–$5

Moderate shopping, occasional drinks, tips.

Luxury

$300–$600

per day

4-5 star hotels, premium dining, private transfers

Accommodation

$150–$300

Luxury 4-5 star hotel with premium amenities or a high-end villa.

Food

$70–$150

Fine dining restaurants, tasting menus, premium wine pairings.

Transport

$30–$50

Private airport transfers, chauffeured services, premium car hire.

Activities

$40–$80

Private guided tours, helicopter tours, exclusive wine estate experiences.

Misc

$10–$20

High-end souvenirs, spa treatments, generous tipping.

Destination-specific money tips

•While credit cards are widely accepted, always have some ZAR cash for smaller purchases, markets, and informal vendors.
•ATMs are plentiful, but using ATMs at major banks is recommended to avoid potential scams or higher fees from standalone machines.
•Tipping is customary: 10-15% in restaurants for good service, R10-20 for car guards (people who watch your car), and R20-50 for hotel porters.
•Be aware of 'car guards' who offer to watch your vehicle; they expect a small tip (R5-10) for their service.
•Certain activities like Table Mountain cable car and Robben Island ferry can be booked online in advance, often saving time and sometimes money.

Plan the rest of your Cape Town trip

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