Pretoria is famous for the vivid violet jacaranda blossoms that brighten its streets in October and November. And it has another bright side, that lasts all year round—it is one of South Africa’s most affordable cities to live in when incomes are factored in.
The average salary of its residents is high by national standards, with the added benefit that major costs, such as housing, are significantly lower than those in towns like Cape Town, Stellenbosch or George.
The city’s ‘discount’ on property prices and rents is partly down to infrastructure and governance problems, so there are some drawbacks to living in Pretoria. That said, with attractions such as great weather, a gentler pace than Johannesburg, and an abundance of big public-sector employers, Pretoria is a city that offers the good life without breaking your budget.
So, what do you need to earn to live comfortably in Pretoria? This guide breaks down all the costs to give you the answer.
Housing in Pretoria is not expensive by urban South African standards, and has recently become cheaper in real terms thanks to a sluggish property market over the last decade.
According to property trends in Pretoria from 2025, the average asking price for a property sold in the area is around R1,500,000—a modest increase from the average asking price in 2016 of R1,250,000.
The average selling price of properties in Pretoria has grown more healthily. It’s now just over R1,250,000 on Property24, as against a 2016 average of R850,000.
Even so, many Pretoria property values have stagnated or declined slightly in real terms, due largely to the city’s infrastructure and governance woes and a dawdling urban economy. Prices have certainly perked up in the last year, however, and the healthy rental yields to property prices when compared with Cape Town, where yields are significantly lower, suggest there are legs in the recovery. Currently, Pretoria offers good value per square metre for home buyers.
Data from Numbeo reveals that the average price per square metre of a property in central Pretoria is currently R14,750, well below the Johannesburg CBD's property averages of R18,071. Pretoria’s properties outside the centre average at R13,500, which is slightly higher than the Joburg average of R12,000.
If you’re buying a home, factor in homeowners' insurance, which typically costs between R300 and R700 per month. Some lenders may require proof of insurance before granting a home loan.
Average rents are nearly 6% lower than in Johannesburg. Given that average incomes are slightly higher in Pretoria, this suggests it is a well-priced city for renters.
According to Numbeo data (see table), Pretoria is among the more expensive South African cities when it comes to basic services, such as electricity, water, and refuse collection.
A MyBroadband comparison estimates that Pretoria’s average electricity bill for a month’s consumption of 900 kWh in 2024 was R3,090, lower than the average of R3,509 in Cape Town, but higher than Johannesburg’s R2,846.
|
Utility service in Pretoria |
Average monthly cost (85 m2) |
|
Electricity, water and refuse collection |
R2,215 |
|
Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10 GB+ data |
R666 |
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
R682 |
Prices at Pretoria restaurants are lower than those in Johannesburg, according to Numbeo data, at both mid-range and inexpensive restaurants. Here's a comparison of restaurant prices:
|
City |
Affordable |
Mid-range (3 courses, 2 people) |
|
Pretoria |
R150 |
R600 |
|
Johannesburg |
R200 |
R800 |
Being South Africa’s diplomatic capital, Pretoria has a cosmopolitan range of dining places, serving excellent ethnic cuisine. You'll find the likes of the Congolese Zemara, Belgian La Madeleine, Italian Forti’s, and upbeat Vietnamese Saigon Suzy. There’s no shortage of Indian, Greek, Portuguese-Mozambican, Italian and Thai options, plus several inventive boerekos restaurants.
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Tipping in South Africa is the norm. Expect to tip between 10% and 20% of your bill to support waiters, as their hourly wages are very modest.
Owning a private vehicle gives you greater flexibility in Pretoria, especially in more suburban areas where public transport options are limited. Here’s a breakdown of typical monthly and once-off costs you can expect:
Fuel: Between R2,000 and R2,500 based on average local driving and petrol prices at R24.03 per litre. Fuel is slightly more expensive in Pretoria than in inland cities, though consistently below the global average.
Car insurance: R800–R1,500 depending on your coverage and risk profile.
Maintenance allowance: R500–R1,000 for services, tyres, and minor repairs.
Parking: Approximately R300 depending on whether it's needed for home, work and amenities.
Vehicle purchase: A popular model like a Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6L costs around R464,425
Licensing & registration fees: Around R1,000–R1,500 annually
Roadside assistance plan (optional): Around R80–R150 per month
A typical night out for a couple, with a meal, a show and ride-hailing transport, will set you back in the region of R1,200.
Pretoria has some acclaimed state schools. This includes Pretoria Boys High, famed for an alumni list boasting countless elite sportsmen, from the Booker-prize-winning novelist Damon Galgut to the world’s richest man, Elon Musk.
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The city’s best state schools charge fees of up to R80,000 per year, while the best private schools charge as much as R320,000 per year.
If you have younger children not yet in school, Pretoria offers a range of childcare options, from informal playgroups to structured early childhood education centres. Costs will vary depending on the type of care, curriculum and location. Here's an estimated amount you'll expect to pay:
Public daycare/crèche: R1,500–R3,000 per month
Private daycare or Montessori-style preschools: R3,000–R5,000 per month
Holiday care or babysitting services (ad hoc): R150–R300 per day
Wherever you live in South Africa, he cost of South African healthcare is a factor to consider, with private medical insurance a wise option.
Medical aid policies vary widely in terms of coverage and cost, with options ranging from a basic hospital plan to comprehensive coverage if you have pre-existing conditions. For example:
Discovery Essential Smart Plan: R1,300 per adult, R900 per child for hospital plan with limited GP coverage.
Bonitas Hospital Standard: From R2,200 per adult for a hospital plan with more comprehensive cover.
Discovery Executive Plan (comprehensive): Over R7,000 per adult with full day-to-day and chronic benefits.
A family of three on a mid-range plan can expect to spend around R4,500–R6,000 per month for adequate coverage.
To live comfortably in Pretoria, many households budget for extra help around the house and garden. For added peace of mind, it also makes sense to invest in home security.
Domestic worker (2 times per week): R2,000–R2,500 per month
Garden services: R400–R600 per visit
Home security system with armed response: R500–R1,000 per month.
To reduce financial stress, it’s sensible to have an emergency savings fund. This helps cover unexpected costs such as car repairs, dental work or sudden school or home expenses.
A good rule of thumb is to set aside at least 10% of your income, or around R2,000–R4,000 per month, depending on your lifestyle and household size.
To give you a clearer idea of what this lifestyle looks like in numbers, here’s a breakdown of a typical monthly budget for a family of three living comfortably in Pretoria.
|
Category |
Monthly cost |
|
Rent (3-bed suburb) |
R14,000 |
|
Groceries |
R9,000 |
|
Utilities & Internet |
R4,000 |
|
Medical aid (mid-range) |
R5,000 |
|
Private car transport (fuel, insurance, maintenance) |
R4,500 |
|
School fees |
R5,000 |
|
School transport |
R1,200 |
|
Domestic/Garden services |
R2,500 |
|
Home security |
R800 |
|
Entertainment and eating out |
R2,500 |
|
Savings and emergencies |
R4,000 |
|
Miscellaneous (clothing, toiletries, mobile plans) |
R2,000 |
|
Total |
R58,500 |
Living comfortably in Pretoria means covering all your basic needs, including rent, groceries, transport and utilities, while still having some breathing room for healthcare, school fees, savings and lifestyle extras like dining out or local travel.
Naturally, what counts as “comfortable” will vary depending on your household size and financial goals.
According to Numbeo data, the average monthly after-tax salary in Pretoria in 2025 is R26,114 per month, nearly as much as Cape Town at R27,832 and higher than Johannesburg at R25,510.
To help you determine how much you need to earn to live comfortably in Pretoria, we've outlined the monthly income (after tax*) of different types of households (single adults, couples, families, and retirees) to cover your costs.
|
Household type |
Monthly income |
|
Single adult |
R20,000 – R24,000 |
|
Couple, no children |
R35,000 – R39,000 |
|
Family of three (1 child) |
R50,000 – R54,000 |
|
Family of four |
R56,000 – R60,000 |
|
Retired couple (own home) |
R26,000 – R30,000 |
So what's the bottom line, you may ask? To live comfortably in Pretoria in 2025, you’ll need around R20,000 per month after tax if you’re single, or between R50,000 and R60,000 for a small family renting in the suburbs, with modest medical aid, one car, school fees, and room for discretionary spending and savings.
This budget covers essential expenses like rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare, and education, plus some lifestyle perks like dining out, entertainment, and domestic help, offering a balanced and financially stress-free lifestyle in one of South Africa’s more affordable cities
A note on tax*: South Africa has a sliding income tax scale. For the 2024/25 tax year, the first R95,750 you earn annually is tax-free. A person earning R50,000 per month (R600,000 per year) would take home around R40,000 after tax, depending on deductions like medical aid, pension fund contributions or travel allowances. SARS and other online salary calculators can help you estimate your take-home pay more precisely.
Pretoria is more affordable than Cape Town or Johannesburg in some categories, including rentals, house prices and groceries. The fact that incomes are not significantly lower than in those cities also makes it more affordable.
If you already own your home, a retired couple could live comfortably on R26,000 to R30,000 per month, assuming moderate medical aid, groceries, and leisure activities.
Yes, thanks to the A Re Yang and Tshwane Bus Services, which are affordable and cover most of the city. However, having a private car is still preferred for convenience, especially if you live in a more suburban area.
Yes, Pretoria is a family-friendly city, known for its great weather, outdoor activities and schools. As the country’s cosmopolitan capital, it is also a stimulating environment for young people.
Pretoria offers a broad range of jobs in the public sector, especially in government departments, national agencies, and diplomatic missions. It also has several corporate headquarters, and its proximity to SA’s economic hub of Johannesburg offers many employment options for people willing to commute.
Pretoria is usually about two degrees warmer than Johannesburg, mainly because of its lower altitude. But it can still get properly nippy in winter when a cold front passes, occasionally coming close to zero overnight during June, July and August. In summer, days are hot and sunny, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms and heavy rain to freshen up the atmosphere. Pretoria is famous for its invigorating and pleasant climate.
Crime has increased in Pretoria in recent years, and caution is always advisable. The risk can be greatly reduced by investing in sensible home security features and services, and by taking precautions such as avoiding crime-ridden neighbourhoods when driving.
Famous Pretorians include Elon Musk, cricket star AB de Villiers, Constitutional Court judge Edwin Cameron, actor Arnold Vosloo, athlete Oscar Pistorius, rock band Seether, writer Damon Galgut and singer Vusi Mahlasela.
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