Cost Of Living in Bloemfontein 2024

Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Bloemfontein

Whether you're living in Bloemfontein or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.

Average Monthly Expenditure

32,000 ZAR

per month
$1,700

2,500 ZAR   $130
$17,000   320,000 ZAR

Single

22,000 ZAR

per month
$1,200

7,500 ZAR   $390
$7,900   150,000 ZAR

Couple

37,000 ZAR

per month
$2,000

12,000 ZAR   $660
$10,000   200,000 ZAR

Family

50,000 ZAR

per month
$2,600

17,000 ZAR   $920
$14,000   270,000 ZAR

Student

15,000 ZAR

per month
$800

6,100 ZAR   $320
$1,400   27,000 ZAR
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in Bloemfontein is 22,000 ZAR. Expenses can range from 7,500 ZAR at the minimum level to 150,000 ZAR at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Bloemfontein is 37,000 ZAR. Expenditure can range from 12,000 ZAR to 200,000 ZAR per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Bloemfontein is 50,000 ZAR per month. Families spend anywhere from 17,000 ZAR to 270,000 ZAR.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Bloemfontein is 15,000 ZAR. Students spend from 6,100 ZAR to 27,000 ZAR per month.


Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.

Prices and cost of goods and services in Bloemfontein


Dining, food, and beverages costs


Large bottle of water
4.4 ZAR 5 ZAR 5.7 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.23 $0.26 $0.30
Fast food combo meal
37 ZAR 75 ZAR 120 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2 $3.9 $6.6
Restaurant meal for one
120 ZAR 180 ZAR 360 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.3 $9.4 $19
Fine dining meal for one
240 ZAR 360 ZAR 1,400 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $19 $75
Soda or Soft Drink
5.3 ZAR 6.2 ZAR 7.5 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.28 $0.33 $0.39
Cappuccino or latte
31 ZAR 50 ZAR 75 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.6 $2.6 $3.9

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle
25 ZAR 30 ZAR 37 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.3 $1.6 $2
Loaf of bread
4.5 ZAR 5.1 ZAR 5.9 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.24 $0.27 $0.31
12 eggs
19 ZAR 25 ZAR 37 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.98 $1.3 $2
Fresh whole chicken
42 ZAR 55 ZAR 78 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.2 $2.9 $4.1
Beef 1 kg or 1 lb
50 ZAR 75 ZAR 150 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.6 $3.9 $7.9
Rice 1 kg or 1 lb
20 ZAR 27 ZAR 39 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1 $1.4 $2
Tomato 1 kg or 1 lb
7.5 ZAR 10 ZAR 19 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.39 $0.52 $0.98
Apples 1 kg or 1 lb
13 ZAR 17 ZAR 29 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.70 $0.92 $1.5

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride
30 ZAR 36 ZAR 71 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.6 $1.9 $3.8
Average car full tank
190 ZAR 250 ZAR 500 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.8 $13 $26
Average car 1-day rental
170 ZAR 230 ZAR 340 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.9 $12 $18
Average car price
93,000 ZAR 190,000 ZAR 250,000 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4,900 $9,800 $13,000
Bus ticket one way
5.7 ZAR 8.5 ZAR 17 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.30 $0.45 $0.89
Car Service
230 ZAR 340 ZAR 680 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$12 $18 $36

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual
450 ZAR 1,300 ZAR 9,000 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$24 $71 $470
Utility Bill - Couple
620 ZAR 1,900 ZAR 10,000 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$33 $98 $520
Utility Bill - Family
520 ZAR 1,500 ZAR 8,200 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$28 $79 $430
Internet and cable
190 ZAR 370 ZAR 500 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.8 $20 $26
Mobile phone charges
150 ZAR 250 ZAR 750 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.9 $13 $39

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket
93 ZAR 120 ZAR 190 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.9 $6.6 $9.8
One month gym membership
270 ZAR 340 ZAR 680 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$14 $18 $36

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants
200 ZAR 280 ZAR 420 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $15 $22
Woman dress
190 ZAR 260 ZAR 850 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.9 $14 $45
Woman shoes
180 ZAR 240 ZAR 570 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.4 $13 $30
Men's shoes
150 ZAR 190 ZAR 380 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.1 $9.9 $20
Men suit
170 ZAR 210 ZAR 1,100 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.9 $11 $60
Regular t-shirt
85 ZAR 110 ZAR 340 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.5 $6 $18

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment
2,800 ZAR 4,200 ZAR 11,000 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150 $220 $600
1-bedroom apartment
4,200 ZAR 6,800 ZAR 17,000 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$220 $360 $890
2-bedroom apartment
5,700 ZAR 8,500 ZAR 23,000 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$300 $450 $1,200

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment
570,000 ZAR 850,000 ZAR 1.7M ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$30,000 $45,000 $89,000
1-bedroom apartment
680,000 ZAR 1.1M ZAR 4.2M ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$36,000 $60,000 $220,000
2-bedroom apartment
1.1M ZAR 3.4M ZAR 6.8M ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$60,000 $180,000 $360,000

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed
3,700 ZAR 4,700 ZAR 6,200 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$200 $250 $330
Double Bed
2,500 ZAR 3,700 ZAR 4,700 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130 $200 $250
Single Bed
2,200 ZAR 2,900 ZAR 3,700 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120 $150 $200
Living Room
4,100 ZAR 5,300 ZAR 19,000 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$220 $280 $980
Dining Table
1,900 ZAR 2,500 ZAR 4,700 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$98 $130 $250
Sofa or Couch
2,500 ZAR 3,400 ZAR 7,500 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130 $180 $390

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set
2,500 ZAR 3,700 ZAR 7,500 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130 $200 $390
Fridge or Freezer
2,200 ZAR 3,400 ZAR 4,700 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120 $180 $250
Washing Machine
2,900 ZAR 4,100 ZAR 7,500 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150 $220 $390
Stove or Cooker
2,700 ZAR 3,400 ZAR 4,700 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$140 $180 $250
Mobile Phone
3,100 ZAR 3,700 ZAR 5,300 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$160 $200 $280
Laptop or Computer
3,400 ZAR 4,100 ZAR 7,500 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$180 $220 $390

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Bloemfontein

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.


Spending to Income Ratio

75%

68% to 83%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%5%
50% - 60%10%
60% - 70%16%
70% - 80%25%
80% - 90%18%
90% - 100%10%
100% - 110%6%
110% - 120%4%
120% - 130%3%
130% - 140%2%
> 140%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

The average spending-to-salary ratio in Bloemfontein is 75% This means that on average, people spend around 75% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 16% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.


How can spending be more than income?

A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.



Individual
68%
Spending-Income-Ratio
61%
75%

Couple
71%
Spending-Income-Ratio
65%
79%

Family
79%
Spending-Income-Ratio
71%
87%

How do people spend their money in Bloemfontein?

We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.

The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing Expenditure25%

25% of total expenses on average (14% to 33%)

LOW$39   750 ZAR
AVERAGE$510   9,700 ZAR
HIGH$5,100   97,000 ZAR
Per Month

People living in Bloemfontein typically spend from 14% to 33% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 25% being the average. The average spend on housing is 9,700 ZAR with expenditure ranging from 750 ZAR to 97,000 ZAR. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.

Utilities, Electricity, Water7%

7% of total expenses on average (4% to 11%)

LOW$6.6   120 ZAR
AVERAGE$85   1,600 ZAR
HIGH$850   16,000 ZAR
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Bloemfontein ranges from 4% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 1,600 ZAR with 120 ZAR and 16,000 ZAR being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute7%

7% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$13   250 ZAR
AVERAGE$170   3,200 ZAR
HIGH$1,700   32,000 ZAR
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 250 ZAR to 32,000 ZAR on commuting with 3,200 ZAR being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 7% of total spending on average but can go as low as 3% or as high as 11%.

Food and Groceries Cost28%

28% of total expenses on average (20% to 34%)

LOW$33   620 ZAR
AVERAGE$430   8,100 ZAR
HIGH$4,300   81,000 ZAR
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Bloemfontein is 8,100 ZAR. The cost of groceries can range between 620 ZAR to 81,000 ZAR. People spend on average about 28% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 20% and 34% respectively.

Healthcare and Medical Services10%

10% of total expenses on average (5% to 13%)

LOW$9.2   170 ZAR
AVERAGE$120   2,300 ZAR
HIGH$1,200   23,000 ZAR
Per Month

People in Bloemfontein allocate 5% to 13% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 10%. The range of medical expenses range from 170 ZAR to 23,000 ZAR with 2,300 ZAR being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping5%

5% of total expenses on average (2% to 9%)

LOW$5.2   100 ZAR
AVERAGE$68   1,300 ZAR
HIGH$680   13,000 ZAR
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 100 ZAR to 13,000 ZAR with 1,300 ZAR being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 9% of total expenses with an average of 5% for most residents.

Education and Schooling5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$7.9   150 ZAR
AVERAGE$100   1,900 ZAR
HIGH$1,000   19,000 ZAR
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 5% of the monthly expenditure with 3% and 11% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 1,900 ZAR per month with 150 ZAR being the minimum spent amount and 19,000 ZAR being the maximum.

Other Expenses13%

13% of total expenses on average (8% to 20%)

LOW$17   320 ZAR
AVERAGE$220   4,200 ZAR
HIGH$2,200   42,000 ZAR
Per Month

How much money can you save in Bloemfontein every month?

We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.


What percentage of people in Bloemfontein manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
61%
Not Saving
39%

Almost 61% of the surveyed people in Bloemfontein said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 39% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Bloemfontein

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles61%39%
Couples56%44%
Families52%48%

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


Saving to Income Ratio

11% 19% of income 29%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

910 ZAR
$48
12,000 ZAR
$620
120,000 ZAR
$6,200
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 11% to 29% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 19% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 12,000 ZAR on average with savings ranging from 910 ZAR to 120,000 ZAR.

61% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 56% of couples said the same. 52% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Bloemfontein?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.


Singles

Saving to Income Ratio

14% 23% of income 31%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

2,700 ZAR
$140
8,100 ZAR
$430
54,000 ZAR
$2,900
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%31%
10% - 20%24%
20% - 30%16%
30% - 40%14%
40% - 50%11%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 14% to 31% of their monthly income to savings, with 23% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 8,100 ZAR with 2,700 ZAR and 54,000 ZAR being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

12% 21% of income 30%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

4,500 ZAR
$240
14,000 ZAR
$720
72,000 ZAR
$3,800
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%35%
10% - 20%26%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%9%
40% - 50%8%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 12% to 30% of their monthly income, with 21% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 14,000 ZAR with 4,500 ZAR and 72,000 ZAR being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

11% 18% of income 27%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

6,300 ZAR
$330
18,000 ZAR
$950
100,000 ZAR
$5,200
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%38%
10% - 20%29%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%6%
40% - 50%5%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in Bloemfontein can save anywhere between 11% to 27% of their monthly income, with 18% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 18,000 ZAR with 6,300 ZAR and 100,000 ZAR being the minimum and maximum respectively.

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Affordable living in Bloemfontein

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Bloemfontein?


Yes
62%
No
39%

Around 62% of surveyed residents think that living in Bloemfontein is affordable with proper budgeting while 39% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Low-cost alternatives in Bloemfontein

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options55%

Few low-cost options45%


Based on the survey, 55% of the people living in Bloemfontein have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 45% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents of Bloemfontein whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes62%

No39%


Based on the survey, 39% of the people living in Bloemfontein said that they don't have an emergency fund while 62% said that they do.

Financial Literacy in South Africa

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy63%


We asked residents of South Africa whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 37% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 63% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether residents of South Africa have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so asked the people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 27% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 73% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance27%

Easily manages finances73%

Financial goals of people in Bloemfontein

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Bloemfontein, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund8%
Debt Reduction39%
Retirement Savings9%
Education Funding7%
Homeownership18%
Investing7%
Travel or Lifestyle8%
Healthcare Expenses12%
Financial Independence6%

Around 8% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 39% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 9% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 7% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 18% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 7% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 8% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 12% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Saving Challenges in Bloemfontein

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Bloemfontein. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income5%
High Expenses8%
Debt and Loans15%
Lack of Budgeting Skills11%
Impulsive Spending11%
Financial Emergencies7%
Living the moment6%
Will do it later19%
Inflation12%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability2%

Around 5% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 8% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 15% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 11% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 11% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 7% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 6% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 19% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 12% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or societal expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 2% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Typical saving choices for people in Bloemfontein

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds12%
Gold12%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts10%
Cash Savings19%
Real Estate9%
Investment5%
Stocks5%
Bonds5%
Mutual Funds2%
Certificates of Deposit3%

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Bloemfontein

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Bloemfontein and how much retirement savings are required?

Retirement age

The retirement age for most employees in South Africa is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.

Retirement planning and savings

There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.


The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:
AgeAmount
255x monthly salary at age 25
3010x monthly salary at age 30
3515x monthly salary at age 35
4025x monthly salary at age 40
4532x monthly salary at age 45
5048x monthly salary at age 50
5556x monthly salary at age 55
6064x monthly salary at age 60
6578x monthly salary at age 65

The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Bloemfontein:
AgeAmount
2588,000 ZAR
30180,000 ZAR
35310,000 ZAR
40440,000 ZAR
45660,000 ZAR
50930,000 ZAR
551.1M ZAR
601.4M ZAR
651.6M ZAR

Retirement Income Distribution

We asked residents of Bloemfontein about their retirement income sources and below are the results.

Source% People
Pensions12%
Savings23%
Investments12%
Social Security7%
Annuities7%
Part-time Job13%
Real Estate18%
Dividends and Interest7%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Bloemfontein

5,400 ZAR
$290
16,000 ZAR
$860
110,000 ZAR
$5,700
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Bloemfontein


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
21%
Debt Free
79%

According to the survey, 21% of the people in Bloemfontein have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 79% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Debt-to-income ratio in Bloemfontein

Debt to income ratio

25%

17% to 34%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 25% of the people's monthly income in Bloemfontein goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%16%
40% - 50%13%
30% - 40%15%
20% - 30%12%
10% - 20%14%
0% - 10%26%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Bloemfontein pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 16% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 13% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 15% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 12% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Bloemfontein

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage10%
Auto Loan18%
Student Loan4%
Credit Card28%
Personal Loan41%

10% of debtors in Bloemfontein confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 28% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 18% of people and personal loans rose at 41%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 4% of debtors in Bloemfontein.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in Bloemfontein

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Bloemfontein how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never52%
Once a year23%
Twice a year12%
Three times a year9%
Four times a year4%

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Bloemfontein

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Bloemfontein

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment
2,800 ZAR 4,200 ZAR 11,000 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150 $220 $600
1-bedroom apartment
4,200 ZAR 6,800 ZAR 17,000 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$220 $360 $890
2-bedroom apartment
5,700 ZAR 8,500 ZAR 23,000 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$300 $450 $1,200
3-bedroom apartment
6,800 ZAR 11,000 ZAR 31,000 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$360 $600 $1,600
Furnished apartment
14,000 ZAR 34,000 ZAR 68,000 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$720 $1,800 $3,600
Townhouse
11,000 ZAR 17,000 ZAR 48,000 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$600 $890 $2,600
House
14,000 ZAR 34,000 ZAR 68,000 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$720 $1,800 $3,600
Villa
17,000 ZAR 42,000 ZAR 68,000 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$890 $2,200 $3,600

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Bloemfontein ranges between 2,800 ZAR and 11,000 ZAR, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 4,200 ZAR to 17,000 ZAR. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 5,700 ZAR and 23,000 ZAR per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 6,800 ZAR to 31,000 ZAR. The average rent of a townhouse in Bloemfontein is around 17,000 ZAR while house rental costs can be as high as 34,000 ZAR per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 17,000 ZAR to 68,000 ZAR per month.



Apartment and house prices in Bloemfontein

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment
570,000 ZAR 850,000 ZAR 1.7M ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$30,000 $45,000 $89,000
1-bedroom apartment
680,000 ZAR 1.1M ZAR 4.2M ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$36,000 $60,000 $220,000
2-bedroom apartment
1.1M ZAR 3.4M ZAR 6.8M ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$60,000 $180,000 $360,000
3-bedroom apartment
3.8M ZAR 5.7M ZAR 17M ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$200,000 $300,000 $890,000
Townhouse
4.8M ZAR 11M ZAR 42M ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$260,000 $600,000 $2.2M
House
5.7M ZAR 34M ZAR 48M ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$300,000 $1.8M $2.6M
Villa
6.8M ZAR 38M ZAR 57M ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$360,000 $2M $3M

The average price of a studio apartment in Bloemfontein can range from 570,000 ZAR to 1.7M ZAR depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 680,000 ZAR to 4.2M ZAR. A villa can cost you 38M ZAR on average with prices ranging from 6.8M ZAR to 57M ZAR.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Bloemfontein will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


38 x110 monthly income 193
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Bloemfontein can be x110 to x193 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x110 multiples of the average monthly salary in Bloemfontein.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


20% 29% of income 38%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Bloemfontein is around 29%. This means that people pay 29% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 20% to 38% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
27%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
2.2%
AVERAGE
3.2%
TO
4.2%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


50 ZAR 650 ZAR 6,500 ZAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.


Single
Spending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Bloemfontein

Housing31%

31% of total expenses on average (19% to 43%)

LOW$140   2,700 ZAR
AVERAGE$420   8,100 ZAR
HIGH$2,800   54,000 ZAR
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water8%

8% of total expenses on average (4% to 13%)

LOW$24   450 ZAR
AVERAGE$71   1,300 ZAR
HIGH$470   9,000 ZAR
Per Month

Transport, Fuel5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$31   600 ZAR
AVERAGE$94   1,800 ZAR
HIGH$630   12,000 ZAR
Per Month

Food and Groceries19%

19% of total expenses on average (13% to 24%)

LOW$63   1,200 ZAR
AVERAGE$190   3,600 ZAR
HIGH$1,300   24,000 ZAR
Per Month

Healthcare12%

12% of total expenses on average (6% to 16%)

LOW$35   670 ZAR
AVERAGE$110   2,000 ZAR
HIGH$710   13,000 ZAR
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 6%)

LOW$20   370 ZAR
AVERAGE$59   1,100 ZAR
HIGH$390   7,500 ZAR
Per Month

Education1%

1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)

LOW$7.9   150 ZAR
AVERAGE$24   450 ZAR
HIGH$160   3,000 ZAR
Per Month

Other Expenses21%

21% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)

LOW$71   1,300 ZAR
AVERAGE$210   4,000 ZAR
HIGH$1,400   27,000 ZAR
Per Month


Couple
Average monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Bloemfontein

Housing28%

28% of total expenses on average (21% to 38%)

LOW$220   4,100 ZAR
AVERAGE$650   12,000 ZAR
HIGH$3,500   66,000 ZAR
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$33   620 ZAR
AVERAGE$98   1,900 ZAR
HIGH$520   10,000 ZAR
Per Month

Transport, Fuel9%

9% of total expenses on average (3% to 14%)

LOW$79   1,500 ZAR
AVERAGE$240   4,500 ZAR
HIGH$1,300   24,000 ZAR
Per Month

Food and Groceries17%

17% of total expenses on average (12% to 22%)

LOW$92   1,700 ZAR
AVERAGE$280   5,200 ZAR
HIGH$1,500   28,000 ZAR
Per Month

Healthcare14%

14% of total expenses on average (8% to 18%)

LOW$72   1,400 ZAR
AVERAGE$220   4,100 ZAR
HIGH$1,200   22,000 ZAR
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (1% to 7%)

LOW$39   750 ZAR
AVERAGE$120   2,200 ZAR
HIGH$630   12,000 ZAR
Per Month

Education1%

1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)

LOW$13   250 ZAR
AVERAGE$39   750 ZAR
HIGH$210   4,000 ZAR
Per Month

Other Expenses20%

20% of total expenses on average (14% to 26%)

LOW$110   2,100 ZAR
AVERAGE$330   6,300 ZAR
HIGH$1,800   34,000 ZAR
Per Month


Family
Average monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Bloemfontein

Housing27%

27% of total expenses on average (22% to 37%)

LOW$290   5,600 ZAR
AVERAGE$840   16,000 ZAR
HIGH$4,600   88,000 ZAR
Per Month

Transport, Fuel5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 7%)

LOW$73   1,400 ZAR
AVERAGE$210   4,000 ZAR
HIGH$1,200   22,000 ZAR
Per Month

Food and Groceries21%

21% of total expenses on average (14% to 27%)

LOW$170   3,100 ZAR
AVERAGE$470   9,000 ZAR
HIGH$2,600   49,000 ZAR
Per Month

Healthcare11%

11% of total expenses on average (7% to 16%)

LOW$73   1,400 ZAR
AVERAGE$210   4,000 ZAR
HIGH$1,200   22,000 ZAR
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (1% to 7%)

LOW$46   870 ZAR
AVERAGE$130   2,500 ZAR
HIGH$720   14,000 ZAR
Per Month

Education13%

13% of total expenses on average (6% to 21%)

LOW$130   2,400 ZAR
AVERAGE$370   7,000 ZAR
HIGH$2,000   38,000 ZAR
Per Month

Other Expenses15%

15% of total expenses on average (8% to 20%)

LOW$110   2,100 ZAR
AVERAGE$310   6,000 ZAR
HIGH$1,700   33,000 ZAR
Per Month


Student
Cost of living and expenses break down for students living in Bloemfontein

Housing19%

19% of total expenses on average (14% to 25%)

LOW$77   1,500 ZAR
AVERAGE$190   3,700 ZAR
HIGH$350   6,600 ZAR
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$13   240 ZAR
AVERAGE$32   610 ZAR
HIGH$58   1,100 ZAR
Per Month

Transport, Fuel4%

4% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$23   430 ZAR
AVERAGE$56   1,100 ZAR
HIGH$100   1,900 ZAR
Per Month

Food and Groceries23%

23% of total expenses on average (17% to 27%)

LOW$64   1,200 ZAR
AVERAGE$160   3,100 ZAR
HIGH$290   5,500 ZAR
Per Month

Healthcare9%

9% of total expenses on average (6% to 12%)

LOW$19   370 ZAR
AVERAGE$48   920 ZAR
HIGH$87   1,600 ZAR
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$16   310 ZAR
AVERAGE$40   760 ZAR
HIGH$72   1,400 ZAR
Per Month

Education18%

18% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)

LOW$61   1,200 ZAR
AVERAGE$150   2,900 ZAR
HIGH$280   5,200 ZAR
Per Month

Other Expenses18%

18% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$48   920 ZAR
AVERAGE$120   2,300 ZAR
HIGH$220   4,100 ZAR
Per Month
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