Is Cape Town expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Cape Town is good value for visitors from Europe, North America or Australia, though it is the most expensive city in South Africa. On a budget expect about R1,400 (roughly €70) per person a day sharing a room, mid-range about R3,400 and comfort about R8,700. Restaurants and wine are excellent value; car hire, tours and beachfront hotels are where costs rise.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | R500 | R1,400 | R4,000 |
| Food & drink | R350 | R800 | R2,000 |
| Sights & tickets | R300 | R700 | R1,500 |
| Local transport | R250 | R500 | R1,200 |
| Per person, per day | R1,400 | R3,400 | R8,700 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Cape Town day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Table Mountain cableway return | about R450-500 |
| Robben Island ferry and tour | about R600 |
| Boulders Beach penguins | about R190-220 |
| Kirstenbosch Garden (foreigners) | about R220 |
| Cape Malay curry with roti | R60-140 |
| Fish and chips at Kalk Bay | R80-180 |
| Bobotie in a restaurant | R120-200 |
| Winelands wine tasting | R100-250 |
| Guesthouse double in the City Bowl | R900-1,500 a night |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Accommodation is the largest cost, from R900-1,500 in City Bowl guesthouses to R5,000 and much more in Camps Bay. Sights add up quickly: cableway, Robben Island, Cape Point and Kirstenbosch together cost over R1,700 per foreign adult. Transport is a real cost too, because the peninsula and Winelands need a hire car, tours or Uber. Food and wine, by contrast, are cheap for the quality.
When it is cheaper
May to September (winter) is low season, when many hotels cut rates by roughly 20-40% and specials are common. December, January and Easter are the most expensive.
How to spend less
- Hike Platteklip Gorge up Table Mountain and ride the cableway only one way, or not at all.
- Consider a SANParks Wild Card if you will visit several national park sites such as Cape Point and Boulders.
- Eat in the city centre, Woodstock or Bo-Kaap rather than at Waterfront or Camps Bay view restaurants.
- Share a Gatsby (a huge sandwich for 3-4) or eat Cape Malay roti for cheap, filling meals.
- Rent a car for the peninsula and Winelands days instead of booking several tours.
- Visit in winter for lower hotel prices and whale season.
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Common questions
Is Cape Town expensive?
For most foreign visitors it is good value: about R1,400 (roughly €70) a day on a budget and R3,400 mid-range. It is the priciest city in South Africa.
How much does Table Mountain cost?
The cableway is about R450-500 return. Hiking up Platteklip Gorge is free.
Is eating out expensive in Cape Town?
No. Cape Malay curries cost R60-140 and mid-range dinners with wine are cheap by European standards; view restaurants cost more.