I have always assumed South Africa was much cheaper than the UK for everyday living, especially in Cape Town. So in this video, we tested that assumption properly by comparing 44 real grocery items in Checkers in South Africa and Morrisons in the UK, using like-for-like products wherever possible and ignoring special offers.
This South Africa vs UK cost of living comparison covers fresh produce, meat, dairy, drinks, pantry staples, toiletries and cleaning products. If you have ever wondered “Is South Africa cheaper than the UK?” or wanted to see Cape Town grocery prices compared to the UK, this is a practical, real-world look at what a normal weekly shop can cost now.
If you are an over-50 traveller, long-stay visitor, retire abroad planner, or an LGBTQ+ couple thinking about spending more time in Cape Town, these everyday costs matter just as much as flights and rent. This is not a scientific study, but it is a very honest snapshot of what we actually buy and what those prices look like today.
Today’s Highlights:
00:00 South Africa vs UK cost of living
00:55 Guess the cheaper country
01:10 Cape Town grocery prices start
01:54 South Africa vs UK meat prices
03:01 Dairy and drink price surprises
04:49 Coffee, rice and wine prices
07:07 Toiletries and cleaning costs
09:04 Final total shock
► Who Are We?
We’re James and Rob – life partners, adventure-seekers, and believers in living your boldest retirement. Whether navigating retirement, downsizing, or travelling across continents, we share the highs, the lessons, and the unexpected moments of our journey. Split between the UK and Cape Town, we’re always on the hunt for the next story (and the next travel mishap).
► What You’ll Get Here:
– Real stories, not just itineraries
– Honest advice for curious, cost-conscious post-40s travellers
– Unfiltered looks at retirement, travel, and reinvention
► Why Subscribe?
If you want more than Instagram-perfect travel, and you’re rethinking what freedom, adventure, or retirement could look like, you’re in the right place. Join us for laughs, real talk, and maybe a nudge toward your own bold adventure.
Connect with Us:
– Instagram:
– Facebook:
– Website:
– Email: hello@jamesandrob.com
– AI Travel advisor: www.delphi.ai/askrobanything/travel-companion
👍 Like, comment, and subscribe to follow along—this isn’t just a travel channel. It’s real-life reinvention, one story at a time.
#retireabroad #capetowntravel #costofliving
Before the final total, what’s your guess on South Africa vs UK grocery prices? And have you noticed South Africa getting more expensive lately?
Hi I lived in South Africa for 28 years,my daughter lives in Pietermaritzburg meat is definitely more expensive , dairy produce is cheaper South Africa, O2 is A problem,in South Africa, plus I remember the electrical problem,generators had to be used ,when you arrived home,plus a winter problem,Joburg would have total blackouts,for hours. Plus remember to see a doctor,it’s Private .plus Private medical aids,you land up paying more in,you are limited.plus the quality on choice in South Africa is limited,love to know the latest on Woolworths,which of course is our M&S here UK,plus on costs on hospitality would be interesting,plus in South Africa you leave tips thankyou
My parents had friends who came to SA every year. Now they don’t. Sold their holiday home and moved to Brazil because in SA we are being ripped off. Contrary to popular belief they could bulk buy their meat cheaper in England. The prices of things in the UK varies depending on where you live. From property to food. Despite the fact that your shopping list was pretty modest most SA citizens can’t even afford that and we have massive levels of real poverty
Never buy toiletries at Checkers, I do dis-chem or clicks. Bulk buy with those promos and stock up for months or until you get the same deal again. Head n Shoulders I got 2 for R120/R130 for the same size bottles. Stock nd use over months.
The secret is to shop around, plus exploit the specials on offer.
Lived in England for 19 years, came back to SA 4 years ago. I found SA way more expensive. This is just groceries, now add that you must pay for Medical aid, school fees, even a docs visit is like R600. The wages vs cost of living is out in SA 🙁
Living in South Africa. I think that cost would be depend on which brands you buy. Some of your calculations are also a bit puzzling, such as the wine, which cost R99.99 in South Africa, R149. 00 in Uk, but you said that the UK price was just R6. 00 more expensive in UK? That would scew the picture a bit?
I am shocked but I understand☹
In SA most industries are oligopolies.
Looking forward to a comparison of other things
Much higher in South Africa…. Edit to follow. When calculating cost of living I look at the amount of labour (earning) in relation to an item. For comparison purposes here we use each country’s minimum wage and see how many hours you would have to work in order to purchase the basket of goods. In the UK minimum wage is 12.71 pounds so that basket will be just over 10 hours of labour. In South Africa minimum wage is R30.23 so that basket would take 99 hours of labour. Cost of living here is 10x the UK…… Thanks for taking the time to make the comparison. Always enjoy your point of view.
Thanks Rob. Very god video since Ive always wondered. Seems meat is on the expensive side in the UK yes.