Are you thinking of moving to Cape Town? The coastal city is regularly voted among the most beautiful cities in the world. It has a vibrant, vital art scene, a melting-pot mix of cultures, a landscape like no other.
Cape Town is also a lot cheaper to live in than many international cities and has a climate many Northerners can only dream of. South Africans, too, have good reason to make the move. For adventure activities and culture, work opportunities, world-class education, and a good bit more. Of course, there are some cons along with the pros, which are vital to know when making such a big decision.
I’ve put together everything you need to consider in deciding whether or not to move to Cape Town, from education and work to safety and lifestyle. Along with the best neighbourhoods to move to!
Relocation FAQs
There is so much to consider when moving to a new city, whether its in your home country or an entirely new country. There’s so much you want to know, so many questions!
If you’ve visited Cape Town before, you’ll know the answers to some of these – but visiting and staying in a place are two very different things. So, let’s jump into the internet’s most frequently asked questions about moving to Cape Town.
How safe is it living in Cape Town?
Cape Town is not the safest city in the world – that’s a fact. However, it’s a sprawling city, and most areas you’ll be considering are actually very safe, with good infrastructure, regular patrolling, and community support (like neighbourhood Whatsapp groups). If you know what to avoid, what to look out for, and where to stay, you’ll find it a safe and comfortable city!
If you’re considering the move to Cape Town, I’d recommend reading our full guide to safety in Cape Town.
Are people friendly in Cape Town?
People in Cape Town are very friendly. We’re a city of warm welcomes and bright smiles. Of course, not everyone will be friendly. There are tensions here that simmer at times, and like every city, we have rude people too. But you’ll find the overall atmosphere very open and positive!
Is Cape Town clicky?
Cape Town is a bit clicky. A fair few of the people you come across have enough friends and aren’t in search of more. However, there are also a lot of ways to make new friends here. Climbing gyms, trail running groups, community beach cleanups, and regular music festivals are a few great options!
In general, the work-life balance here is great. So if you have a hobby that can be done with others, you’ll find spaces where you can do that.
Where do expats live in Cape Town?
Expats predominantly live in neighbourhoods along the Atlantic Seaboard. If you’re young and social, Camps Bay , Zonnebloem and Gardens are fantastic suburbs. If you’re an expat looking for a family-minded, peaceful neighbourhood, you’ll want to look a little further out of the city, like Noordhoek or Kalk Bay.
Where should I move to in Cape Town?
The best places to live in Cape Town are along the Atlantic Seaboard, and in central neighbourhoods like Sea Point and Gardens. You’ll find a lot more info in the Where to live section below!
How much money do you need to move to Cape Town?
This very much depends on your lifestyle and whether you’re looking to buy or rent, as well as the neighbourhood you’re interested in. In general, though, consumer prices (rent included) are roughly 65% cheaper than in New York, 45% cheaper than in Munich, and 10% cheaper than in Lisbon. For more nuance, I find the crowdsourced data of Numbeo very helpful.
Is Cape Town a good place to work?
Finding a job in the city isn’t easy. South Africans are encouraged to prioritise our own population for employment opportunities – especially previously disadvantaged persons. The country also has a very high unemployment rate, so there are just not a lot of fields where you’ll find a gap.
However, the world of online work is growing exponentially! If you’re a digital nomad, you’ll find plenty of coworking spaces, shared offices, and cafes where you can work happily.
Why is Cape Town so special?
Cape Town is a very special place. Its restaurants and cafes are world-class, its wine estates and beer breweries are award-winning. The natural scenery is awe-inspiring, whether you’re looking out over ocean or mountain. Its people are friendly and inventive. The Cederberg, a mountain range just a little outside the city, offers world-renowned Rocklands bouldering, and such beautiful campsites. Honestly, the list goes on, but I think you get the picture!