Which place is cheaper, New York City or Cape Town?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cape Town or New York City?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Cape Town or New York City? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Cape Town or New York City?
Cape Town
Picture your travel bucket list. Is Cape Town on it? Yes, most people dream of visiting the "Mother City" of South Africa. As one of the most iconic places in the world, Cape Town is a world-class cosmopolitan city full of bustling nightlife, historical backdrops and a large gay community.
Cape Town is the most southern city in Africa with seasons turned upside down. In the southern hemisphere they experience the summer from December to February. During these months days can be hot and dry so be sure to gather in the shade and wear plenty of sunscreen. The winter from June to August is full of rainy days and cold nights.
New York City
The most populated city in the United States, New York City, sits at the mouth of the Hudson River and encompasses both the island of Manhattan as well as the surrounding land on Long Island, most of which is known as Brooklyn. It's a cultural, culinary, theatrical, and art center that has much to offer domestic and international travelers alike. The city covers an area of 305 square miles and has a population of about 8.2 million people in the city proper with 18.7 million in the metropolitan area.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Camping Tours in South Africa, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in South Africa, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCape Town $98New York City $326
The average daily cost (per person) in Cape Town is $98, while the average daily cost in New York City is $326. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cape Town and New York City in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCape Town $39New York City $175
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCape Town $78New York City $350
Compare Hotels in Cape Town and New York City
Looking for a hotel in Cape Town or New York City? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Cape Town Hotel Prices and New York City Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cape Town $17New York City $49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cape Town
Also for Cape Town, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Whale Watching In Hermanus with Private Transfer: $250
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Cape Town HTL-APT(CPT): $44
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Cape Town APT-HTL(CPT): $44
- Transport Shuttle Transfer from Constantia to Cape Town Airport: $18
- Transfer To Safari- Aquila From Cape Town Excluding Entry Fees Full Day: $159
- Shuttle Transport Transfer from Simonstown to Cape Town Airport: $26
- Shuttle Transport Transfer from Claremont to Cape Town Airport: $17
- Shuttle Transport Transfer from Cape Town City Center (CBD) to Cape Town Airport: $17
- Shopping Mall Transfers: $22
- Shark Cage Diving: Full Day Tour Transfer: $97
- Shared Transfers to and from Safari Game Reserve (excluding entrance fees): $85
- Shared Transfer to Cape Agulhas - Where The Two Oceans Meet From Cape Town F/Day: $183
Typical Local Transportation Prices in New York City
Some typical examples of transportation costs in New York City are as follows:
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Subway$4.50
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Taxi Ride$8.00
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Subway$2.50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in New York City
Also for New York City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer in New York HTL-APT (JFK,EWR,LGA): $116
- Transfer in private Minivan from New York (Manhattan) Airport to City: $122
- Skip-the-line Tickets to Bronx Zoo with Private Transfers: $410
- Skip-the-line One World Observatory Tour with Transfers: $296
- Skip-the-line Metropolitan Museum of Art Tour with Transfers: $276
- Skip the line One World Observatory Private Tour with Transfers : $296
- Private arrival OR departure transfer in New York (hotel OR airport pick-up): $289
- Private Transfers between LGA Airport and New York City: $106
- Private Transfers between EWR Airport and New York City: $141
- Private Transfer: between Manhattan and Philadelphia: $528
- Private Transfer: Newark Airport EWR to New York by Luxury SUV: $163
- Private Transfer: New York to Newark Airport EWR in Business Car: $152
Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Town or New York City?
Prices for flights to both New York City and Cape Town change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayCape Town $42New York City $50
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cape Town
For Cape Town, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Dinner At Mandela's - Cultural Township Dinner Experience: $28
- Cape Malay Cooking Class in Bo-Kaap: $41
- 3-Hour Malay Cooking Class & Lunch in Bo-Kaap: $43
- Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience: $55
- Sunset Champagne Cruise and 3-Course Dinner: $56
- Bo-Kapp Walking Tour and Malay Cooking Class: $59
- African Dinner, Drumming Experience with Transfer: $61
- African Dinner Experience from Cape Town: $61
- Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience: $62
- Cruise and Dine Dinner / Sunset Champagne Cruise and 3-Course Dinner: $71
- Cape Town Food tour (Includes all food) 4hrs: $76
- Private Cooking Class and Meal in Local Wynberg Cape Town Home: $80
Typical Food Prices in New York City
For New York City, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Gelato$7.50
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Snacks for Two at Yankees Game$34
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Coffee$6.53
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Smoothie$6.95
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in New York City
For New York City, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- New York, Queens Culinary Stroll : Food Tour on Foot: $26
- Lower East Side and Essex Market Multicultural Food Tour: $39
- Half-Day Private Pizza Crawl in Manhattan: $40
- Ultimate Greenwich Village NYC Food Tour: $63
- NYC: Greenwich Village Guided Food Tour: $63
- Pizza Walking Tour of Downtown Brooklyn: $65
- Greenwich Village NYC Pizza Walking Tour: $65
- West Village Pizza Walk: $65
- East Village Pizza Walk: $65
- Downtown Brooklyn Pizza Walking Tour: $65
- East Village NYC Pizza Walking Tour: $65
- Gastro Pub Pre/Post Theater Dinner in Times Square: $67
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cape Town $23New York City $180
Tours and Activities in Cape Town
For Cape Town, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 3 Wineries Private Tour in Stellenbosch, Paarl Tasting Included: $137
- Cape Agulhas Full Day Private Tour: $192
- Cape Point Full Day Tour: $192
- Cape Point Private Tour withTable Mountain and Penguin Colony : $257
- Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope day tour Up to 10 persons: $66
- Cape Town - Kirstenbosch Botanic Gardens and City Tour: $280
- Cape Town Woodstock Street Art Walking Tour: $30
- CapeWinelands Private Tour to Stellenbosch,Franschhoek and Paarl: $96
- Day Tour in Robben Island, Bo-Kaap and Table Mountain : $166
- Long Walk to Freedom in Robben Island including Ticket & Afrogem: $156
- Mandela's Robben Island Museum Bo-Kaap Cape Town City Tour + Ferry ticket f/d: $165
- Penguins Private Tour- Cape of Good Hope & Cape Point Tour from Cape Town: $114
Typical Entertainment Prices in New York City
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for New York City's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Comedy Show Tickets$56
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City Map$8.00
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Broadway Musical$111
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Broadway Show Program$10
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Magazine$6.99
Tours and Activities in New York City
For New York City, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 3 Hour Session at Williamsburg's Adventure Park Area 53: $42
- BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir and Amish FarmNHouse Tour from NY: $137
- Classic 1-Hour Central Park Pedicab Tour : $69
- Grand Central Terminal Walking Tour: $35
- New York City Ghost Tour of Greenwich Village: $36
- Official Central Park Pedicab Tours: $50
- & Juliet on Broadway Ticket : $110
- & Juliet on Broadway Ticket with VIP Experience and Lunch: $299
- 1 Day Tour to Philadelphia and Hershey's Chocolate World: $195
- 1 HR - NYC Private Classic Car Experience - Downtown: $249
- 1 HR - NYC Private Classic Car Experience - Midtown: $75
- 1 Hour Private Guided Pedicab Tour in New York City: $45
For more ideas for your next trip, check out The Best Things to do in New York City with Kids, Things to Do in Central Park in NYC, and The Best Museums in New York City.
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCape Town $21New York City $29
Sample the Local Flavors in Cape Town
Also in Cape Town, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Distillery Tour, rum and gin tasting: $7.13
- Experience South African Craft Rum tasting and distillery tour in Cape Town: $9.60
- African drum show & wine tasting at Silvermist: $24
- Drumstruck at Silvermist. Live African Drum Show & Wine tasting: $25
- Sip 15 Wines on a 3-Region Wine Tour with Cheese: $38
- Wine Tour: Paarl, Franschhoek & Stellenbosch incl 3 wineries: $38
- Three Region Wine Tour: $44
- Cape Winelands and Wine Tasting Full Day Tour: $47
- half day wine tour & Safaris[Morning /Afternoon]: $49
- Stellenbosch: Half-Day Wine Tour: $51
- Fullday Wine Tour: $51
- Stellenbosch Wine Tour half day from Cape Town: $54
Sample the Local Flavors in New York City
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in New York City:
- NYC West Village Pub Crawl: $22
- Pub Crawl and Rooftop Clubbing Experience: $29
- New York Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $34
- NYC: Brooklyn Nightlife Pub Crawl: $34
- New York Rooftop Pub Crawl: $39
- NYC: Tour Manhattan's Only Whiskey Distillery with Tastings: $42
- Lower East Side & Alphabet City divebar crawl w the Bar Buds: $48
- Little Italy Prohibition Pub Crawl: $64
- Lower East Side Prohibition Pub Crawl: $74
- New York Wine Tasting Experience : $98
- Guided Brooklyn Craft Brewery Tour: $99
- Hudson Valley Craft Brewery Bike Tour: $145
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cape Town and New York City, we can see that New York City is more expensive. And not only is Cape Town much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cape Town is in Africa and New York City is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Cape Town would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cape Town and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in New York City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New York City than you might in Cape Town.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cape Town Expensive? and Is New York City Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cape Town or New York City?
New York City has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Cape Town. When comparing the sizes of Cape Town and New York City, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Cape Town or New York City?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Cape Town is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but New York City has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Cape Town or New York City in the Summer?
Both New York City and Cape Town are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to New York City because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In January, Cape Town is generally cooler than New York Cityin July. Daily temperatures in Cape Town average around 21°C (70°F), and New York City fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in New York City. In January, Cape Town usually receives less rain than New York Cityin July. Cape Town gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while New York City receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyCape Town 21°C (70°F)New York City 77°F (25°C)
Should I visit Cape Town or New York City in the Autumn?
Both New York City and Cape Town during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to New York City this time of year.
Cape Town is a little warmer than New York City in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cape Town averages around 18°C (64°F) in April, and New York City fluctuates around 57°F (14°C)in October.
Cape Town usually gets less rain in April than New York Cityin October. Cape Town gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberCape Town 18°C (64°F)New York City 57°F (14°C)
Should I visit Cape Town or New York City in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Town and New York City. Also, many travelers come to New York City for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in New York City. In the winter, Cape Town is much warmer than New York City. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cape Town in July average around 13°C (55°F), and New York City averages at about 31°F (-1°C)in January.
In July, Cape Town usually receives around the same amount of rain as New York Cityin January. Cape Town gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryCape Town 13°C (55°F)New York City 31°F (-1°C)
Should I visit Cape Town or New York City in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Cape Town as well as New York City. Also, many visitors come to New York City in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In October, Cape Town is generally a little warmer than New York Cityin April. Daily temperatures in Cape Town average around 16°C (61°F), and New York City fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).
Cape Town usually gets less rain in October than New York Cityin April. Cape Town gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilCape Town 16°C (61°F)New York City 52°F (11°C)
Typical Weather for New York City and Cape Town
| Cape Town | New York City | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 31°F (-1°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) |
| Feb | 21°C (70°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 33°F (1°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 42°F (6°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Apr | 18°C (64°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 52°F (11°C) | 3.8 inches (98 mm) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 4.1 inches (105 mm) |
| Jun | 13°C (56°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Jul | 13°C (55°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) |
| Aug | 13°C (55°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) |
| Sep | 14°C (58°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) |
| Nov | 19°C (65°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 47°F (8°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 36°F (2°C) | 3.4 inches (88 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.