Whether you're planning a quick getaway or a longer vacation, this Cape Town travel cost guide will help you understand the typical costs of a trip. Our Cape Town trip cost calculator is based on average spending from thousands of past travelers, including accommodations, meals, attractions, entertainment, and transportation. Cape Town is a cultural destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities, and you don't want to miss out because you didn't plan the right budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Cape Town?
Our data from real travelers indicates that visitors to Cape Town spend approximately $188 (R3,111) per person, per day, on average.
This travel cost data was last updated on . The daily average cost includes spending on accommodation, meals, local transportation, entry tickets, and sightseeing activities.
Since we know that the typical traveler spends about $188 (R3,111) per day on a trip to Cape Town, this amount can be used to help plan your overall trip budget, as well as compare Cape Town to other destinations.
Past travelers here have spent, on average for one day:
$81 (R1,337) on meals
$19 (R317) on local transportation
$175 (R2,894) on hotels
A one-week trip to Cape Town for two people costs, on average, $2,628 (R43,554). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Below, we go into even more details about typical prices for accommodation, food, transportation, and sightseeing activities in Cape Town.
Costs by category are below, keep reading for more information.
Is Cape Town expensive to visit?
In Cape Town, budget travelers spend $98 (R1,639) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $187 (R3,111) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $475 (R7,908) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Cape Town.
Cape Town is a smaller destination that attracts travelers with diverse styles, spending habits, and budgetary preferences. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
Cape Town can be very expensive if you want it to be, but there are ways to cut down on your costs, like looking for discounts and coupons.
Within Africa, Cape Town is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Serengeti National Park or Arusha.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Cape Town Expensive?
The view from Table Mountain, Cape Town
How much money do I need for a trip to Cape Town?
The average Cape Town trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Cape Town travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Cape Town cost?
Cape Town on a Budget
Category
Budget
Mid-Range
Luxury
Accommodation1 For 1 person in double occupancy
$28 (R470)
$87 (R1,447)
$310 (R5,137)
Local Transportation1
$8 (R125)
$19 (R317)
$48 (R800)
Food2
$63 (R1,040)
$81 (R1,337)
$114 (R1,898)
Entertainment1
$9 (R154)
$26 (R427)
$78 (R1,296)
Alcohol2
$11-32 (R174-523)
$12-35 (R191-574)
$13-40 (R224-671)
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Cape Town cost?
A one week trip to Cape Town usually costs around $1,314 (R21,777) for one person and $2,628 (R43,554) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Cape Town on average costs around $2,628 (R43,554) for one person and $5,256 (R87,108) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Cape Town will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Cape Town on average costs around $5,631 (R93,330) for one person and $11,262 (R186,660) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Accommodation Budget in Cape Town
In Cape Town, hotel prices can be quite surprising. Higher-end hotels offer more amenities and luxury, but come at a higher price tag, especially during the peak season. Off-season prices average around $101, but in peak season, they can average around $188. Prices generally range from $45 to $493, and hostels remain the cheaper option. Booking early or traveling during the low season can save you money, and you might find special deals along the way.
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Cape Town for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $175 (R2,894). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $87 (R1,447) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Accommodation1
Hotel or hostel for one person
$87
R1,447
Accommodation1
Typical double-occupancy room
$175
R2,894
Hotels in Cape Town
Looking for a hotel in Cape Town? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Find the best hotel for your travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.
Actual Hotel Prices in Cape Town
The average hotel room price in Cape Town based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $101 in the low season and $188 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Cape Town include:
Vineyard Hotel starting at $175
The Capital 15 on Orange Hotel & Spa starting at $118
Camps Bay Retreat starting at $212
AC Hotels by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront starting at $184
Palm House Boutique Hotel and Spa starting at $149
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Cape Town
Choosing to travel outside of and in the low or shoulder season will give you lower hotel prices and less tourist congestion.
Recommended Properties
Transportation Budget in Cape Town
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
On average, past travelers have spent $19 (R317) per person, per day, on local transportation in Cape Town. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Cape Town is significantly more than public transportation.
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$19
R317
Cape Town is very large, so unless you only plan on being in the city center, you'll want to arrange your own transportation. Renting a car is certainly an option, but remember that in South Africa they drive on the left hand side of the road. Also, you might have a hard time finding a car with automatic transmission. Scooter and motorbike rentals are also good options.
The metered taxis are controlled by the city council and are considered to be very safe and reliable. Minibus taxis, however, are the most extensively used mode of public transportation. Be careful, though, as they are not always the safest option and there's no route map.
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
Township Tour by Lwafika Tours and Transfers in Cape Town for $74 details
Safari Game Drive Lunch and Transfers from Cape Town for $214 details
Recommended Services
Flights to Cape Town
How much does it cost to go to Cape Town? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
Rental Cars in Cape Town
The price of renting a car in Cape Town will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Cape Town
Cuisine often serves as a primary motivation for travel, so make sure to indulge in the local dishes.
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
While restaurant and meal prices in Cape Town can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Cape Town is $81 (R1,337) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
Food2
Meals for one day
$81
R1,337
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Cape Town is around $80 (R1337) per person, with previous travelers spending from $62 to $114. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Cape Town are as follows:
Breakfast: $8 to $24
Lunch: $12 to $32
Dinner: $24 to $56
Coffee: $6
Fast Food or Street Food: $12
You can get any variety of food you'd like in Cape Town, but be sure to get your hands on some good seafood - especially things like local line fish or oysters.
Moreover, though, Cape Town has some of the world's finest wine producing vineyard. With more than 250 wine farms, you'll have plenty to taste. Ensure a safe and sober ride every time, however, set up your visits with a dedicated wine tour company.
While the food in Cape Town is delicious and high quality, beware of buying the fruit from street vendors. It has been known to make tourists sick. Further, make sure you always ask about the price of any delicacies. There are only a few, but very high profile cases of extreme overcharging tourists when prices aren't listed.
Food & Dining Tips
Numerous hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, although others may charge you extra for it. The price and quality can vary from hotel to hotel. Being informed ahead of time can assist you in determining if you need to budget extra funds. The hotel buffet might be worth your money, or perhaps a cheaper option at a nearby bakery or cafe would suffice.
Fill a water bottle rather than purchasing drinks constantly. It's a smart and eco-friendly choice.
Be sure to check which meals are part of your tour before you go. You might be responsible for some of your own food costs, which could stretch your budget further.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Cape Town. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
Little Mogadishu Food Tour in Bellville, Cape Town for $112 details
Private Indonesian Cultural Cooking Class for $75 details
Cape Town Historic Centre Food Tour with 15 Local Dishes and Wine for $97 details
Recommended
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Cape Town
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Cape Town typically cost an average of $26 (R427) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$26
R427
As one of the most picturesque places on the planet, no web page could cover the amount of things to see in Cape Town, South Africa. But here are just a few highlights:
To begin your visit, learn about the city's racially turbulent city at the District Six Museum. You'll get an overview of the city's history and how it was destroyed during apartheid.
If lounging around on the beach is your number one goal, tell your cab to head straight for Clifton Beaches. This stretch of four beaches is separated by giant rocks, but is easily accessible for all tourists. Beaches 1 and 2 and are for your everyday sunbathing tourists. Beach 3 is the gay beach - though straight people are always welcome, and beach 4 is typically full of families. When you go to dip your toes in, keep in mind those waves are rolling in from Antarctica - it's quite frigid!
For a breathtakingly scenic view, take a leisurely cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain. This 1086 mile high peak is a perfect lookout any given afternoon - unless it's too windy. In that case, the cable cars won't be operating.
To get really in touch with Mother Nature, head over to Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden. It's a stunning gathering of plants and wildlife in a 52,000 square kilometer area. Free, guided walks are available.
Plenty more activities are available in Cape Town such as visiting Bo Kaap, Robben Island, Boulders Beach, or the Bay Harbour Market. It's a great place to visit at any time of the year. If you don't believe it, check out all of these things to do in Cape Town today or this other amazing list of the top 10 things to do in Cape Town.
Just like with sightseeing, there's never a lack of adventures to be had in South Africa. One of the most exciting and scenic journeys you can take is to drive, cycle or walk along the "Chappies." Chapman's Peak Drive is a 5 kilometer toll road full of picnic spots and viewpoints. It's one of the most amazing coastal highways in the world complete with a bronze leopard statue to commemorate the wildlife of the area.
Just outside of Cape Town is the city of Hermanus where you can see the most majestic whales at the height of mating season. From July to November, tourists can enjoy a land-based viewing spot to witness the Southern Right Whale and even seals and dolphins. But if a rugged, outdoor hike is what you're after, try Table Mountain without the cable car. This multi-day hike is full of beautiful scenery and magnificent wildlife.
Cape Town is also home to plenty of festivals. Whether it's Ultra South Africa, the Jazz Festival, or Rocking the Daisies, there's plenty of excitement to be found. Don't miss this guide to the best festivals in South Africa for more information.
A nice way to explore destinations in Cape Town is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
Cape Peninsula & Penguins Private Day Tour, Entrances Included. For $241 details
Table Mountain Private Hike Tour of Kasteelpoort Route from Cape Town for $223 details
The average person spends about $23 (R383) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Cape Town per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$23
R383
Nightlife Tips
Nightlife is a blast when traveling, but scaling back on drinks can really help stretch your travel budget.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Cape Town. A few favorites from other travelers include:
Private Franschhoek and Paarl Wine Tour with Pick up and Drop off for $205 details
Private Cape Winelands Wine Tasting Tour for $155 details
Recommended
Budgeting and Travel Tips for Cape Town
Taking your time while traveling can save you some cash, allowing you to soak in the area's beauty at a leisurely pace. If you cram every day full of activities, you'll likely spend a fortune. But by slowing down and savoring your experience, you often find that your expenses decrease.
Budgeting Challenges
With limited public transportation in Cape Town, it could be wise to arrange for other transportation, such as a tour or private driver. Just keep in mind that this might affect your budget in other areas.
If you're thinking Cape Town will have plenty of hostel options, you might be in for a surprise. Instead of relying on cheap dorms, it's better to seek out an inexpensive hotel or an apartment rental.
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.
Neighborhoods & Around
Cape Town is a very large city with a relatively small city center sitting right between Table Mountain and Table Bay. Off to the east is Durbanville and Somerset West. The north is where you'll find Atlantis while the south is home to Cape Point.
It's important to be realistic about your budget for Cape Town. Many assume they can visit on a shoestring, but most travelers find that to be very challenging. Think about what matters to you when traveling. Is it staying in a resort, visiting all the attractions, or dining out at nice restaurants? These factors will determine how much you spend on your trip.
The Truth on Budget Travel
While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $98 per day that backpackers often spend.
Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.
Thankfully, Cape Town offers plenty of hostels such as Villa Viva Cape Town, 91 Loop, and Long Street Backpackers. You can find budget-friendly dorm accommodation here, paired with a social atmosphere, but expect limited amenities.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or a family on a fun getaway, you might want to choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at well-liked restaurants, and visit the key museums and attractions that come with entry fees. It's common for visitors to Cape Town to seek out the major attractions, museums, and significant landmarks. Most activities are not free, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to plan on a daily budget of about $187 per person, per day.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
For a trip that encompasses every convenience with outstanding service, get ready for a daily cost nearing $475. To experience nicer hotels, enjoy award-winning cuisine, indulge in extravagant outings, and use taxis or private drivers for your journeys in the destination, be prepared for premium pricing. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Private Cape Of Good Hope Tour with Table Mountain Ticket Including Park Fees - offered by Viator.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Bryan & Laurie | Budget Your Trip
Bryan and Laurie started Budget Your Trip so that everyone could find out the real costs of traveling to destinations around the world. Bryan has visited 61 countries, which is exactly one more than Laurie, and she won't let him forget it! Also avid photographers, they enjoy entrenching themselves within the local culture to learn more about the people of a place. Otherwise, they can be found enjoying an exotic meal or a passionate conversation about global events... and also finding out how much everything costs.
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1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis. 2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.
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.
Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.
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Cape Town, South Africa
