Travel Budget for Cape Town Visit Cape Town on a Budget or Travel in Style

Cape Town, Province of the Western Cape, South Africa
Africa / South Africa /
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Cape Town is a cultural destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.

How much does it cost to travel to Cape Town?

A typical traveler spends $174 (R3,111) per day on a trip to Cape Town. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Cape Town based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $75 (R1,337) on meals
  • $18 (R317) on local transportation
  • $162 (R2,894) on hotels

A one-week trip to Cape Town for two people costs, on average, $2,437 (R43,554). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $174
    R3,111
  • One Week Per person
    $1,219
    R21,777
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $2,437
    R43,554
  • One Month Per person
    $5,223
    R93,330
  • One Week For a couple
    $2,437
    R43,554
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $4,875
    R87,108
  • One Month For a couple
    $10,445
    R186,660
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


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 $1,219 (R21,777) for one person and $2,437 (R43,554) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Cape Town on average costs around $2,437 (R43,554) for one person and $4,875 (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 $5,223 (R93,330) for one person and $10,445 (R186,660) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Cape Town expensive to visit?

In Cape Town, budget travelers spend $92 (R1,639) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $174 (R3,111) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $443 (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?

Cape Town, South Africa Cape Town, South Africa

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 		$26
(R470) 		$81
(R1,447) 		$287
(R5,137)
Local Transportation1 $7
(R125) 		$18
(R317) 		$45
(R800)
Food2 $58
(R1,040) 		$75
(R1,337) 		$106
(R1,898)
Entertainment1 $9
(R154) 		$24
(R427) 		$73
(R1,296)
Alcohol2 $10-29
(R174-523) 		$11-32
(R191-574) 		$13-38
(R224-671)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

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 $92 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, Ashanti Lodge Gardens, and 91 Loop. 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 $174 per person, per day.

There are plenty of hotels and vacation rentals available in Cape Town. If you're traveling with companions, sharing a hotel with a partner, friend, or kids can help lower costs. Families should seek out hotels and dining options that are suitable for children. Carmichael Guesthouse is a wonderful family-friendly hotel, and Cape Heritage Hotel is another excellent choice. For more family and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel cost guide for Cape Town here.

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 $443. 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 Cape Peninsula Private Tour with entrance fees to Cape of Good Hope and Penguins - offered by Viator.

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 $79, but in peak season, they can average around $147. Prices generally range from $43 to $356, 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 $162 (R2,894). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $81 (R1,447) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $81
    R1,447
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $162
    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 $79 in the low season and $147 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:

  • Carmichael Guesthouse starting at $92
  • Cape Heritage Hotel starting at $83
  • 18 On Kloof Guest House starting at $40
  • Invergara starting at $45
  • The PortsWood starting at $185
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 $18 (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.
    $18
    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:

  • Cape Town Airport Transferes for $26 details
  • Private Transfer from Cape Town International Airport for $37 details
  • Aquila Safari Game Drive Lunch & Transfers from Cape Town for $240 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 $75 (R1,337) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $75
    R1,337

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Cape Town is around $75 (R1337) per person, with previous travelers spending from $58 to $106. 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: $7 to $22
  • Lunch: $11 to $30
  • Dinner: $22 to $52
  • Coffee: $6
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $11

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:

  • African Dinner Experience from Cape Town for $72 details
  • Cape Town Shore Excursion| South African Cooking & Port Transfers for $106 details
  • Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience for $57 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 $24 (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.
    $24
    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.

Also, check out this terrific itinerary for visiting South Africa with kids.

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:

  • Table Mountain Private Hike Tour of Kasteelpoort Route from Cape Town for $166 details
  • False Bay Walk & Penguin Kayak Experience - Best thing to do for $134 details
  • Cape Point Penguin Tour for $229 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Cape Town

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $21 (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
    $21
    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:

  • Cape Town Peninsula Day Tour ( Cape Point/Boulders/Wine Tasting) for $84 details
  • Private Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl Wine Tour for $174 details
  • Wine tasting - Boutique farms for $232 details

Recommended


Travel cost data last updated: Mar 20, 2025

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Cape Town

  • Prices tend to be higher and crowds larger during peak season in . For a more budget-friendly experience, aim for the shoulder or low seasons instead.
  • 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.
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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.

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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.



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.
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