When people ask whether Cape Town is affordable, the real difference isn’t just rent — it’s how far your money goes once you’re living here.
To put that into perspective, here’s what a €100 weekly lifestyle budget can realistically get you in Cape Town as a digital nomad.
This includes food, cafés, experiences, and leisure — not rent, utilities, or transport.
And yes, this is based on real prices you’ll actually encounter.
☕ Cafés & Eating Out: €35–€40
Eating out in Cape Town isn’t a luxury — it’s part of everyday life.
With €35–€40, you could easily enjoy:
- 3–4 coffees at good cafés (€2–€3 each)
- 2 café lunches (€6–€10 each)
- 1 casual dinner out (€8–€12)
That’s multiple work-from-café moments plus social meals — something that would cost far more in most European cities.
🏖️ Nature & Free Activities: €0
One of Cape Town’s biggest advantages is that some of its best experiences are completely free.
In a single week, you could:
- Walk or run along the Sea Point Promenade
- Hike Lion’s Head, Signal Hill, or Table Mountain
- Spend an afternoon at the beach
- Catch multiple sunsets from scenic viewpoints
This alone dramatically lowers weekly spending while improving quality of life.
🍷 Wine, Markets & Social Moments: €20–€25
Cape Town makes it easy to be social without overspending.
With €20–€25, you could enjoy:
- A wine tasting (€5–€15)
- Street food or a meal at a weekend market (€5–€8)
- A drink or two with friends
Wine tasting as a casual weekly activity is still something many digital nomads find hard to believe — until they experience it.
🎨 Culture, Museums & Creative Experiences: €10–€15
Cultural and creative activities in Cape Town are refreshingly affordable.
Examples:
- Museum or gallery visit (€2–€7)
- Entry to a cultural or historic site (often under €5)
- A creative workshop like Clay Café, where you can paint your own ceramic piece from around R100 (±€5)
These are ideal after-work or weekend activities that don’t feel like “budget compromises.”
💆 Wellness & Small Treats: €10–€15
This is where Cape Town really feels different.
With €10–€15, you might choose:
- A yoga class
- A contribution toward a massage or beauty treatment
- A gym day pass or wellness-focused activity
Many digital nomads find they prioritise wellness more here simply because it’s accessible.
🧾 Weekly Breakdown Example (Total ≈ €100)
| Category | Approx. Spend |
|---|---|
| Cafés & meals | €38 |
| Wine / markets | €22 |
| Culture & creativity | €12 |
| Wellness / small treats | €13 |
| Nature & outdoor activities | €0 |
| Total | €85–€100 |
You might not do all of these every week — but this gives a realistic picture of what €100 can support.
Why €100 Feels Like More in Cape Town
In many cities, €100 disappears quickly without creating memorable experiences. In Cape Town, that same amount often includes:
- Multiple meals out
- Creative or cultural activities
- Time spent outdoors
- Social moments and wellness
It’s not just cheaper — it’s better value.
Final Thoughts
€100 in Cape Town doesn’t feel restrictive. It feels flexible.
When everyday pleasures like eating out, exploring nature, visiting museums, or joining creative workshops are affordable, your weekly lifestyle becomes richer without needing a big budget.
For many digital nomads, this is exactly why Cape Town stops feeling like a short-term destination — and starts feeling like a place you can truly live.
How would you spend your week in Cape Town? Let us know in the comments!
WanderCape 
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