Is Clifton Expensive?

Cape Town, South Africa

+40% vs Cape Town avg

Living in Clifton, Cape Town

Clifton is the most expensive area in Cape Town, with a cost of living index of 39.8 — that is +40% compared to the Cape Town average. Only the top 1 of 21 neighborhoods cost more. Estimated rent for a one-bedroom apartment here is around R 16,583/month, compared to a range of R 6,515 in Khayelitsha to R 16,583 in Clifton.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

For a typical resident of Clifton, housing takes up roughly 55% of monthly expenses. Food and groceries account for about 15%, while transportation costs around 8%. To live comfortably here — meaning rent stays at or below 30% of gross income — you would need an annual salary of approximately R 663,313 before tax.

Typical Salaries in Clifton

Salaries in Clifton reflect the local cost of living. Based on the neighborhood COLI of 39.8:

After tax and deductions of 24.4% in South Africa, take-home pay for someone earning R 663,313 would be roughly R 501,465/year. Use the salary converter to calculate an exact figure for your situation, including expat-specific tax adjustments.

Key Stats

39.8
COLI Index
1.40x
vs City Avg
R 16,583
Est. 1BR Rent
#1
of 21 Areas
24.4%
Total Deductions

Tax & Deductions in Clifton

Estimated annual deductions on a R 543,953 salary in Clifton, Cape Town (local employee).

Income Tax
24%
UIF
0.0%
Total Deductions: 24.4%
Est. Take-Home: R 411,086/yr

Rates shown are for a local employee. Use the salary converter for expat calculations.

Salary Equivalents

What a $75,000 USD salary in Clifton would need to be elsewhere:

City Currency Equivalent
New York USD $29,850
London GBP £25,688
Dubai AED AED 149,363

Other Neighborhoods in Cape Town

Neighborhood COLI Multiplier vs Avg
Camps Bay 38.3 1.35x +35%
Constantia 34.6 1.22x +22%
Sea Point 33.5 1.18x +18%
City Bowl 32.7 1.15x +15%
Green Point 31.8 1.12x +12%

View all 21 neighborhoods in Cape Town →

Convert Your Salary

See exactly what you need to earn in Clifton, Cape Town to maintain your lifestyle.

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Compare Clifton

Clifton vs Constantia Clifton vs Camps Bay Clifton vs Claremont Clifton vs Khayelitsha

Similar Neighborhoods Worldwide

Neighborhoods with a similar cost of living to Clifton:

Kolonaki, Athens Prague 1 (Old Town), Prague Diocletian's Palace, Split Escazú, San José (CR) Banana Island, Lagos Playacar, Playa del Carmen

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Clifton expensive in Cape Town?

Yes, Clifton is one of the more expensive neighborhoods in Cape Town. It costs about +40% more than the city average, ranking #1 out of 21 neighborhoods.

How does Clifton compare to the Cape Town average?

The cost of living in Clifton is significantly above the Cape Town average. With a multiplier of 1.40x, everyday expenses including rent, food, and transportation are +40% compared to the city baseline.

Data Sources: Cost of living indices based on crowd-sourced price data and official statistics. Tax calculations follow 2026 rates. Sources include OECD Better Life Index. Figures are estimates and may vary based on individual circumstances.