The moment Table Mountain comes into view as you drive into Cape Town, you can just tell it's going to be absolutely epic. Mornings can be spent smashing deadlines at a beachside cafe before hiking up Lion's Head for sunset.
The internet is solid, there's loads of co-working places, and your money goes far - think $2 coffees and apartments with mountain views that don't cost a fortune.
That said, the city isn’t without its safety concerns. You'll want to lock up your laptop if you head to the toilet, avoid walking alone at night (take an Uber), and get to know which neighbourhoods to steer clear of. It's a trade-off for living in a place this breathtaking - honestly, it's one of the most beautiful cities we’ve ever stayed in.
Whether you're surfing at Muizenberg, enjoying sunset cocktails in Camps Bay, day tripping to the vineyards of Constantia, or visiting markets filled with with koeksisters you won't get bored. And if you do fancy a change of scenery, the Garden Route's just a weekend road trip away.
Cape Town is just a vibe. Use common sense, trust your gut, and the cities mix of grit, beauty, and unbelievable food will just blow you away.
The Good
- 🎉 Good nightlife
- 🤤 Great food options
- ☕ Coffee
- 🦄 Strong nomad community
- 👴 Strong ex-pat community
- ☀️ Warm weather
- 📡 Strong wifi coverage
- 🚌 Good public transport
- 💸 Very affordable
- 🏝️ Nature & beaches
- ⛰️ Stunning scenery
- 🤿 Scuba diving
- 🏄♂️ Surfing
- ⛱️ Great beach
- 🛍️ Shopping
- 🥰 Beautiful
The Bad
- 👮 Not the safest
- 🚘 Traffic
- 🚶 Not walkable
- 🥴 Can get a little rowdy
- 🤼 Crowded
Living costs
- Cape Town is the most expensive place (out of 3) to live in South Africa
- The average salary in Cape Town is
- It's about 170% cheaper to live in Cape Town than it is London
- You can expect to spend around $1,693.94 per month living here
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- Prices are estimates and should be used as a guide only. We accept no responsibility for inaccuracies in data.
- Prices adjusted to reflect exchange rates as of 19th Jun 2026
Safety
Cape Town has a high crime rate, particularly in certain areas, but many neighbourhoods are safe for tourists and digital nomads with proper precautions.
Where to stay
1. Sea Point
- Beachside / Waterfront
- Hip & Trendy
Sea Point is a cool coastal suburb on the Atlantic Seaboard. It has a gorgeous promenade where people can walk, jog, and enjoy the ocean views.
The area has a huge foodie scene, with loads of cafes, restaurants, and bars and the lively Regent Road. It's a relatively safe and walkable area with a chilled atmosphere and is close to popular beaches like Clifton and Camps Bay.
2. Camps Bay
- Luxury & Upscale
- Beachside / Waterfront
- Hip & Trendy
With its stunning beaches, cool atmosphere, and breathtaking views of the Twelve Apostles mountain range, Camps Bay is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
The area has a beautiful sandy beach lined with palm trees, as well as a lively promenade filled with restaurants, cafes, and shops.
Where to eat
Coffee
Nightlife
Where to work
Outdoors
Transport
Train
Cape Town has a rail network operated by Metrorail that connects the city with surrounding suburbs and towns. The trains are an easy way to reach areas such as Fish Hoek and Simon's Town. The main station in the city is the Cape Town Railway Station, which is centrally located near various attractions.Bus
The public bus service in Cape Town is provided by MyCiTi, which operates a reliable network that covers many parts of the city and its suburbs. The buses are modern, safe, and efficient, with a dedicated bus lane in many areas to avoid traffic congestion. The main hub is at the Civic Centre Station.Minibus Taxi
Minibus taxis are a popular and cost-effective form of transport for locals and visitors alike. They operate on specific routes and pick up passengers along the way. While this option is inexpensive, it is essential to know the routes and areas served, as the experience may differ from typical public transport.Taxi
Metered taxis are available in Cape Town, and you can find them at taxi ranks or book them in advance. While this option provides added convenience, it can be more expensive than other forms of transport.Uber
Uber operates extensively in Cape Town and is often considered a more affordable and convenient alternative to traditional taxis. The app allows you to request rides easily, and you can choose from various options based on your budget and preferences.Bolt
Bolt is another good option and again is significantly cheaper and more convienient when ordering taxis.Ride hailing apps
The must have ride hailing apps to ensure you can get from A to B
Internet speed
The internet in Cape Town is generally decent although there can be occasional power cuts (or blackouts) that can last 2 to 2.5 hours.