Known as one of the most beautiful and exciting cities in the world, Cape Town has fast become a top destination for expats from all around the globe. So much so that living in Cape Town has often been described as one of the best expat experiences worldwide.
Celebrated for her unapologetic beauty, stunning natural wonders, beautiful beaches, lovely weather, laid-back lifestyle and vibrant energy, the Mother City undoubtedly has it all. But what is living as an expat in Cape Town really like?
Here are some of what you can expect when choosing to live in Cape Town as an expat.
Beautiful mild Mediterranean climate all year round
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The Mother City boasts a stunning year-round mild Mediterranean climate that provides plenty of incredible days to enjoy all year round. It’s beautiful weather has undoubtedly made it a top choice for expats, travellers and tourists from around the world.
Cape Town is however known to be wild and unpredictable from time to time. And this certainly applies to her weather patterns too. Experiencing all 4 seasons in one day or a beautiful hot summer’s day in the dead of winter is therefore considered completely normal. The Mother City’s weather is certainly every bit as vibrant and bold as her personality, and you can’t help but love it.
Stunning natural wonders, landscapes & landmarks at your doorstep
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While it might be hard to adjust to your new surroundings at first, when living as an expat in Cape Town you’ll have the ability to explore all the beautiful natural wonders, landscapes and landmarks Cape Town has to offer. Home to a variety of mountain ranges, including one of the 7 Wonders of Nature Table Mountain, as well as an abundance of nature reserves, wilderness landscapes and natural gems, Cape Town has no shortage of natural beauty to discover and explore.
The fact that it’s all right at your doorstep makes it that much more exciting. Going out and exploring and experiencing all the Mother City’s natural beauty will become one of your new favourite things to do when you choose to live in Cape Town as an expat.
Beautiful beaches all within reach
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Cape Town is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. All of which can be enjoyed by you when you choose to live in Cape Town. The best thing is, they’re all right within reach. From the famous Camps Bay, Clifton Beach Llandudno and Muizenberg Beach to Boulders Beach, Beta Beach, Bloubergstrand and Big Bay, Cape Town has no shortage of spectacular beaches to choose from.
Not only will spending the day on the beach become one of your new favourite things to do when living in Cape Town as an expat, but enjoying afternoon beach strolls and beach sunsets too.
Beautiful Cape Town accommodation
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One of the best things about living in Cape Town as an expat is the variety of accommodation options that are available. From beautiful beach villas and bungalows, stunning mountain facing homes, trendy city apartments and penthouses, beautiful suburb accommodation options or tranquil Cape Winelands escapes, the choice is yours.
Each Cape Town neighbourhood has something unique and exciting to offer. But regardless of where you choose to live, all of Cape Town’s top attractions, experiences, beautiful beaches and natural wonders will be just a short drive away anyway. That’s the beauty of living in Cape Town, you truly can experience something new and exciting every day regardless of where you choose to stay.
Your money will go a whole lot further in Cape Town
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Another great advantage of choosing to live in Cape Town as an expat is the fact that you get a whole lot more for your money than you would anywhere else in Europe, America or the UK. The costs of living in Cape Town is considered to be 65% cheaper than in London/UK and 62% cheaper than in New York/USA.
From the general cost of living, accommodation, restaurants and nightlife to thrilling experiences and tours, you will get a whole lot more for your money than you bargained for. You’ll also have the opportunity to experience more of what this vibrant city has to offer and truly immersive yourself in the local culture and way of life. And have a whole lot of fun doing it too!
Experience one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world
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Cape Town is known as one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world. Home to a vibrant and diverse melting pot of people, cultures, traditions, languages and history, all of which has had a major impact on transforming Cape Town into the city it is today.
When choosing to live in Cape Town as an expat you can therefore expect to experience an incredible diversity and mix of cultures and traditions in the very best and most authentic way. You’ll have the opportunity to meet new people, open yourself up to new experiences and immersive yourself in the city’s vibrant local culture like a real local would.
Adventures, experiences & activities – there is always something to do in Cape Town!
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One of the top reasons why you’ll love living in Cape Town is the endless variety of thrilling adventures, exciting experiences and bucket-list activities available. There is always something new and exciting to do in Cape Town. From bucket-list worthy experiences like shark-cage diving, paragliding, snorkelling with Cape Fur Seals and Kayaking with African Penguins to hiking, learning to surf, kite surfing and stand-up-paddles boarding, you’ll never run out of things to do in when choosing to live in Cape Town as an expat. If you do, it just gives you the opportunity to try something new!
Exciting restaurant & nightlife scene
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If you consider yourself to be a real foodie at heart, Cape Town is the perfect place to be! Known as the culinary capital of Africa, Cape Town is home to a variety of world-renowned restaurants, cool cafes and sought-after dining experiences. Cape Town’s culinary status is further amplified by the fact that many of its top restaurants like the Test Kitchen and Wolfgat have been named as some of the best in the world.
In addition to Cape Town’s thriving culinary culture, the Mother City’s nightlife scene is jam-packed with excitement. From trendy rooftop bars, hip hangouts and beach-front cocktails spots to authentic dive bars, cool local pubs, top-tier nightclubs and awesome live music venues, the Mother City will have you dancing and celebrating into the early morning hours.
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Art, culture, music, markets & festivals – Cape Town has it all!
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Cape Town is home to a thrilling art, culture, music and market scene that is every bit as exciting to explore. From renowned historical landmarks, museums, attractions, art galleries (including the iconic Zeitz MOCAA Museum of Contemporary Art Africa) and the colourful and culturally diverse Bo-Kaap to the Slave Lodge, Iziko South African Museum, the Labia Theatre, District Six Museum and the vibrant Woodstock street art scene, there is something for every art and culture lover to enjoy. Cape Town has also become a haven for creative types where artists, writers and designers of all kinds travel form all around the world to make Cape Town their new home.
In addition to its diverse and exciting art and culture scene, Cape Town boasts a variety of musical talent, live music hotspots, amazing festivals and vibrant markets that have fast become a true local staple. Cape Town’s range of incredible markets have fast become the ultimate hubs of food, art, culture, entertainment and everything in between. The V&A Food Market, The Watershed at the V&A, The Bay Harbour Market, Oranjezicht City Farmer’s Market, Root 44 Market, Cape Point Vineyards Thursday Night Market, the Old Biscuit Mill and Neighbourgoods Market are just some of the markets you should visit.
Experience the city’s vibrant energy & authentic way of life
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There is a certain magical charm and vibrant energy to this city that’s hard to explain. But once you feel it, you will forever be captivated by Cape Town’s charm, charisma, open-minded perspective and adventurous approach to life. And while there are a few Cape Town past-times and a unique local way of life you’ll need to get used to at first when choosing to live in Cape Town as an expat, once you do, you’ll never look back.
Drinking wine any day, all day, becoming a dedicated member of Cape Town’s die-hard coffee culture, having a favourite local fish and chips spot (and getting into heated debates about which is the best) and going on regular sunset chasing and hiking missions, will soon become your new normal. And you’ll love it, trust us!
Choosing to live in Cape Town as an expat will undoubtedly be an adventure filled with exciting experiences, beauty, thrill and memorable moments. It’s a city filled with diversity, beauty, natural wonders and a vibrant mix of people and cultures. And you’ll love every single bit of it when you choose to call Cape Town your home.
Planning to move to Cape Town as an expat? You can check out our guide to the Ultimate things to do in Cape Town. You can also have a look the top activities and tours in Cape Town. If you’re also looking for a perfect place to stay, we can help. Get in touch if you’d like help finding accommodation across Cape Town.
