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Kimberley, South Africa
Capital City

Follows South Africa Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$1,130
Retiree Score
68.0
Safety Index
48.2
Healthcare
8 facilities

The population of Kimberley is just 225,160, but that doesn't mean life in this former diamond boomtown is easy. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the city's administration changing names and boundaries over the decades. The climate is also a challenge, with long, dry summers and chilly winters. But for those with a passion for history, Kimberley offers a microcosm of South Africa's past, from the diamond rush to the Boer War to the struggle against apartheid. This is a city that sparkles for the right kind of visitor.

Can I afford Kimberley?

$

Kimberley

You could save

1,870/mo

Savings Rate62%

Monthly Costs

Rent $450
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$680

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
62/100
Retiree Score
(i)
68/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
48/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets South Africa Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
48
Safety
8
Healthcare
100
Walkability
5
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $2
Bread (loaf) *$1
Eggs (12) $3
Rice (1kg) *$1
Chicken (1kg) *$2

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$12
Meal (Mid-range) $88
Cappuccino $3
Water (0.33L) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $102
Mobile Plan (mo) $41
Gym (mo) *$22
Cinema Ticket *$7

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $360
1BR Outside (mo) *$312
3BR Center (mo) $680
3BR Outside (mo) *$606

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Widely Spoken
Expat Community
Very Few
Top Neighborhoods
Memorial Road area
Best For
historians, mining experts

Expat Life Notes

Kimberley is a historic mining town with a very local feel. Foreign residents are rare and usually tied to mining or NGOs.

Pros

  • ✓ Native English
  • ✓ Rich mining history
  • ✓ Quiet lifestyle

Cons

  • ✗ Economic stagnation
  • ✗ Limited nightlife
  • ✗ Arid climate

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
—
Annual Rainfall
337 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
May, Jul, Aug

Also Consider

Heidelberg, GP, South AfricaHartebeespoort, South AfricaSantana do Paraíso, BrazilLiving in Santana do Paraíso, Brazil offers affordable small-town life near industrial hubs and nature. Ideal for retirees or workers seeking quiet living.Santa Cruz do Rio Pardo, BrazilLiving in Santa Cruz do Rio Pardo offers a rural lifestyle tied to Brazil’s tobacco industry. Ideal for those seeking affordability and small-town living.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Kimberley

Click any question to expand the answer.

Kimberley has a population of approximately 225,160 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $1,125 per month in Kimberley, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $450/month.

The nearest airport to Kimberley is KIM, approximately 7km away.

Kimberley is considered moderate in terms of safety, with a safety index of 48.2. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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