Bloemfontein is famous for its gentle pace of life and the wide-open spaces that surround it. You’re as likely to meet a farmer in the supermarket queue as a lawyer. And for many Bloem residents, part of the city’s appeal is its relatively low cost of living. The big factor in this is the affordability of housing when compared to bigger South African cities.
So if you can handle the odd pothole, you enjoy a sense of community, and you can keep yourself amused on a quiet evening, then Bloemfontein offers a good lifestyle at a good price.
What do you need to earn to live comfortably in Bloemfontein? Here’s your complete guide.
Housing in Bloemfontein is not expensive by urban South African standards and has recently become cheaper in real terms, thanks to a slow property market over the last decade.
The average asking price for a Bloemfontein property sold in 2025 on Property24 in Bloemfontein in 2025 is R1,300,000. This is not much higher than the average in 2016 of R1,200,000, meaning property prices in Bloem have recently declined in real terms.
The average selling price on Property24 is now just over R1,000,000, compared to the 2016 average of R800,000. The trend of slow nominal price growth—and falling values when inflation is factored in—is largely down to the city’s infrastructure problems and a stagnant local economy. It does, however, mean that there is value to be found for property buyers in Bloem, which offers plenty of spacious, well-built houses, a great lifestyle and the potential for a turnaround if city governance and investment improve.
According to Numbeo, the average property price per square metre in central Bloemfontein is currently R8,000 and R10,450 outside the centre.
In addition to bond repayments, you'll need to budget around R1,200–R2,500 per month for municipal property rates, and about R300–R700 per month for basic building insurance, depending on the property's value.
According to Numbeo, the average rent paid in central Bloemfontein in 2024 was R8,500 per month for a three-bedroom apartment, and R,8967 for a three-bed in the suburbs.
For one-bedroom apartments in the town centre, the average rent was R5,250, with the same average for one-bedroom apartments in the suburbs. Average rents are 36% lower than in Johannesburg, making it a very affordable place to live for remote workers who are seeking a quieter lifestyle.
Basic services in Bloemfontein are notably affordable, according to Numbeo data, with municipal utilities significantly cheaper than they are in Joburg or Cape Town. The municipality has to price its utilities in line with local incomes, which has reduced its revenue and increased its debt.
Electricity usage tends to spike during Bloem's cold winter months (June–August), so you'll need to budget a little extra during this season for heaters and longer hot water use.
|
Utility service in Bloemfontein |
Average cost per month (85m2 apartment) |
|
Electricity, water & refuse collection |
R1,333 |
|
Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10 GB+ data |
R545 |
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
R633 |
Some kinds of fresh produce, such as milk, cheese, potatoes, eggs, tomatoes and onions, are significantly cheaper in Bloemfontein than in Joburg, owing to local supply and local disposable income levels.
That said, some other food items can be slightly more expensive than in bigger cities, so the savings don’t apply across the entire grocery bill.
The city’s typical basic grocery basket for a family of four is currently around R5,300 per month, in line with the national average, while the cost of a more varied, nutritious and tasty diet could be up to R16,000 per month for a four-person family.
The basic grocery bill in Bloemfontein remains fairly low by developed-world standards, despite high food inflation in recent years.
Prices at Bloemfontein’s inexpensive restaurants are in the same range as those in Johannesburg, according to Numbeo data, but fancier places are cheaper than in big cities.
|
City |
Inexpensive restaurant price |
Mid-range restaurant ( 3 courses, 2 people) |
|
Bloemfontein |
R200 |
R680 |
|
Johannesburg |
R200 |
R800 |
Bloemfontein’s restaurant scene isn’t pretentious, with the city’s tourist traffic limited. There’s good value to be found in steakhouses across the price range, with locally sourced meat of very high quality.
One of the best places to experience this mix of quality and affordability is Loch Logan Waterfront, Bloemfontein’s go-to destination for shopping and dining. Featuring over 120 shops and eateries in an 80,000 m² complex, below are some notable restaurants you can enjoy. Most dining options here fall into the inexpensive to mid-range price bracket (R200–R680 per meal).
A laid-back Italian café offering both casual seating overlooking the water and more private upstairs tables. Known for well-prepared pasta and pizza in a relaxed ambience.
Popular for hearty breakfasts, wholesome lunches, bottomless filter coffee, and freshly baked cakes. Also offers deals like an “Easy Cappuccino + Cake Slice” for R99.
A family-friendly fast-casual spot with breakfast specials, burgers (Classic Burger + Chips for R69.90), and kid-friendly combo deals.
Mediterranean-style seafood chain focused on fish, calamari, and prawns, offering affordable, family-style servings.
Portuguese-style grill and seafood spot with an outdoor deck, known for bold flavors and grilled meats.
Classic family steakhouse/grill with a built-in kids’ play area (Play Canyon). Known for friendly service and generous portions.
Bloemfontein’s public transport options are limited to the following options:
The Hauweng Bus service run by Mangaung Transit connects major nodes like the University of the Free State, Bloemgate, Tempe and Hoffman Square—with very affordable single trip fares of R14.50.
Minibus taxis are similarly priced to the above.
Uber drivers are also available, though you may have to wait a bit for your car to arrive.
There is no local rail network.
As public transport is limited in Bloemfontein, owning a car is the preferred option for most residents, especially families, professionals, and those living outside the city centre. A private vehicle offers greater flexibility, safety, and convenience when commuting to work, running errands, or travelling to outlying areas.
Fuel is slightly more expensive in Bloemfontein than in other inland cities, currently priced at R22.57 per litre—still below the global average.
The average price of an affordable car in South Africa is relatively low, thanks to local manufacturing and modest taxes. For example, a Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6L 97kW Comfort will cost around R446,492.
Additional monthly costs of car ownership to keep in mind:
Bloemfontein is not a riotous place when it comes to nightlife, theatre or music, being a sleepy Platteland city. Bloemfontein’s social life leans toward relaxed, outdoor living. Highlights include:
Bloemfontein has some acclaimed state primary and high schools, including Grey College, a boys’ school that’s famous for churning out Olympian athletes and Springbok rugby stars.
The cost of South African healthcare is a factor to consider wherever you live in South Africa, with private medical insurance a wise option.
Visiting a private GP in Bloemfontein will usually cost you between R500 and R750 per consultation. The quality of care will typically be excellent, and there are several specialists, as Bloem is a medical centre for a broad swathe of the platteland.
Medical aid policies vary widely in coverage and cost, with options ranging from a basic hospital plan to comprehensive coverage for people with pre-existing conditions. For example:
Discovery Essential Smart Plan: R1,300 per adult, R900 per child for hospital plan with limited GP coverage.
Bonitas Hospital Standard: From R2,200 per adult for a hospital plan with more comprehensive cover.
Discovery Executive Plan (comprehensive): Over R7,000 per adult with full day-to-day and chronic benefits.
A family of three on a mid-range plan can expect to spend around R4,500–R6,000 per month for adequate coverage.
To live comfortably in Bloemfontein, many households budget for extra help around the house and garden. For added peace of mind, it also makes sense to invest in home security.
Domestic worker (2x/week): R2,000–R2,500 per month
Garden services: R400–R600 per visit
Home security system with armed response: R500–R1,000 per month.
To reduce financial stress, it’s sensible to have an emergency savings fund. This helps cover unexpected costs, like car repairs, dental work or sudden school or home expenses.
A good rule of thumb is to set aside at least 10% of your income, or around R2,000–R4,000 per month, depending on your lifestyle and household size.
Living comfortably in Bloemfontein means covering all your basic needs—like rent, groceries, transport and utilities—while still having some breathing room for healthcare, school fees, savings and lifestyle extras like dining out or local travel.
Naturally, what counts as “comfortable” will vary depending on your household size and financial goals.
The average monthly after-tax salary in Bloemfontein for 2025 is R12,330 per month, according to Numbeo. That’s an average drawn from a very wide income spectrum, many Bloem residents earn considerably less than that amount, and a smaller group earns much more.
To help you determine how much you need to earn to live comfortably in Bloemfontein, we've outlined the monthly income (after tax) of different types of households (single adults, couples, families, retirees) to cover your costs.
|
Household type |
Monthly income |
|
Single adult |
R16,000 – R18,000 |
|
Couple, no children |
R28,000 – R32,000 |
|
Family of three (1 child) |
R38,000 – R42,000 |
|
Family of four |
R44,000 – R48,000 |
|
Retired couple (own home) |
R20,000 – R24,000 |
To give you a clearer idea of what this lifestyle looks like in numbers, here’s a breakdown of a typical monthly budget for a family of three living comfortably in Bloemfontein.
|
Category |
Monthly cost |
|
Rent (3-bed suburb) |
R9,000 |
|
Groceries |
R7,000 |
|
Utilities & Internet |
R2,500 |
|
Medical Aid (mid-range) |
R5,000 |
|
Transport (private car)* |
R4,200 |
|
School Fees |
R3,000 |
|
School Transport |
R1,200 |
|
Domestic/Garden Services |
R2,500 |
|
Home Security |
R800 |
|
Entertainment & eating out |
R2,000 |
|
Savings & Emergencies |
R3,000 |
|
Total |
R40,200 |
Transport includes fuel, insurance (R1,200–R1,500), maintenance (R500), and average monthly license costs.*
Bloemfontein is significantly more affordable than the cost of living in Cape Town or what it will cost to live in Johannesburg, especially in terms of rentals, house prices and utilities.
If you already own your home, a retired couple could live comfortably on R20,000 to R24,000 per month, assuming moderate medical aid, groceries, and leisure activities.
While public bus services do connect some key locations in Bloemfontein, they do not cover the whole city, which is quite spread out. So it’s advisable to have your own car, especially to reach outdoor activities and the surrounding countryside, which are an essential part of the Bloemfontein lifestyle.
Bloemfontein offers a relaxed and happy environment for kids with lots of sunshine, outdoor activities, and some excellent schools. It is a quiet city where family and community matter, giving kids a strong foundation.
While serious crime does happen in Bloemfontein, it is a considerably safer city than Johannesburg, Cape Town or Durban, with a lower risk of violent crime.
Bloemfontein can get very cold in winter, thanks to its altitude and location on an open plateau. Expect temperatures to regularly dip below zero overnight during June, July and August. In summer, the days are hot and sunny, but there frequent afternoon thunderstorms with heavy rain.
JRR Tolkien, the author of The Lord Of The Rings, was born in Bloemfontein. Other famous Bloem products include Olympic gold medalist Wayde van Niekerk (who went to school at Grey Colleg), Olympic runner Zola Budd, and Springbok rugby star Ox Nche.
Popular suburbs in Bloemfontein include Dan Pienaar, Langenhoven Park, Woodland Hills, and Universitas. Each offers different vibes, from student-friendly to upscale gated estates.
Many residents say Bloemfontein has a small-town feel where it’s easier to meet people than in larger cities. You can join local sports clubs, churches, or parenting groups.
Yes, Bloem has affordable housing and a relaxed pace of life. Check your internet options carefully, as fibre is available in most suburbs but not all.
Bloem has a relatively stagnant job market, especially in the corporate and tech sectors. Most people working in high-income jobs tend to be in healthcare, education, or public service.
Road maintenance is a common complaint, and potholes can be severe in some areas of Bloemfontein. Load shedding follows the national schedule but can sometimes be longer in certain suburbs.
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