A mum has revealed how her life took a turn for the better when she traded the UK’s gloom for South Africa’s bright sunshine. Maria Du Toit, 39, a former associate professor at a Berkshire university, bravely decided to relocate to her husband’s native South Africa in 2024.
Now residing in the Bay, Western Cape, with her husband and young child, Maria, originally from Greece, explains that the decision was prompted by the huge childcare costs in the UK . For her, it exceeded £1,400 per month. “We moved as the UK was becoming not a very nice place, or as nice as it used to be, for work, and people from abroad,” she said.
She continued: “In Reading, it really made us start to think about how much you have to pay for things like childcare – we would have to pay £1400 each month on the low end.”
The everyday expenses and outgoings are certainly more affordable than in the UK.
According to Numbeo, the cost of living in South Africa is over 49% lower than what most Brits would be used to, with rent, dining out, and daily necessities costing just a fraction of the price.
Besides the financial savings, the weather is also a significant upgrade for Maria and her family. September temperatures reaching 29°C are typical, and even the winter months promise clear skies.
There’s also a fantastic community that makes relocating across the globe easier. Maria said: “Things in South Africa feel incredibly active.
“I’ve joined a lot of Whatsapp groups and community groups trying to meet people here, and there’s a lot of movement. People advertising local businesses are always around, and just a couple of years ago people were struggling to find a job.
“But now everybody we know is in employment. It’s a good sign of the things to come.”
Reflecting on her initial experiences of South African life, she highlighted the contrast between the nation and Britain.
She said: “I think the main difference between life in South Africa is that here people are more direct with you.
“Social media and the news makes it sound like the country is so much worse than it is – like everywhere, there are just pockets of problems.”
For anyone considering relocating abroad, South Africa is a brilliant option.
Simon Hood, Executive Director of relocation firm, John Mason International, said: “The cost of living is significantly lower in South Africa, and with the hoped expansion of the Digital Nomad scheme the opportunities are endless. You can live it up in the sunshine and scenery of the Cape while maintaining a UK salary.”