“How Did You Calculate?”: Mzansi Has Mixed Reaction to Gent’s Cost of Living Comparison of USA vs SA
- A South African content creator broke down the living costs between America and South Africa
- The Facebook user claimed rent in America costs around R35,000 per month compared to R9,000 in South Africa
- South Africans flooded the comments questioning his calculations, with many saying his budget estimates don't reflect reality for most people
- Briefly News asked financial expert Fulufhelani Mashapha about the strategies entrepreneurs use to manage high-risk international relocations
Source: Facebook
A South African content creator has sparked heated debate after sharing his breakdown of living costs between America and South Africa.
The TikTok user @Garfieldzar, known for discussing South African current affairs and local interest stories, posted the comparison video on 31 August 2025.
In the viral clip, the gentleman recorded himself explaining the differences between the two countries. According to his calculations, rent in America costs about $2,000 per month (around R35,000), while South African rent averages R9,000 monthly ($510). For groceries, he claimed Americans spend approximately $425 per month (R8,000) compared to South Africans who spend around R3,000 ($170) monthly.
The content creator also compared minimum wages, stating that America's average minimum wage is $7.25 per hour (R130), while South Africa's minimum wage sits at R28.79 per hour ($1.63). Finally, he discussed petrol prices, explaining that American fuel costs about 93 cents per litre (R16.42), whereas South African petrol currently costs R21.50 per litre ($1.22).
The video quickly gained traction, receiving over 7,000 reactions and more than 600 comments from viewers who had plenty to say about his calculations.
Source: Facebook
Briefly News asked financial expert Fulufhelani Mashapha which financial strategies entrepreneurs rely on when managing high-risk international relocations involving significant funds. She explained:
"When entrepreneurs take on high-risk international relocations, especially with large sums involved, the key is careful planning and separation of personal and business finances. Many use business accounts, escrow services, and international banking solutions to manage transactions securely."
Mzansi questions the calculations
South African viewers were quick to challenge the content creator's figures, with many questioning his understanding of real living costs.
@Alanda Ritter Le Roux pointed out:
"I just wanted to say, a bachelor's flat is around about R9,000."
@Anver Botha questioned:
"Joh, groceries for R3k... Is there meat in?"
@Mariana Watson asked:
"Where do you rent a family home in South Africa for R9K??? Lol 😆"
@Nicolaas Janse Van Rensburg joked:
"What kind of a calculator is doing those maths? Lol!"
@Russell Classen suggested:
"Canada versus South Africa."
Cost of living differences
According to IBN Immigration Solutions, the cost of living in South Africa is generally lower than in the United States across most categories. Housing shows the biggest difference, with one-bedroom city centre apartments in South Africa costing R5,000 to R10,000 monthly, compared to $800 to $2,500 in America.
Grocery costs also favour South Africa, with monthly food budgets ranging from R2,000 to R3,000 per person versus $300 to $500 in the US. Transportation is significantly cheaper, with monthly public transport passes costing R500 to R1,000 in South Africa compared to $50 to $100 in America.
Healthcare shows mixed results, with private health insurance in South Africa costing R1,000 to R3,000 monthly versus $300 to $1,000 in the US. Entertainment and dining remain more affordable in South Africa, with restaurant meals costing around R120 compared to $15 in America.
Keep in mind that the exchange rate is around R17 to $1.
View the Facebook reel below:
Source: Getty Images
3 More stories about the cost of living
- Briefly News recently reported on a South African nurse working in America who explained why she works double shifts multiple times per week, but her real reason for taking on extra work had viewers questioning whether the American dream is worth the sacrifice.
- A Pretoria man broke down how his R21,000 monthly salary can't cover basic family expenses like school fees and electricity, but the shocking reality of how far salaries have fallen behind living costs had many wondering if middle-class life is still possible.
- A South African calculated the exact electricity cost of making toast for 2.5 minutes, but his surprising findings about this simple daily task had people questioning everything they thought they knew about energy expenses.
Updated by Hilary Sekgota, Human Interest HOD at Briefly News.
Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
Nerissa Naidoo (Human Interest Editor) Nerissa Naidoo is a writer and editor with seven years of experience. Currently, she is a human interest writer at Briefly News and joined the publication in 2024. She began her career contributing to Morning Lazziness and later joined Featherpen.org. As a TUW ghostwriter, she focused on non-fiction, while her editorial roles at National Today and Entail.ai honed her skills in content accuracy and expert-driven editing. You can reach her at nerissa.naidoo@briefly.co.za
Fulufhelani Mashapha (Author and Actuarial Analyst) Fulufhelani Mashapha is a qualified actuarial analyst and author of 'Mind Your Cents'. She is also a One Young World Ambassador and Personal Finance Youtuber focusing on budgets, debt, savings, insurance and investments.
