Budgeting for Your Trip
Estimated Total Budget for Your Stay in Cape Town
This guide provides an overview of the estimated cost of living during your internship in Cape Town. Total expenses will vary based on the length of your stay and your personal lifestyle choices, but the figures below are based on actual spending patterns of past participants.
All costs are shown in USD and include weekly living expenses and fixed costs such as airfare, accommodation, and program fees.
Total Budget by Length of Stay
The table below includes accommodation, food, transport, utilities, mobile data, weekend activities, nightlife, airfare, and program fees.
| Stay Length | Budget Traveler | Mid-Range Traveler | High-Range Traveler |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 weeks | $6,070 | $7,250 | $9,570 |
| 6 weeks | $6,870 | $8,450 | $11,520 |
| 8 weeks | $7,670 | $9,650 | $13,470 |
| 10 weeks | $8,470 | $10,850 | $15,420 |
| 12 weeks | $9,270 | $12,050 | $17,370 |
What’s Included in These Estimates
Fixed Costs
These are one-time costs that most participants will pay before or upon arrival.
| Item | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| VACorps Rolling Admissions Program | $3,175 |
| VACorps Fixed-Date Gap Program | $3,675 |
| Airfare (Round Trip) | $1,500* |
| Room Deposit (once-off) | $250 |
| Cleaning Fee (once-off) | $100 |
* This is a typical estimate for flights from major U.S. cities. Actual prices may vary depending on the season and how far in advance you book. If you’re flying from Europe, your fare is likely to be lower.
Weekly Costs (Estimated Ranges)
These reflect typical weekly expenses based on your lifestyle preferences.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | High-Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $175 | $175 | $175 |
| Food | $100 | $170 | $350 |
| Transport (Total) | $60 | $90 | $180 |
| Electricity | $20 | $30 | $40 |
| Mobile Data | $20 | $30 | $40 |
| Weekend Activities | $40 | $80 | $120 |
| Nightlife | $50 | $100 | $150 |
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Accommodation costs are based on a mid-range Rent-a-Room property located near the VACorps office.
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Transport costs include daily commuting and weekend leisure travel. Interns frequently share Uber rides, which can significantly reduce transportation costs.
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Food, leisure, and nightlife are the areas with the most variation depending on how often you eat out, attend events, or go out at night.
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The “high-range” estimate assumes eating out for two meals per day and going out for nightlife activities about four times per week.
Optional Add-Ons: Excursion Costs
Many interns choose to explore more of South Africa during their stay. These are not required, but they’re worth considering if you plan to travel on weekends or after your internship ends.
| Trip Type | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Weekend Getaway (e.g. Hermanus or Cederberg) | $220 |
| Garden Route Safari (3-day trip) | $300 |
| Kruger National Park (6-day trip) | $1,200 |
Currency and Exchange Rate Notes
While this guide lists prices in USD for clarity, most expenses in South Africa are paid in South African Rand (ZAR). The exchange rate fluctuates, so we recommend checking the current rate at xe.com and budgeting with a small buffer to accommodate changes.
Final Thoughts
Your total spend will depend on your lifestyle, including how often you cook, travel, go out, or shop. These estimates are designed to give you a transparent and realistic snapshot to help you budget and plan with confidence.
If you have any questions or would like help creating a personal budget plan, feel free to contact the VACorps team.