The quality of life and cost of living vary dramatically from country to country, and each country has its own advantages and challenges. As an emigrant, you quickly discover that certain aspects of your new environment may be better, but others are more complex or more expensive than those in South Africa. Accommodation costs can be high, and everyday services such as home repairs and medical care are sometimes not only more expensive but also less efficient. The different food cultures and strange products often cause a culture shock. Many South Africans miss the familiar flavours of boerewors and biltong and find that the range of products is smaller and more expensive. These differences make many yearn for the balance between quality, affordability and standard of living they left behind in South Africa.

Food and clothing: Cost and variety

Emigration often brings new challenges, and one of the most prominent issues that South Africans struggle with abroad is the variety and affordability of food and products. The wide choice and affordability of products South Africans have taken for granted are often missing in their new country. Many South African emigrants are surprised by the higher prices of basic groceries and clothing. Even though more international brands are available, the quality is not always up to standard. In contrast to South Africa, where various options are often within an affordable price range, the prices of food and clothing are often higher, while the choices can be limited.

• The desire for familiar products

The daily groceries and delicacies that expats enjoyed in South Africa – such as boerewors, biltong, and well-known brands – are often either scarce or prohibitively expensive in their new countries. Even if there are local alternatives, their quality and taste will not necessarily match what they had in South Africa.

Cost of accommodation and service delivery

Another challenge for emigrants is the high accommodation costs in their new country. Many people expect higher costs to be associated with better service delivery, but this is not always the case. Services such as repairs to your home, which are relatively affordable and easy to obtain in South Africa, can be much more expensive and more complicated to arrange in other countries. Even basic home repairs or garden maintenance can incur significant costs and catch many emigrants off guard.

Medical services

In some countries, medical services are a further source of frustration for many emigrants. They sometimes face long waiting periods for basic care in the public health care systems. South Africa has a strong private healthcare system, and some emigrants struggle to find the same level of care in their new country. One emigrant noted that he still does not have a family doctor in his new country after more than a year. This creates stress, especially for families with young children and for those with chronic health issues. The long waiting times lead to frustration and uncertainty about medical care.

It is important that emigrants recognise the positive aspects of their move despite the challenges they experience in their new country. For many people, emigration provides access to a greater variety of products than they were used to in South Africa. In some countries, you may find products from around the world that are not so readily available in South Africa, and sometimes the prices or quality of certain goods are better than you expected. These new experiences can bring a refreshing change, help you approach your new environment with an open mind and ease the adjustment process.

Ultimately, quality of life varies depending on the individual’s expectations and needs. This article aims to highlight the reality of the quality of life and the cost of living in various countries. It is intended to support emigrants by making them aware that they should not just assume that availability, prices and quality are the same everywhere. They must be prepared for change and share their experiences.

Your experience

How does the quality of life and cost of living in the country where you live compare to that in South Africa? How do the accommodation options compare? Is the availability and prices of food and products a challenge for you? Please share your experience and help other South Africans to be better prepared for their move.

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