Pietermaritzburg vs Stilbaai (Still Bay): Which City Wins for Expats in 2026?
Stilbaai (Still Bay) ranks meaningfully higher on safety. Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
Stilbaai (Still Bay) is approximately less expensive than Pietermaritzburg based on cost of living including rent. This makes Stilbaai (Still Bay) a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.
Stilbaai (Still Bay) has a FIRE Score of N/A/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The city's safety index is 60, which is relatively safe.
Recommended profile: Stilbaai (Still Bay) is well-suited for retirees seeking a balanced lifestyle.
About Pietermaritzburg
Pietermaritzburg is a cheap place to live, with a 1-bedroom in the city center at $220/mo and a budget tier total of $1,100/mo, but the average monthly net salary of $1,072/mo means most locals cannot comfortably cover their own rent. The safety index of 40/100 and crime index of 60/100 are the real deal-breakers, so you trade personal security for a cost of living index of 43/100. Expats score it 74/100 and retirees 61/100, yet the digital nomad score of 54/100 and limited English proficiency suggest this is a quiet, insular stop rather than a launchpad.
About South Africa
Safety is the dealbreaker: a 25.3 safety index puts South Africa firmly in caution territory, with the advisory level of 2 underscoring that. Retirees on fixed budgets should look past this for the math: $2,050/mo qualifies for the retirement visa, while rent runs under $500/mo in city centers. Low cost, low safety, weigh accordingly.
$1,450/mo
Cost of Living (Without Rent)
Rent Per Month
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City Details
About Stilbaai (Still Bay)
Stilbaai is a sleepy coastal town with a population of just 4,000, offering a mild Mediterranean climate and a low crime index of 38, but its limited English proficiency and fair healthcare quality are drawbacks for most expats. Rent is cheap at $526 for a three-bedroom in the city center, yet the average local salary of $2,514 per month makes the cost of living a non-issue for retirees or digital nomads with the required income. The 55/100 overall expat score reflects a place that is safe and affordable but lacks the amenities and connectivity that most foreigners expect.
About South Africa
Safety is the dealbreaker: a 25.3 safety index puts South Africa firmly in caution territory, with the advisory level of 2 underscoring that. Retirees on fixed budgets should look past this for the math: $2,050/mo qualifies for the retirement visa, while rent runs under $500/mo in city centers. Low cost, low safety, weigh accordingly.
N/A/mo
Cost of Living (Without Rent)
Rent Per Month
Attractiveness
City Details
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| Metric | Pietermaritzburg | Stilbaai (Still Bay) |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $220.32 | N/A |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $220.32 | N/A |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $586.86 | $525.73 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $410.6 | $551.68 |
| Safety Index | 40 | 60 |
| Internet Speed | 25Mbps | 55Mbps |
| Walkability Score | N/A | N/A |
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Pietermaritzburg vs Stilbaai (Still Bay) -- Frequently Asked Questions
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