It’s been an exciting moment for Hermanus, a beach township in the Western Cape. Located little over 90 minutes east of Cape Town, this popular tourist destination was recently dubbed ‘the safest town in South Africa,’ a factor that has attracted a slew of millionaires in the previous year.
How safe is South Africa’s safest town?
Hermanus is savoring its moment in the spotlight, and one gets the impression that it will continue to do so for some time. The wealthy and well-connected have found the Cape Whale Coast to be a particularly appealing resort, and money continues to flow into this region of the province.
Much of this is due to the fact that wealthy South Africans know they can invest safely in Hermanus. According to Numbeo’s newest Crime Index statistics, the label of “safest town” is entirely appropriate.
Hermanus’ low Crime Index score woos South Africans
The user-generated numbers include a checklist of 13 key factors on the index, which has been updated multiple times throughout 2022. Eleven of these are rated as’moderate, low, or very low’ for Hermanus, and its crime rating of 31.37 is the lowest of the 71 cities in the database:
Cost of living comparison: Hermanus vs Cape Town
Although Hermanus may soon become a millionaire’s playground, life here appears to be much more affordable here than it is up the road in Cape Town. Although some other major cities are on a more level footing with South Africa’s safest town, the popular location has a significant cost-busting advantage over the Mother City.
- Basic utilities (gas, water, electric) are around 25% to 50% higher in Hermanus, according to Numbeo
- But childcare costs in Hermanus are estimated to be 25% to 30% cheaper than Cape Town
- Retail prices, for items like clothes and shoes, are between 10% to 35% cheaper in SA’s safest town
- Groceries are roughly 10% cheaper AND restaurant prices are 17% less expensive in H-town
- You can see a full, comprehensive list of estimated food prices here:
