From Digital Nomad to Cape Town Apartment Living: Our Story & Cost of Living
Trading Backpacks for a Home: Our Cape Town Story
After six incredible years of exploring the world as digital nomads, living out of suitcases and hopping between Airbnbs, we felt the pull for something more permanent. While the freedom of location independence was exhilarating, the constant movement eventually led to burnout. Last year, we decided to establish a home base – a sanctuary to return to between our adventures. And so, we found ourselves in Cape Town, South Africa, transforming an empty apartment into our very first fully furnished home.
A Year of Furnishing & Cape Town Apartment Tour
Furnishing an entire apartment was a new experience. Accustomed to minimalist travel living, we’d never accumulated much in the way of material possessions. This unfurnished apartment in a newly renovated old building became our blank canvas. It’s small, just a one-bedroom, lounge, kitchen, and bathroom, but perfectly suited to our needs.
The Kitchen: A Traveler's Culinary Haven
The kitchen is our favorite space. Equipped with a gas stove (essential during South Africa's load shedding), oven, and washing machine (yes, in the kitchen!), it's a dream for cooking enthusiasts. We've proudly displayed our travel mementos and magnets, turning the fridge into a vibrant reminder of our adventures.
Workspace & Lounge: Blending Work and Relaxation
My workspace is integrated into the kitchen counter, complete with a standing desk and large screen for video editing. The lounge area features a comfortable sleeper couch, perfect for Netflix binges and gaming sessions. Two small coffee tables offer flexibility and space for stretching or yoga.
The Bedroom: A Cozy Retreat
Furnishing the bedroom proved to be the biggest challenge. After months of searching and waiting for furniture, we finally have a comfortable bed (with a DIY height adjustment!) and ample storage. The room is adorned with travel photos and personal touches, creating a tranquil and inspiring space.
Why Cape Town? More Than Just a Pretty Face
Cape Town’s beauty is undeniable, with its stunning mountain and ocean views. But beyond its aesthetic appeal, the city offers a thriving digital nomad community, excellent internet, and a surprisingly affordable cost of living (comparable to Chiang Mai). Being South African simplifies visa requirements, a major factor in our decision.
Cost of Living in Cape Town
Our rent is approximately $800 per month, with utilities (electricity and internet) adding another $100. While this might be higher than other parts of South Africa, the vibrant lifestyle, amenities, and community make it worthwhile.
Embracing Community and Connection
One of the biggest advantages of settling in Cape Town is the sense of community. Unlike the transient nature of many digital nomad hubs, Cape Town offers opportunities for deeper connections. Regular meetups, activities, and social events make it easier to build lasting friendships.
From Nomads to Homeowners: A New Chapter
Our journey from 9-to-5ers to digital nomads to homeowners has been an unexpected but fulfilling one. We’re incredibly grateful to have found a balance between the freedom of travel and the comfort of a home base. Cape Town has provided the perfect backdrop for this new chapter, and we're excited to see what the future holds.
