Whether you’re hunting for your first apartment or trying to stretch your budget a little further this year, the latest rental data shows that where you live in South Africa really matters when it comes to what you’ll pay in rent.
The PayProp Rental Index just dropped its Q1 2025 insights, and it’s confirmed what many renters already feel: some provinces are heating up with price hikes, while others remain far more affordable.
Rental Prices: Some Provinces Climb, Others Stay Calm
Across the country, rental prices grew steadily in the first three months of 2025.
January saw a 5.2% increase year-on-year, February went even higher at 6.0%, and March cooled slightly at 5.5%.
Importantly, every province saw rental growth—but not all by the same margin.
Some areas spiked in cost, while others stayed more renter-friendly.
The Most (and Least) Expensive Provinces to Rent In
When it comes to the priciest province, no surprises here—the Western Cape takes the top spot.
With an average monthly rent of R11,285, the Mother City and surrounds are still the most expensive places to find a home.
At the other end of the scale? North West province stands out as the most affordable place to rent, with average prices hovering around R7,153 per month.
Here’s how all nine provinces stack up:
| Province | Average Rent (Q1 2025) | Annual Growth | Rand Increase (YoY) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Cape | R11,285 | 9.6% | R985 |
| Northern Cape | R9,581 | 3.3% | R307 |
| Gauteng | R9,201 | 2.9% | R258 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | R9,170 | 4.5% | R400 |
| Limpopo | R8,899 | 10.9% | R872 |
| Mpumalanga | R8,460 | 1.1% | R91 |
| Free State | R7,453 | 7.6% | R526 |
| Eastern Cape | R7,330 | 4.4% | R309 |
| North West | R7,153 | 13.5% | R852 |
North West and Limpopo Show the Fastest Growth
Interestingly, while North West remains the cheapest province to rent in, it also saw the highest percentage jump—a massive 13.5% increase year-on-year.
That’s nearly R900 more than the same time last year.
Limpopo is close behind with a 10.9% spike, showing that demand may be rising in traditionally more affordable areas.
What Does It Mean for Renters?
If you’re renting in 2025, the key takeaway is this: location is everything.
Your budget could go nearly twice as far in North West as it would in the Western Cape.
But if you’re in an area with fast-growing prices, like Limpopo or Free State, now might be the time to lock in a lease before costs climb further.
So, tell us—what’s the most you’ve ever paid for rent? And is it worth it where you live?