Compare countries · South Africa vs United Kingdom
South Africa vs United Kingdom
South Africa(Africa)·
United Kingdom(Europe)
Across 13 comparable indicators: South Africa leads on 3, United Kingdom on 9, 1 effectively tied. Which trade-offs matter is yours to weigh — the rows below show where each country wins, with sources.
Head to head
Cost of living index
Numbeo 2026 (NYC = 100)
South Africa
37.1
Better than 63% of countries
United Kingdom
67.8
Worse than 86% of countries
South Africa: 45% cheaper overall.
Rent index
Numbeo 2026 (NYC = 100)
South Africa
13.0
Better than 57% of countries
United Kingdom
32.1
Worse than 90% of countries
South Africa: 60% cheaper rents.
Peace — Global Peace Index
Institute for Economics & Peace (lower = more peaceful)
South Africa
2.40
Worse than 79% of countries
United Kingdom
1.67
Better than 79% of countries
United Kingdom: more peaceful (1.67 vs 2.40).
Perceived street safety
Numbeo Safety Index 2026
South Africa
25.5
Worse than 97% of countries
United Kingdom
51.7
Worse than 59% of countries
United Kingdom: higher perceived safety (51.7 vs 25.5).
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report
South Africa
0.717
Worse than 57% of countries
United Kingdom
0.940
Better than 93% of countries
United Kingdom: higher human development (0.940 vs 0.717).
GDP per person (PPP)
World Bank · 2025
South Africa
$15,906
Worse than 59% of countries
United Kingdom
$64,606
Better than 86% of countries
United Kingdom: 306% higher income per person.
Life expectancy
World Bank · 2024
South Africa
66.3 yrs
Worse than 84% of countries
United Kingdom
81.4 yrs
Better than 81% of countries
United Kingdom: 15.1 years longer on average.
Healthcare index
Numbeo Healthcare Index 2026
South Africa
64.0
Around the global middle
United Kingdom
72.7
Better than 80% of countries
United Kingdom: better-rated healthcare (72.7 vs 64.0).
Fixed broadband speed
Ookla Speedtest Global Index
South Africa
48 Mbps
Worse than 73% of countries
United Kingdom
167 Mbps
Better than 73% of countries
United Kingdom: 246% faster fixed internet.
Press freedom
RSF World Press Freedom Index
South Africa
78/100
Better than 88% of countries
United Kingdom
80/100
Better than 90% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
Happiness
World Happiness Report (Cantril ladder 0–10)
South Africa
5.01
Worse than 69% of countries
United Kingdom
6.69
Better than 81% of countries
United Kingdom: happier on the Cantril ladder (6.69 vs 5.01).
English proficiency
EF English Proficiency Index
South Africa
602
Better than 83% of countries
United Kingdom
700
Better than 94% of countries
United Kingdom: stronger English proficiency (700 vs 602).
Climate pleasantness
Numbeo Climate Index 2026
South Africa
95.7
Better than 94% of countries
United Kingdom
87.8
Better than 69% of countries
South Africa: more pleasant climate rating (95.7 vs 87.8).
Deciding between South Africa and United Kingdom for real?
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Find your match →Full South Africa profile →
70+ indicators: economy, safety, governance, climate and visas.
Full United Kingdom profile →
70+ indicators: economy, safety, governance, climate and visas.