‘Prison cell’: Expat reveals tiny, pricey apartment [photo]

‘Prison cell’: Expat reveals tiny, pricey apartment [photo]

A South African expat has shared an honest account of a typical accommodation space abroad, and many back home are surprised by the stark contrast.

TINY APARTMENT PIC GOES VIRAL

On the X platform, user @ChristoThurston shared a look at the living space of an expat living in Europe.

He tweeted: “This is what you get for R5000 to R6000 rent in Europe. It could go as high as R10 000.

“And you hear people say, ‘I want to leave South Africa’. The cost of living crises is hitting ‘first’ world countries hard”.

In the comments section, many South Africans compared the tiny space – which barely fits a bed and a nightstand – to a “prison cell.”

Other expats agreed that living abroad was costly compared to life back home.

@villainguptas: “I stayed in New York, average rent was like $1500.00.  Had to come home after a few months”

@AmukelaniMoyani: “I stayed in London for months, and I couldn’t wait to get back home. Life is extremely expensive, and the quality of life is challenging! South Africa is paradise”.

@Bubu38228218: “Rent here is ridiculous. I stay in a studio which is the size of a garage ko Kasi. With the amount that I’m paying for my rent this side, I can pay my bond in Mzansi twice and still have enough to pay levies…it’s ridiculous.”

@MandlaTanali: “I’m in New Zealand. Planning to come back home, the salary is good when converted to Rands, but the cost of living is a problem. You’re looking at about R3 000 a week for this space here.”

WHERE DO MOST SOUTH AFRICAN EXPATS LIVE?

According to a Statistica report, the South African diaspora lives in various countries abroad.

The UK has the highest population of SA expats – at over 217,180.

Australia is next, with 206,730 Saffas now calling it home. The US takes the third spot with 139 332

These countries also rank high on the list for immigration:

• New Zealand
• Canada
• Netherlands
• Ireland 
• Portugal
• Australia
• US
• UAE