Cost of living in Johannesburg, South Africa

Summary of cost of living in Johannesburg

  • Family of four estimated monthly costs: R 37,609
  • Single person estimated monthly costs: R 18,313
  • Cost of living in Johannesburg is more expensive than in 75% of cities in Africa (4 out of 12)
  • Cost of living in Johannesburg is cheaper than in 72% of cities in the World (195 out of 271)

List of prices in Johannesburg, South Africa. Current as of Feb 2020.

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Food [Edit]
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district R 90
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) R 56
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast R 44
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk R 15
12 eggs, large R 34
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes R 21
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese R 63
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples R 24
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes R 22
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket R 16
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality R 86
2 liters of coca-cola R 21
Bread for 2 people for 1 day R 12
Housing [Edit]
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area R 14,336
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area R 9,245
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat R 1,252
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area R 10,451
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area R 6,049
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio R 695
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) R 583
40” flat screen tv R 5,063
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) R 1,301
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) R 77
Hourly rate for cleaning help R 41
Clothes [Edit]
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) R 758
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) R 609
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) R 1,177
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes R 1,113
Transportation [Edit]
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new R 339,935
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas R 16
Monthly ticket public transport R 731
Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) R 164
Personal Care [Edit]
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) R 55
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) R 394
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) R 518
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) R 40
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) R 28
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) R 57
4 rolls of toilet paper R 23
Tube of toothpaste R 18
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city R 129
Entertainment [Edit]
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub R 332
2 tickets to the movies R 181
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) R 1,003
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert R 583
1 cocktail drink in downtown club R 67
Cappuccino in expat area of the city R 30
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) R 31
Ipad wi-fi 128gb R 8,062
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) R 1.77
1 month of gym membership in business district R 498
1 package of marlboro cigarettes R 44
These prices are based on abundant and consistent data. They are very reliable. They are based on 1,559 prices entered by 140 different people.
Latest price update: February 16, 2020

Moving to Johannesburg with your children?

International Schools in Johannesburg

Joburg position in our World Ranking

the world
195th
out of 271
africa
4th
out of 12
south africa
2nd
out of 4

Cheapest and most expensive products in Joburg compared to other cities:

the world
5th
africa
1st
africa
1st
africa
1st
africa
1st
africa
1st

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