Cost of living in Johannesburg, South Africa

Summary of cost of living in Johannesburg

  • Family of four estimated monthly costs: R 37,568
  • Single person estimated monthly costs: R 18,376
  • Johannesburg is the 2nd cheapest city in South Africa (3 out of 4)
  • Cost of living in Johannesburg is cheaper than in 64% of cities in Africa (7 out of 11)
  • Cost of living in Johannesburg is cheaper than in 76% of cities in the World (180 out of 238)

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

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Food [Edit]
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district R 97
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) R 60
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast R 43
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk R 16
12 eggs, large R 32
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes R 19
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese R 63
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples R 24
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes R 20
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket R 16
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality R 90
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 14,181
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area R 9,521
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat R 1,131
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area R 10,034
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area R 6,005
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio R 768
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) R 549
40” flat screen tv R 5,470
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) R 1,385
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) R 77
Hourly rate for cleaning help R 36
Clothes [Edit]
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) R 729
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) R 700
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) R 1,210
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes R 1,136
Transportation [Edit]
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new R 326,493
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas R 16
Monthly ticket public transport R 681
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 276
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) R 535
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) R 42
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) R 29
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) R 56
4 rolls of toilet paper R 25
Tube of toothpaste R 16
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city R 147
Entertainment [Edit]
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub R 353
2 tickets to the movies R 185
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) R 998
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert R 610
1 cocktail drink in downtown club R 70
Cappuccino in expat area of the city R 31
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) R 34
Ipad wi-fi 128gb R 9,308
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) R 1.78
1 month of gym membership in business district R 563
1 package of marlboro cigarettes R 42
These prices are based on abundant and consistent data. They are very reliable. They are based on 1,245 prices entered by 128 different people.
Latest price update: July 03, 2020

Moving to Johannesburg with your children?

International Schools in Johannesburg

Joburg position in our World Ranking

the world
180th
out of 238
africa
7th
out of 11
south africa
3rd
out of 4

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

the world
1st
the world
3rd
africa
1st
africa
1st
africa
1st
africa
1st

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