Cost of living in Johannesburg, South Africa

Summary of cost of living in Johannesburg

  • Family of four estimated monthly costs: R 38,434
  • Single person estimated monthly costs: R 18,600
  • Johannesburg is the most expensive city in Africa (1 out of 6)
  • Cost of living in Johannesburg is cheaper than in 68% of cities in the World (135 out of 200)

List of prices in Johannesburg, South Africa. Current as of Feb 2021.

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Food [Edit]
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district R 113
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) R 59
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 21
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese R 63
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples R 26
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes R 21
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket R 17
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality R 95
2 liters of coca-cola R 21
Bread for 2 people for 1 day R 10
Housing [Edit]
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area R 13,870
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area R 9,546
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat R 885
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area R 11,849
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area R 7,030
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio R 714
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) R 567
40” flat screen tv R 5,098
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) R 1,535
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) R 81
Hourly rate for cleaning help R 32
Clothes [Edit]
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) R 802
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) R 645
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) R 1,274
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes R 1,254
Transportation [Edit]
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new R 336,803
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas R 16
Monthly ticket public transport R 977
Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) R 197
Personal Care [Edit]
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) R 54
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) R 211
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) R 522
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) R 43
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) R 29
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) R 47
4 rolls of toilet paper R 26
Tube of toothpaste R 17
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city R 156
Entertainment [Edit]
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub R 337
2 tickets to the movies R 182
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) R 906
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert R 514
1 cocktail drink in downtown club R 75
Cappuccino in expat area of the city R 33
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) R 36
Ipad wi-fi 128gb R 8,884
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) R 1.66
1 month of gym membership in business district R 573
1 package of marlboro cigarettes R 44
These prices are based on abundant and consistent data. They are very reliable. They are based on 566 prices entered by 87 different people.
Latest price update: February 24, 2021

Moving to Johannesburg with your children?

International Schools in Johannesburg

Joburg position in our World Ranking

the world
135th
out of 200
africa
1st
out of 6

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

the world
2nd
africa
1st
africa
1st
africa
1st
africa
1st
africa
1st

Do you live in Johannesburg? We need your help!

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Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI 150 CV (or equivalent), with no extras, new

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International Cost of Living Index

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