Cost of Living in Johannesburg
Summary of cost of living in Johannesburg, South Africa:
- The estimated monthly costs for a family of four are $2,844.5 (R46,923.6), excluding rent (using our estimator).
- The estimated monthly costs for a single person are $817.2 (R13,480.3), excluding rent.
- Johannesburg is 37.3% less expensive than Columbus (excluding rent, see our cost of living index).
- Rent in Johannesburg is, on average, 57.7% lower than in Columbus.
Restaurants |  Edit |
Range |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $12.12 | |
| Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) | $45.46 | |
| Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) | $7.27 | |
| Domestic Draft Beer (1 Pint) | $2.42 | |
| Imported Beer (12 oz Small Bottle) | $2.73 | |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | $2.48 | |
| Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 12 oz Small Bottle) | $1.25 | |
| Bottled Water (12 oz) | $0.95 | |
Markets | Edit |
|
| Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) | $1.34 | |
| Fresh White Bread (1 lb Loaf) | $1.12 | |
| White Rice (1 lb) | $0.80 | |
| Eggs (12, Large Size) | $2.71 | |
| Local Cheese (1 lb) | $4.00 | |
| Chicken Fillets (1 lb) | $2.53 | |
| Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 lb) | $4.03 | |
| Apples (1 lb) | $0.93 | |
| Bananas (1 lb) | $0.85 | |
| Oranges (1 lb) | $0.81 | |
| Tomatoes (1 lb) | $0.95 | |
| Potatoes (1 lb) | $0.76 | |
| Onions (1 lb) | $0.81 | |
| Lettuce (1 Head) | $1.49 | |
| Bottled Water (50 oz) | $1.28 | |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $6.06 | |
| Domestic Beer (16.9 oz Bottle) | $1.83 | |
| Imported Beer (12 oz Small Bottle) | $2.36 | |
| Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) | $3.49 | |
Transportation | Edit |
|
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | $2.06 | |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) | $90.93 | |
| Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) | $0.85 | |
| Taxi 1 mile (Standard Tariff) | $1.46 | |
| Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) | $14.55 | |
| Gasoline (1 Liter) | $1.55 | |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) | $35,704.53 | |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) | $34,422.26 | |
Utilities (Monthly) | Edit |
|
| Basic Utilities for 915 Square Feet Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | $226.38 | |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) | $38.88 | |
| Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) | $37.63 | |
Sports And Leisure | Edit |
|
| Monthly Fitness Club Membership | $38.24 | |
| Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) | $17.41 | |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) | $8.49 | |
Childcare | Edit |
|
| Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child | $244.88 | |
| International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child | $5,516.45 | |
Clothing And Shoes | Edit |
|
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | $59.61 | |
| Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) | $45.47 | |
| Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | $112.69 | |
| Men's Leather Business Shoes | $112.04 | |
Rent Per Month | Edit |
|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $515.72 | |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $418.47 | |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $1,073.51 | |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $904.39 | |
Buy Apartment Price | Edit |
|
| Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $96.73 | |
| Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $69.96 | |
Salaries And Financing | Edit |
|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $1,719.24 | |
| Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) | 10.91 | |
Prices in Johannesburg
This city had 1140 entries in the past 12 months by 86 different contributors.
Last update: 16 October 2026
Last update: 16 October 2026
Sources and References
Moving to Johannesburg? Explore:
Distribution of Expenses Using Our Statistical Model:
Nearby Cities:| Cost of Living in Randburg | 9.14 miles |
| Cost of Living in Sandton | 13.65 miles |
| Cost of Living in Boksburg | 15.07 miles |
| Cost of Living in Benoni | 19.17 miles |
| Cost of Living in Krugersdorp | 20.02 miles |
| Cost of Living in Centurion (Verwoerdburg) | 28.17 miles |
| Cost of Living in Springs | 30.38 miles |
| Cost of Living in Diepsloot | 30.88 miles |
| Cost of Living in Westonaria | 34.82 miles |
| Cost of Living in Pretoria | 36.05 miles |
This Page in Other Languages:
 DeutschLebenshaltungskosten in Johannesburg
|
 PortuguêsCusto de Vida em Joanesburgo
|
 ItalianoCosto della vita a Johannesburg
|
 FrançaisCoût de la vie à Johannesbourg
|
 EspañolCoste de vida en Johannesburgo
|
Salary Calculator:Got a job offer in Johannesburg? Estimate your take-home pay with our Salary Calculator for Johannesburg.
How can SA ever progress as a nation when 'I hate you because you're different' is the mindset? Come on guys.
Black, White, Mixed, Asian, etc... We're human beings at the end of the day. More importantly, we're SOUTH AFRICAN. No other country in the world is as unique as us. Yes we've made mistakes. Nobody in their right mind can truly believe apartheid was a good idea. We should embrace our diversity, stand alongside each other and be proud of who we are as a nation. It's this thinking that made the late Madiba so special. Life is better for all when it's lived in peace. Stop the hate, no matter what colour we are on the outside.
Looting is common place even unsafe to drive at night in blackout areas. SA is definitely on its way out economically
1. Medical Aid
2. Household & car insurance
3. Private security
I assume you need a work visa, how do you get it? Can it be done while there?
Thanks