Last update: Oct 2026 South Africa 158.8K

Cost of Living in Benoni

For one person, living costs in Benoni are estimated at $1,072 a month, including rent and utilities, which take just under half of the total. Other living expenses average about $19 a day.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Benoni

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Benoni actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

Living costs for one person come to about $1,072 monthly including rent, or $573 excluding housing.

$1,072 /mo

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,331 with rent, or $980 without housing.

$1,331 /mo

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $1,589 including rent, or $1,386 for daily expenses alone.

$1,589 /mo

Benoni sits 21–44% below the global median across household types. Within Africa, costs are 18% above average – pricier than most cities in the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$10.19 R 168
$6.18 R 102
$14.21 R 234
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$37.46 R 617
$35.20 R 580
$48.98 R 807
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$5.86 R 96.5
$5.55 R 91.5
$6.79 R 112
Cappuccino
$2.22 R 36.61
$1.48 R 24.36
$2.96 R 48.71
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.19 R 19.64
$0.94 R 15.40
$1.86 R 30.64
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.85 R 14.00
$0.58 R 9.55
$1.46 R 24.03
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.33 R 38.33
$1.55 R 25.50
$3.72 R 61.3
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.74 R 45.15
$2.14 R 35.19
$3.96 R 65.2
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.22 R 20.16
$0.94 R 15.41
$1.86 R 30.66
White Bread (500g)
$1.13 R 18.65
$0.73 R 12.10
$1.48 R 24.37
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.72 R 28.33
$1.19 R 19.58
$2.14 R 35.29
Eggs
$2.46 R 40.48
$1.19 R 19.67
$3.58 R 59.0
Local Cheese (1kg)
$8.31 R 137
$5.92 R 97.5
$10.75 R 177
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$4.86 R 80.1
$3.56 R 58.6
$5.33 R 87.8
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$7.12 R 117
$5.32 R 87.7
$9.94 R 164
Apples (1kg)
$1.73 R 28.55
$1.19 R 19.63
$2.15 R 35.37
Banana (1kg)
$1.63 R 26.81
$1.20 R 19.78
$3.00 R 49.37
Oranges (1kg)
$1.80 R 29.58
$0.93 R 15.30
$3.70 R 61.0
Tomato (1kg)
$1.56 R 25.70
$1.06 R 17.51
$2.36 R 38.87
Potato (1kg)
$1.12 R 18.39
$0.80 R 13.21
$1.53 R 25.25
Onion (1kg)
$1.22 R 20.10
$0.93 R 15.25
$1.78 R 29.32
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.23 R 20.29
$1.00 R 16.40
$1.55 R 25.53
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.27 R 20.97
$0.89 R 14.68
$1.66 R 27.27
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$3.37 R 55.5
$3.05 R 50.3
$4.28 R 70.4
Wine (Bottle)
$5.09 R 83.8
$3.91 R 64.3
$8.41 R 139
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.51 R 24.94
$1.18 R 19.47
$2.66 R 43.77
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.95 R 32.14
$1.22 R 20.05
$3.04 R 50.0
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.29 R 4.72
$0.29 R 4.72
$1.39 R 22.82
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.89 R 14.67
$0.89 R 14.67
$1.18 R 19.51
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$14.73 R 243
$7.36 R 121
$14.73 R 243
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.54 R 25.41
$1.26 R 20.76
$1.68 R 27.73
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$35.1K R 578.8K
$32.8K R 540.4K
$36.1K R 594.0K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$32.5K R 534.9K
$30.3K R 498.5K
$34.0K R 559.7K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$203 R 3,342
$123 R 2,019
$334 R 5,496
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$38.42 R 633
$18.32 R 302
$62.9 R 1,036
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$36.63 R 604
$28.92 R 476
$53.8 R 886
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$18.06 R 297
-
Cinema Ticket
$7.10 R 117
$5.80 R 95.6
$11.85 R 195
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$246 R 4,051
$152 R 2,507
$292 R 4,814
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$5,577 R 91.9K
$3,677 R 60.6K
$9,193 R 151.5K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$53.5 R 882
$42.40 R 699
$60.7 R 999
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$32.40 R 534
$18.25 R 301
$35.42 R 584
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$91.9 R 1,515
$72.2 R 1,189
$103 R 1,701
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$84.8 R 1,397
$61.5 R 1,013
$111 R 1,823
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$398 R 6,557
-
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$296 R 4,881
-
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$487 R 8,029
-
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$2,041 R 33.6K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
10.91
10
12.5

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: October 11, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Benoni $1,072
Accommodation & Living
$296
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$278
Groceries & Markets
$192
Eating Out
$151
Clothing & Footwear
$118
Sport & Entertainment
$32
Getting Around
$4.7 *

Categories marked with * are only partly priced – their share counts the items that do have prices.

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $398 for a central one-bedroom, or $296 outside the center. At 19% of the average salary ($2,041), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $2,041, while typical expenses reach $1,072. This leaves solid room for saving and lifestyle spending.

Expect to spend about $192 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $37.00 for two – broadly in line with the African average.

Cost Highlights

Benoni has the 10th highest average monthly net salary in Africa

Benoni is cheaper than 65% globally but more expensive than 84% within Africa.

Good to know
🕒 Local time
06:31 6:31 AM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
158,777
💱 Currency
Exchange rates and currency converter

USD, EUR to ZAR – South African Rand Converter

South African Rand exchange rates as of October 18, 2026: 1 USD = 16.48 ZAR (100 ZAR = 6.07 USD). 1 EUR = 18.52 ZAR (100 ZAR = 5.4 EUR).

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Benoni Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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Cost of Living in Benoni - Frequently Asked Questions
How affordable is Benoni, South Africa for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and who tends to find it good value?
Cost of Living in Benoni, South Africa often lands in a practical middle ground for travelers, expats, and digital nomads seeking balance. It tends to feel more affordable than major metro centers while still offering access to essential services, shopping, and reasonable transport links. You will find value in quieter suburbs, flexible rental options, and diverse dining that will not overwhelm your budget. A well-chosen neighborhood can cut daily commute times and boost convenience for errands and socializing. Tip: map a few coworking spaces and check Wi-Fi reliability in each area.
What does daily life look like for housing, food options, transport, and coworking in Benoni, South Africa?
Daily life in Benoni balances practical convenience with a laid-back vibe. Housing options span compact city-fringe flats to larger family homes in quiet streets, with value tied to location and access to amenities. Food scenes range from farmers markets to casual eateries, offering fresh produce and affordable meals if you cook at home. Transport is workable via local routes and rideshares, while coworking spaces support focused work sessions and social connection. Budgeting around Benoni, South Africa living cost helps you navigate errands, gym visits, and weekend outings. Tip: try a weekend grocery shop to compare quality and price.
What makes for a good quality of life in Benoni, and what budgeting approach helps you thrive without overspending?
Benoni offers a steady pace, more outdoor space, and accessible services that suit different rhythms. Build a simple budgeting framework around essential costs (housing, food, transport) plus a flexible fund for leisure so you do not feel constrained. To save, lean into local markets for fresh produce, cook meals at home, and choose energy-conscious practices in warmer months to control bills. Seasonality in this region affects outdoor plans and crowds, so rotate between parks, malls, and eateries to avoid peak afternoons. Tip: set realistic weekly goals and track your major categories.
Is Benoni a cheap city to live in for foreigners?
Your money goes further in Benoni than in most cities its size. Expect to spend roughly $1,072 per month with housing included – groceries, transport, and eating out are all priced well below what you'd pay in comparable urban centers.
Is rent in Benoni too high relative to local incomes?
With 19% of the average paycheck going to rent, Benoni is on the expensive side for housing. Many locals cope by sharing apartments, moving to outer neighborhoods, or downsizing to keep things manageable.
What income level supports a comfortable lifestyle in Benoni?
Earning $1,609 monthly in Benoni means you're living well – a one-bedroom, regular groceries, transport, and some entertainment without stress. That's the threshold where most residents feel genuinely comfortable rather than just getting by.
What is the rental price range for apartments in Benoni?
Rents for a 1-bedroom flat in Benoni range from $296 to $398, depending on location and condition. Central apartments sit at the top of that range; outer neighborhoods and suburbs deliver noticeably better value per square meter.
How expensive is preschool in Benoni per month?
Childcare averages $246 monthly at a private kindergarten in Benoni. For many families, this single cost rivals rent, so it's essential to factor in before making a move.
What is a typical monthly grocery bill in Benoni?
Groceries in Benoni cost around $192 monthly – well below what you'd pay in most cities. Fresh produce, staples, and locally made goods are all well-priced, so eating well on a budget is straightforward here.
Does $1,200 cover living expenses in Benoni?
$1,200 stretches far in Benoni – all-in monthly costs average only $1,072. The surplus means you can build savings, travel a bit, and live above the local average without much effort.
What makes Benoni attractive for retirement?
Retirement in Benoni is comfortable for most – total costs run about $1,072 monthly. Healthcare, daily amenities, and social infrastructure are all in place, and most retirees find it a practical, enjoyable place to settle.
How much can you save per month in Benoni?
Monthly expenses in Benoni run around $1,072, so putting money aside takes more than $1,609 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.

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