Cost of Living in Johannesburg - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $657 (excluding rent), and $1,170 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,603 (excluding rent), and $2,440 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$11.08 R 181

$6.65 R 109

$24.94 R 407

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$45.69 R 747

$28.56 R 467

$62.8 R 1,027

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$4.95 R 80.8

$4.38 R 71.5

$5.69 R 92.9

Cappuccino

$2.23 R 36.44

$1.58 R 25.89

$3.11 R 50.8

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.00 R 16.31

$0.77 R 12.59

$1.66 R 27.13

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.80 R 13.14

$0.57 R 9.32

$1.43 R 23.29

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.64 R 43.10

$1.11 R 18.15

$4.17 R 68.1

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.45 R 40.11

$1.64 R 26.74

$4.09 R 66.9

Milk (1 liter)

$1.20 R 19.68

$0.94 R 15.31

$1.84 R 30.11

White Bread (500g)

$1.05 R 17.10

$0.82 R 13.42

$1.26 R 20.62

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.63 R 26.68

$1.09 R 17.78

$2.28 R 37.32

Eggs

$2.56 R 41.83

$1.38 R 22.51

$4.14 R 67.7

Local Cheese (1kg)

$8.46 R 138

$5.69 R 92.9

$13.41 R 219

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$4.81 R 78.6

$2.47 R 40.29

$7.30 R 119

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$6.68 R 109

$4.96 R 81.1

$11.09 R 181

Apples (1kg)

$1.62 R 26.52

$1.10 R 18.00

$2.14 R 35.03

Banana (1kg)

$1.46 R 23.80

$1.09 R 17.77

$2.40 R 39.20

Oranges (1kg)

$1.53 R 25.06

$0.74 R 12.12

$3.56 R 58.1

Tomato (1kg)

$1.60 R 26.21

$1.10 R 18.01

$2.10 R 34.25

Potato (1kg)

$1.43 R 23.37

$0.82 R 13.35

$3.05 R 49.91

Onion (1kg)

$1.40 R 22.95

$0.83 R 13.58

$2.22 R 36.21

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.08 R 17.67

$0.57 R 9.25

$1.34 R 21.96

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.89 R 14.62

$0.60 R 9.85

$1.09 R 17.80

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$3.14 R 51.4

$2.65 R 43.37

$3.72 R 60.7

Wine (Bottle)

$6.06 R 99.0

$2.97 R 48.47

$12.11 R 198

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.36 R 22.21

$0.90 R 14.69

$2.29 R 37.40

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.65 R 27.02

$1.02 R 16.74

$2.84 R 46.41

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.70 R 27.84

$0.96 R 15.74

$3.69 R 60.3

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$71.1 R 1,162

$42.65 R 697

$148 R 2,416

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.15 R 18.72

$0.92 R 15.05

$1.72 R 28.09

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.90 R 14.65

$0.53 R 8.60

$2.29 R 37.43

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$4.01 R 65.5

$3.20 R 52.3

$5.57 R 91.0

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.28 R 20.89

$1.21 R 19.72

$1.43 R 23.39

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$22.5K R 367.0K

$18.0K R 294.0K

$28.1K R 459.4K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$23.7K R 387.8K

$19.5K R 318.2K

$27.8K R 454.6K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$118 R 1,926

$72.6 R 1,186

$190 R 3,102

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$40.87 R 668

$13.30 R 217

$84.9 R 1,388

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$43.16 R 705

$33.84 R 553

$56.4 R 922

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$34.37 R 562

$16.92 R 276

$56.4 R 921

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$13.89 R 227

$8.52 R 139

$22.72 R 371

Cinema Ticket

$7.29 R 119

$5.61 R 91.7

$11.22 R 183

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$208 R 3,406

$113 R 1,843

$282 R 4,608

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$4,878 R 79.7K

$2,669 R 43.6K

$8,341 R 136.3K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$51.0 R 833

$33.98 R 555

$68.0 R 1,110

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$34.10 R 557

$12.52 R 205

$68.3 R 1,116

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$89.7 R 1,465

$55.4 R 905

$139 R 2,263

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$79.9 R 1,306

$45.50 R 744

$125 R 2,045

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$415 R 6,780

$275 R 4,498

$578 R 9,446

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$371 R 6,058

$279 R 4,555

$530 R 8,654

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$908 R 14.8K

$609 R 9,959

$1,607 R 26.3K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$698 R 11.4K

$554 R 9,054

$997 R 16.3K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,061 R 17.3K

$738 R 12.1K

$1,291 R 21.1K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$770 R 12.6K

$611 R 9,990

$917 R 15.0K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$1,669 R 27.3K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

11.51

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

Last update: February 28, 2026

Johannesburg Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

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Cost of Living in Johannesburg - Frequently Asked Questions

Johannesburg offers a practical mix of options for travelers and expats, balancing price points with real value in different neighborhoods. You can find affordable meals from local markets and reliable public transport connections, while private rentals and modern apartments sit in varied price ranges. Cost of Living in Johannesburg, South Africa tends to be favorable for those who prioritize longer leases, shared housing, and choosing non-central districts for daily needs. Expect pockets of higher cost around business hubs, but generous options for budgeting workweeks and weekend exploration. Tip: start with longer-stay neighborhoods, join local expat forums for furnished listings, and negotiate leases if possible.

Daily life in Johannesburg blends practical logistics with vibrant city life. For housing, search near reliable amenities – areas with easy access to transport routes, safety, and walkable options help a lot; you’ll likely encounter furnished and unfurnished options with flexible terms. Food options range from bustling markets to modern cafes; cooking at home remains the most economical choice. Transport is diverse: ride-hailing, buses, and trains cover many routes, with car-sharing complementing occasional needs. Co-working spaces and cafés offer productive zones for remote work. The Johannesburg, South Africa living cost can feel higher in busy cores, so balance location, safety, and commute. Tip: use month-to-month leases when testing neighborhoods.

Quality of life in Johannesburg comes down to smart budgeting, neighborhood feel, and flexible routines. Use a simple framework: core housing costs, utilities, groceries, transport, and a discretionary bucket for experiences. Seasonality influences activities more than prices: summer rains affect outdoor plans, while dry winter months invite more city strolls and markets. Neighborhood fit hinges on safety, access to parks, cafés, and coworking spaces; pick areas with easy commutes to needed amenities and work opportunities. Look for a mix of affordable, well-connected pockets with active communities. Tip: set a baseline for essentials, then add a buffer for events and spontaneous outings to keep life enjoyable without overspending.