Cost of Living in Johannesburg - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $677 (excluding rent), and $1,175 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,620 (excluding rent), and $2,415 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$11.35 R 194

$6.81 R 116

$25.54 R 436

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$45.04 R 769

$28.15 R 481

$61.9 R 1,058

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$4.89 R 83.4

$4.32 R 73.8

$5.62 R 95.9

Cappuccino

$2.16 R 36.85

$1.53 R 26.18

$3.01 R 51.4

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

$1.02 R 17.46

$0.79 R 13.49

$1.7 R 29.05

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.76 R 13.05

$0.54 R 9.25

$1.35 R 23.12

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.68 R 45.74

$1.13 R 19.26

$4.23 R 72.2

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.47 R 42.2

$1.65 R 28.13

$4.12 R 70.3

Milk (1 liter)

$1.19 R 20.39

$0.93 R 15.86

$1.83 R 31.19

White Bread (500g)

$1.05 R 17.88

$0.82 R 14.04

$1.26 R 21.56

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.67 R 28.52

$1.11 R 19.01

$2.34 R 39.89

Eggs

$2.52 R 43.03

$1.36 R 23.15

$4.08 R 69.6

Local Cheese (1kg)

$8.47 R 145

$5.69 R 97.1

$13.42 R 229

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$4.9 R 83.8

$2.51 R 42.93

$7.44 R 127

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$6.75 R 115

$5.01 R 85.6

$11.2 R 191

Apples (1kg)

$1.63 R 27.81

$1.11 R 18.88

$2.15 R 36.75

Banana (1kg)

$1.52 R 25.93

$1.13 R 19.36

$2.5 R 42.71

Oranges (1kg)

$1.53 R 26.2

$0.74 R 12.67

$3.56 R 60.7

Tomato (1kg)

$1.67 R 28.53

$1.15 R 19.6

$2.18 R 37.28

Potato (1kg)

$1.44 R 24.67

$0.83 R 14.1

$3.09 R 52.7

Onion (1kg)

$1.4 R 23.86

$0.83 R 14.12

$2.2 R 37.64

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.05 R 17.99

$0.55 R 9.42

$1.31 R 22.36

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.88 R 15.05

$0.59 R 10.14

$1.07 R 18.33

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$3.03 R 51.8

$2.56 R 43.73

$3.59 R 61.2

Wine (Bottle)

$5.96 R 102

$2.98 R 50.9

$8.96 R 153

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.3 R 22.22

$0.86 R 14.7

$2.19 R 37.43

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.67 R 28.53

$1.04 R 17.68

$2.87 R 49.01

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.65 R 28.18

$0.93 R 15.93

$3.57 R 61.1

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$69.4 R 1,185

$41.62 R 711

$144 R 2,464

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.1 R 18.82

$0.89 R 15.13

$1.65 R 28.24

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.91 R 15.53

$0.53 R 9.12

$2.32 R 39.68

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$4.05 R 69.2

$3.24 R 55.3

$5.63 R 96.1

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.22 R 20.89

$1.15 R 19.72

$1.37 R 23.4

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

$22.4K R 381.7K

$17.9K R 305.7K

$28K R 477.7K

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

$24.1K R 410.8K

$19.7K R 337.1K

$28.2K R 481.6K

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

$117 R 1,997

$72 R 1,230

$188 R 3,216

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

$40.97 R 700

$13.33 R 228

$85.1 R 1,454

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$43.71 R 747

$34.27 R 585

$57.1 R 976

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$34.03 R 581

$16.75 R 286

$55.8 R 953

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$13.53 R 231

$8.29 R 142

$22.12 R 378

Cinema Ticket

$7.3 R 125

$5.62 R 95.9

$11.23 R 192

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

$207 R 3,537

$112 R 1,914

$280 R 4,786

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$4,910 R 83.9K

$2,687 R 45.9K

$8,397 R 143.4K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$50.7 R 866

$33.79 R 577

$67.6 R 1,154

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$34.17 R 584

$12.55 R 214

$68.5 R 1,169

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$91.9 R 1,570

$56.8 R 970

$142 R 2,425

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$78.1 R 1,333

$44.47 R 759

$122 R 2,089

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$428 R 7,310

$284 R 4,850

$596 R 10.2K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$365 R 6,241

$275 R 4,692

$522 R 8,915

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$926 R 15.8K

$622 R 10.6K

$1,639 R 28K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$718 R 12.3K

$571 R 9,745

$1,027 R 17.5K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$994 R 17K

$704 R 12K

$1,466 R 25K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$720 R 12.3K

$583 R 9,953

$874 R 14.9K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$1,565 R 26.7K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

11.51

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

Last update: December 1, 2025

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.