Cost of living in Johannesburg, South Africa

Summary of cost of living in Johannesburg

  • Family of four estimated monthly costs: R 46,668
  • Single person estimated monthly costs: R 21,052
  • Johannesburg is the most expensive city in Africa (1 out of 4)
  • Cost of living in Johannesburg is cheaper than in 84% of cities in the World (159 out of 189)
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List of prices in Johannesburg
Current as of Mar 2024.

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Food Update prices
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district R 162
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) R 87
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast R 49
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk R 22
12 eggs, large R 45
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes R 29
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese R 93
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples R 30
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes R 31
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket R 23
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality R 107
2 liters of coca-cola R 26
Bread for 2 people for 1 day R 15
Housing Update prices
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area R 13,636
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area R 11,685
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat R 2,470
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area R 8,489
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area R 6,269
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio R 1,651
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) R 675
40” flat screen tv R 6,837
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) R 1,860
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) R 131
Hourly rate for cleaning help R 59
Clothes Update prices
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) R 889
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) R 668
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) R 1,674
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes R 1,445
Transportation Update prices
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new R 443,543
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas R 24
Monthly ticket public transport R 988
Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) R 164
Personal Care Update prices
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) R 62
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) R 185
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) R 520
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) R 46
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) R 37
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) R 72
4 rolls of toilet paper R 36
Tube of toothpaste R 21
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city R 146
Entertainment Update prices
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub R 506
2 tickets to the movies R 258
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) R 1,501
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert R 694
1 cocktail drink in downtown club R 95
Cappuccino in expat area of the city R 36
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) R 40
Ipad wi-fi 128gb R 9,368
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) R 1.75
1 month of gym membership in business district R 653
1 package of marlboro cigarettes R 52
These prices are based on abundant and consistent data. They are very reliable. They are based on 658 prices entered by 67 different people.
Latest price update: March 18, 2024

Moving to Johannesburg with your children?

International Schools in Johannesburg

Joburg position in our World Ranking

the world
159th
out of 189
africa
1st
out of 4

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

the world
3rd
africa
1st
africa
1st
africa
1st
africa
1st
africa
1st

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International Cost of Living Index

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