Sub-Saharan Africa Updated
Average Cost of Living in Johannesburg
The average cost of living in Johannesburg, South Africa is $899 per month for a single person, and $2,161 per month for a family of four. A one-bedroom apartment rents for around $541 per month. The local average net salary is $1,681 per month.
Very affordable
Updated today
Index 20.4 · NYC = 100
Estimated monthly cost
- Single person
- $899 / month
- Family of 4
- $2,161 / mo
- Student
- $551 / mo
Includes rent, food, utilities, transport, and dining out. Excludes healthcare, taxes, and discretionary travel.
Salary that covers life in Johannesburg
Adjust the household and see the gap or surplus vs. typical local pay.
Interactive
You need at least
$0 / month
Annual gross (25% tax)
$0
vs. local average net salary
$1,680.5 / month
On this page 11 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary calculator for Johannesburg | Find out the monthly salary needed for a single, family, or student lifestyle. |
| Rent & Property Prices in Johannesburg | Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter. |
| Grocery Prices in Johannesburg | Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat. |
| Public Transport & Car Costs in Johannesburg | Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices. |
| Utility & Internet Costs in Johannesburg | Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills. |
| Childcare & Preschool in Johannesburg | Preschool fees and international school tuition. |
| Clothing Prices in Johannesburg | Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores. |
| Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Johannesburg | Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets. |
| Restaurant Prices in Johannesburg | Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks. |
| Salaries & Mortgages in Johannesburg | Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates. |
| Johannesburg FAQs | Common questions about rent, salaries, food, and transport in Johannesburg. |
Rent & Property Prices in Johannesburg
Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $541 | $336 – $916 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $415 | $275 – $733 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $1,177 | $855 – $1,831 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $879 | $610 – $1,831 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $994 | $733 – $1,270 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $769 | $610 – $916 |
- 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $541$336 – $916
- 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $415$275 – $733
- 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $1,177$855 – $1,831
- 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $879$610 – $1,831
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre $994$733 – $1,270
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre $769$610 – $916
Grocery Prices in Johannesburg
Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) | $1.32 | $0.98 – $1.83 |
| Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) | $1.20 | $0.91 – $1.40 |
| White Rice (1 kg) | $1.82 | $1.22 – $2.44 |
| Eggs (12, Large Size) | $2.37 | $1.47 – $3.66 |
| Local Cheese (1 kg) | $9.17 | $5.19 – $11 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | $5.64 | $3.66 – $7.88 |
| Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) | $8.21 | $6.04 – $11 |
| Apples (1 kg) | $2.19 | $1.47 – $2.75 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | $1.91 | $1.40 – $3.05 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | $1.92 | $0.79 – $3.66 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | $1.98 | $1.22 – $3.05 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | $1.74 | $0.85 – $3.42 |
| Onions (1 kg) | $1.77 | $0.92 – $3.05 |
| Lettuce (1 Head) | $1.32 | $0.92 – $1.83 |
| Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) | $1.17 | $0.85 – $1.83 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $6.10 | $2.99 – $12 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) | $1.64 | $1.20 – $2.75 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $2.10 | $1.22 – $3.66 |
| Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) | $3.42 | $2.99 – $4.27 |
- Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) $1.32$0.98 – $1.83
- Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) $1.20$0.91 – $1.40
- White Rice (1 kg) $1.82$1.22 – $2.44
- Eggs (12, Large Size) $2.37$1.47 – $3.66
- Local Cheese (1 kg) $9.17$5.19 – $11
- Chicken Fillets (1 kg) $5.64$3.66 – $7.88
- Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) $8.21$6.04 – $11
- Apples (1 kg) $2.19$1.47 – $2.75
- Bananas (1 kg) $1.91$1.40 – $3.05
- Oranges (1 kg) $1.92$0.79 – $3.66
- Tomatoes (1 kg) $1.98$1.22 – $3.05
- Potatoes (1 kg) $1.74$0.85 – $3.42
- Onions (1 kg) $1.77$0.92 – $3.05
- Lettuce (1 Head) $1.32$0.92 – $1.83
- Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) $1.17$0.85 – $1.83
- Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) $6.10$2.99 – $12
- Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) $1.64$1.20 – $2.75
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $2.10$1.22 – $3.66
- Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) $3.42$2.99 – $4.27
Public Transport & Car Costs in Johannesburg
Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | $1.83 | $1.22 – $4.64 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) | $82 | $61 – $174 |
| Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) | $0.85 | $0.31 – $1.53 |
| Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) | $0.92 | $0.73 – $1.71 |
| Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) | $15 | $7.33 – $15 |
| Gasoline (1 Liter) | $1.38 | $1.27 – $1.47 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) | $35,957 | $35,462 – $36,903 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) | $30,540 | $25,640 – $34,205 |
- One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) $1.83$1.22 – $4.64
- Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) $82$61 – $174
- Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) $0.85$0.31 – $1.53
- Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) $0.92$0.73 – $1.71
- Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) $15$7.33 – $15
- Gasoline (1 Liter) $1.38$1.27 – $1.47
- Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) $35,957$35,462 – $36,903
- Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) $30,540$25,640 – $34,205
Utility & Internet Costs in Johannesburg
Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | $190 | $92 – $366 |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) | $33 | $12 – $61 |
| Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) | $38 | $30 – $57 |
- Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) $190$92 – $366
- Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) $33$12 – $61
- Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) $38$30 – $57
Childcare & Preschool in Johannesburg
Preschool fees and international school tuition.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child | $220 | $122 – $305 |
| International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child | $4,918 | $2,930 – $9,157 |
- Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child $220$122 – $305
- International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child $4,918$2,930 – $9,157
Clothing Prices in Johannesburg
Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | $57 | $37 – $73 |
| Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) | $41 | $9.16 – $73 |
| Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | $99 | $61 – $153 |
| Men's Leather Business Shoes | $83 | $49 – $122 |
- Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) $57$37 – $73
- Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) $41$9.16 – $73
- Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) $99$61 – $153
- Men's Leather Business Shoes $83$49 – $122
Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Johannesburg
Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fitness Club Membership | $38 | $18 – $61 |
| Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) | $16 | $8.55 – $27 |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) | $8.55 | $6.10 – $12 |
- Monthly Fitness Club Membership $38$18 – $61
- Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) $16$8.55 – $27
- Cinema Ticket (International Release) $8.55$6.10 – $12
Restaurant Prices in Johannesburg
Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $12 | $9.16 – $24 |
| Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) | $43 | $31 – $73 |
| Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) | $6.10 | $4.82 – $7.33 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) | $2.44 | $1.47 – $3.05 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $2.75 | $2.14 – $3.66 |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | $2.41 | $1.47 – $2.75 |
| Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) | $1.16 | $0.92 – $1.71 |
| Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.85 | $0.61 – $1.83 |
- Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant $12$9.16 – $24
- Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) $43$31 – $73
- Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) $6.10$4.82 – $7.33
- Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) $2.44$1.47 – $3.05
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $2.75$2.14 – $3.66
- Cappuccino (Regular Size) $2.41$1.47 – $2.75
- Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) $1.16$0.92 – $1.71
- Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) $0.85$0.61 – $1.83
Salaries & Mortgages in Johannesburg
Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $1,681 | — |
| Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) | 11.05% | — |
- Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) $1,681
- Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) 11.05%
Compare Johannesburg with…
Pick any city to see costs side by side.
Related cities
Similar cost tier, nearby, or in the same country.
South Africa
Pretoria
Monthly / 1 person
$938
vs NYC
21.3/100
South Africa
Durban
Monthly / 1 person
$743
vs NYC
16.9/100
South Africa
Cape-Town
Monthly / 1 person
$1,056
vs NYC
24/100
Nigeria
Enugu-Nigeria
Monthly / 1 person
$906
vs NYC
20.6/100
Nigeria
Abeokuta-Nigeria
Monthly / 1 person
$930
vs NYC
21.1/100
Senegal
Dakar-Senegal
Monthly / 1 person
$935
vs NYC
21.3/100
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to live in Johannesburg?
- An estimated $899 per month covers rent, food, utilities, and transport for one person in Johannesburg. A family of four needs around $2,161 per month, while students living shared accommodation manage on roughly $551.
- How much money do I need to live in Johannesburg?
- Plan for at least $899 per month as a single person, $2,161 per month for a family of four, or $551 per month as a student in shared accommodation. Add 15–25% on top for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending — that's the salary you should be targeting before relocating to Johannesburg.
- What is the average rent in Johannesburg?
- A one-bedroom apartment in Johannesburg rents for around $541 per month, with three-bedroom apartments in the city centre around $1,177 per month. Prices vary depending on neighbourhood, building age, and furnishings.
- What is the average salary in Johannesburg?
- The average monthly net salary in Johannesburg is around $1,681. Whether that's enough to live comfortably depends on housing choice — rent typically claims 32% of a single-person paycheck.
- How much does food cost in Johannesburg?
- A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Johannesburg costs around $12. Cooking at home, a single person spends roughly $48 per month on groceries. Staples like milk ($1.32/L) and bread ($1.20/500g) are typical.
- What is public transport like in Johannesburg?
- A monthly public transport pass in Johannesburg costs around $82. Cities with extensive metro and bus networks generally let residents skip car ownership entirely, particularly when commuting from areas outside the city centre.
- Is the internet expensive in Johannesburg?
- Unlimited broadband at 60 Mbps or higher in Johannesburg costs around $38 per month — useful context for remote workers comparing locations.