Cost of Living in Johannesburg, South Africa
South Africa · Africa
$1,100
Monthly Cost
avg/person
35
Cost Index
NYC=100
30
Rent Index
NYC=100
54
Quality of Life
Moderate
22
Safety Index
Poor
5.6M
Population
ZAR
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $6 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $25 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $5 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $2.5 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $3.5 |
| Cappuccino | $2.5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $1 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.7 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $0.9 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.8 |
| Rice (1kg) | $1.2 |
| Eggs (12) | $2 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $4 |
| Beef (1kg) | $8 |
| Apples (1kg) | $1.5 |
| Banana (1kg) | $1 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $1.2 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.8 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.7 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.6 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.8 |
| Monthly Pass | $35 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.7 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.2 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $28000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $22000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $90 |
| Mobile Plan | $12 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $40 |
| Fitness Club/month | $30 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $550/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $380/mo |
| 3BR Center | $1,200/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $750/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $1,800/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $1,100/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $1000 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 11.5% |
View Cost of Living in South Africa
Cost of Living in Johannesburg — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Johannesburg, South Africa is approximately $1,100 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Johannesburg has a cost index of 35, making it around 65% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Johannesburg costs around $380/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $550/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $1,200/month. The rent index is 30 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Johannesburg scores 54/100 on the quality of life index and 22/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 60/100. The climate index is 72/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Johannesburg is approximately $1,000/month. With a purchasing power index of 48/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is ZAR, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Johannesburg
The average monthly salary in Johannesburg is approximately $1,000. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $1,100, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 48/100.
Healthcare Costs in Johannesburg
Healthcare quality in Johannesburg is rated 60/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Johannesburg
Johannesburg has a quality of life score of 54/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Johannesburg
Students living in Johannesburg should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Johannesburg
Expats moving to Johannesburg often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Johannesburg, South Africa is approximately $1,100 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 35 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Johannesburg
Living in Johannesburg offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 35 and a quality of life score of 54/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $1,000 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Johannesburg provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in South Africa and around the world.
Key Facts About Johannesburg
- Average Monthly Cost: $1,100
- Cost Index: 35
- Rent Index: 30
- Average Salary: $1,000
- Quality of Life: 54/100
- Safety Score: 22/100
- Country: South Africa
- Currency: ZAR
Is Johannesburg Expensive?
Johannesburg has a cost index of 35 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Johannesburg compare to other cities?
Johannesburg is located in Africa with a population of approximately 5.6M. At a cost index of 35 (NYC = 100), it is one of the most affordable cities in the world, ideal for budget-conscious expats, remote workers, and retirees. Use the free comparison tool to see how Johannesburg stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Johannesburg?
The average cost of living in Johannesburg, South Africa is approximately $1,100 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 35 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Johannesburg?
Rent in Johannesburg varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 30 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Johannesburg alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Johannesburg expensive to live in?
Johannesburg has a cost index of 35 compared to New York City (100). At 35, Johannesburg is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $1,100.
What is the quality of life in Johannesburg?
Johannesburg has a quality of life index of 54/100 and a safety index of 22/100. The city is located in Africa and offers a moderate quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Johannesburg compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Johannesburg with any city worldwide. Johannesburg's cost index is 35 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Johannesburg?
Many residents live comfortably in Johannesburg with a monthly budget of around $1,100 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Johannesburg good for expats?
Johannesburg is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Johannesburg?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $1,100 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Johannesburg.
Is Johannesburg cheaper than New York?
Yes, Johannesburg has a cost index of 35 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Johannesburg?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Johannesburg.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Johannesburg
Cheapest Ways to Live in Johannesburg
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Johannesburg typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $380/month compared to $550/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Is Johannesburg Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 48/100 and a quality of life score of 54/100, Johannesburg is a reasonable option for relocation, balancing affordability with adequate quality of life. Combined with a cost index of 35 relative to New York City, Johannesburg remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living South Africa has to offer against other destinations in Africa.
Johannesburg Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Johannesburg", "Johannesburg monthly expenses 2026", and "is Johannesburg affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $1,100, a safety score of 22/100, and healthcare rated 60/100, Johannesburg offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to South Africa.
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