Cost of Living in Johannesburg, South Africa
South Africa · Africa
Cost of Living in Johannesburg: Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Johannesburg, South Africa is approximately $1,100 per month for one person. This page covers rent, groceries, transportation, utilities, salaries and quality of life. The cost of living index is 35, using New York City as the 100-point benchmark.
$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
| 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% |
Cost of Living in Johannesburg: Complete Guide
The cost of living in Johannesburg, South Africa, depends mainly on housing, transportation, food, utilities and lifestyle. The estimated monthly cost for one person is $1,100. The city's cost of living index is 35, compared with a New York City benchmark of 100.
Monthly Expenses in Johannesburg
A typical monthly budget in Johannesburg includes rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and other everyday expenses. Housing is usually one of the largest parts of the monthly budget.
Rent and Housing Costs in Johannesburg
A one-bedroom apartment outside the city center costs approximately $380 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $550. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $1,200 per month.
Average Salary in Johannesburg
The average net salary in Johannesburg is approximately $1,000 per month. Purchasing power is rated 48out of 100.
Is Johannesburg Expensive to Live In?
With a cost of living index of 35,Johannesburg is less expensive than the New York City benchmark. Housing, groceries and transportation are important factors when comparing the total monthly cost.
Quality of Life in Johannesburg
Safety
Johannesburg has a safety score of 22/100. Safety is one of the factors to consider when comparing living costs and choosing a city.
Healthcare
Healthcare in Johannesburg is rated 60/100. Healthcare access and medical costs can affect the total monthly budget for residents and families.
Climate
The climate index for Johannesburg is 72/100. Climate and seasonal conditions can influence housing, transport and lifestyle expenses.
Purchasing Power
Johannesburg has a purchasing power score of 48/100. Comparing salary levels with living expenses provides a better picture of affordability than looking at rent alone.
Living in Johannesburg
Cost of Living for Students
Students should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, utilities and study expenses. Shared housing and public transportation may reduce monthly expenses.
Cost of Living for Expats
Expats considering Johannesburg should compare rent, healthcare, transportation, taxes, groceries and salary levels before relocating.
Cost of Living for Remote Workers
Remote workers can compare housing, transportation, internet, food and purchasing power to estimate whether Johannesburg fits their monthly budget.
Is Johannesburg Affordable?
Affordability depends on income and housing choices. The cost index of 35provides a useful benchmark when comparing Johannesburg with other cities.
Key Cost of Living Facts for Johannesburg
- Average Monthly Cost
- $1,100
- Cost Index
- 35
- Rent Index
- 30
- Average Net Salary
- $1,000
- Quality of Life
- 54/100
- Safety
- 22/100
- Healthcare
- 60/100
- Currency
- ZAR
Frequently Asked Questions About Johannesburg
What is the cost of living in Johannesburg?
The estimated cost of living in Johannesburg, South Africa, is approximately $1,100 per month for one person. This estimate includes major living expenses such as housing, food, transportation and utilities.
How much is rent in Johannesburg?
A one-bedroom apartment outside the center costs approximately $380 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment in the center costs about $550.
Is Johannesburg expensive to live in?
Johannesburg has a cost index of 35 compared with New York City's benchmark of 100. The overall affordability depends on housing, salary and lifestyle.
What is the average salary in Johannesburg?
The average net salary in Johannesburg is approximately $1,000 per month.
Is Johannesburg good for expats?
Expats should evaluate housing, salaries, transportation, healthcare, safety and quality of life before deciding whether Johannesburg is suitable for relocation.