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Johannesburg vs Cape Town

South Africa vs South Africa · 1,261 km apart

Johannesburg

South Africa

R12,087 ($664)

single / month

VS

Cape Town

South Africa

R10,485 ($576)

single / month

Cheaper overall

Category Breakdown (USD)

ExpenseJohannesburgCape TownCheaper
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$6.63$5.81Cape Town
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$26.52$23.26Cape Town
Cappuccino$1.99$1.74Cape Town
Monthly groceries (single person)$150$132Cape Town
Monthly public transport pass$24.31$21.32Cape Town
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$64.09$56.20Cape Town
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$18.56$16.28Cape Town
Fitness club membership$18.56$16.28Cape Town
Cinema ticket$4.86$4.26Cape Town
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$319$271Cape Town
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$222$188Cape Town
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$666$565Cape Town
Total single-person budget$664$576Cape Town
Average net salary$1,430$1,254

Verdict

Cape Town is cheaper overall. A single-person monthly budget in Johannesburg runs about $664 versus $576 in Cape Town — a difference of roughly 13%.

Salary-adjusted, Johannesburg leaves more disposable income after basic expenses. Both figures are model estimates — see each city page for local-currency detail.

Full cost of living in Johannesburg  ·  Full cost of living in Cape Town

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Johannesburg cheaper than Cape Town?
No. Johannesburg costs an estimated $664 per month for a single person, about 13% more than Cape Town at $576.
How far is Johannesburg from Cape Town?
The straight-line distance between Johannesburg and Cape Town is approximately 1,261 km (784 miles).
Which city has better salaries, Johannesburg or Cape Town?
The estimated average net salary is $1,430 in Johannesburg and $1,254 in Cape Town. After living costs, a single person keeps roughly $766 in Johannesburg versus $678 in Cape Town per month.